Vitra Clock Night Clock
Vitra Clock Night Clock
Vitra Clock Night Clock
Vitra Clock Night Clock

Night Clock

$690

Made by Vitra

Designed by George Nelson

George Nelson designed clocks the way he approached all objects: as propositions about how people might experience the everyday differently. The Night Clock, produced by Vitra, is among his most restrained proposals. A smooth brass case holds a clear acrylic face stripped of numerals, leaving only hands to trace the passage of time.

Without numbers to anchor the eye, the reading of time becomes gestural, almost instinctive. Nelson understood that a clock on a nightstand or desk is not only a tool but a presence, one that should carry visual calm rather than demand attention.

  • Polished brass case
  • Clear acrylic face, no numerals
  • Compact format suited to bedside or desktop placement
  • Produced by Vitra under the George Nelson estate

Vitra has stewarded Nelson's clock designs since acquiring the original Herman Miller archive, ensuring each piece is produced with fidelity to the original drawings and material intent.

Typically ships in 2-4 weeks.

Pairs well with

Product Details

Details
  • Designed by George Nelson in 1947
  • Manufactured by Vitra
  • Brass case with acrylic glass face and elements of polyurethane
  • High‑quality quartz mechanism powered by one 1.5 volt AA battery (included) 
  • Minimalist approach with no numerals, emphasizing form and function
  • Part of the iconic Desk Clocks series by George Nelson
  • Production made under license by Vitra in Europe
Measurements

H × W × D
6.75 × 4.25 × 4.75 in.
17 × 10.8 × 11.5 cm.

Shipping & Returns

Please refer to our shipping and return & exchange policy.

Warranty

Luminaire is an authorized retailer of Vitra. The product comes with a full manufacturer warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the Night Clock and when?

The Night Clock was designed by George Nelson, the influential American designer who served as design director at Herman Miller from 1946 to 1972. His clock series, created during the 1940s and 1950s, became defining objects of mid-century modern design.

Why does the Night Clock have no numerals?

Nelson's omission of numerals was a deliberate design choice, shifting the reading of time from a cognitive act to an intuitive, gestural one. The hands alone carry the information, allowing the clock face to read as a composed, uncluttered form.

What materials is the Night Clock made from?

The Night Clock features a polished brass case and a clear acrylic face. These materials reflect Nelson's interest in combining industrial precision with warmth, a combination that has kept the design visually relevant for decades.

How does Vitra relate to George Nelson's clock designs?

Vitra acquired the rights to produce George Nelson's clock collection through its relationship with the Herman Miller archive. The clocks are manufactured under license from the George Nelson estate, maintaining fidelity to the original design specifications.

Where is the Night Clock best placed in an interior?

Its compact scale and quiet visual presence make it well suited to a nightstand, desk, or shelf where a considered object is preferred over a decorative statement. Its brass case complements both warm and neutral palettes.

Brand & Designer

Vitra
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Vitra

Vitra is a Swiss contemporary design and furniture brand, founded in 1950 by Willi and Erika Fehlbaum in Birsfelden, Switzerland.
George Nelson
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George Nelson

An American architect, writer, and industrial designer who helped define midcentury modern furniture and the language of the modern workplace.