Vitra Clock Tripod Clock
Vitra Clock Tripod Clock
Vitra Clock Tripod Clock
Vitra Clock Tripod Clock
Vitra Clock Tripod Clock
Vitra Clock Tripod Clock
Vitra Clock Tripod Clock
Vitra Clock Tripod Clock
Vitra Clock Tripod Clock
Vitra Clock Tripod Clock

Tripod Clock

$725

Made by Vitra

Designed by George Nelson

George Nelson conceived the Tripod Clock in the 1950s as part of a broader project to reimagine the domestic object as sculpture. Where most clocks anchor themselves to a wall or sit flat on a surface, this one stands, its three-legged brass base giving it the presence of a small monument on a desk or shelf.

The round face is intentionally bare of numerals. Nelson believed the positions of the hands were sufficient, that a clock could communicate time without the redundancy of numbers. It is a quiet statement about trust in form over instruction.

  • Sculptural tripod base in polished brass
  • Acrylic lens over a clean, numeral-free face
  • Quartz movement for reliable accuracy
  • Reissued by Vitra, faithful to Nelson's original proportions

Vitra has stewarded Nelson's clock collection for decades, maintaining the integrity of his original drawings while applying contemporary manufacturing standards. The Tripod Clock remains one of the most recognizable pieces in that canon, a small object that carries significant design history.

Typically ships in 2-4 weeks.

Pairs well with

Product Details

Details
  • Designed by George Nelson in 1947–1953 
  • Manufactured by Vitra
  • Brass body and base with acrylic glass cover 
  • High‑quality quartz mechanism powered by one AA (1.5 V) battery (included)
  • Absence of numerals emphasizing the graphic quality of the hands and markers 
  • Heritage produced from original Nelson archive documents with approval of the George Nelson estate 
  • Part of the Nelson Desk Clocks series, reissued by Vitra since 1999 
  • Care recommendation: dust with a soft cloth; clean acrylic cover gently to preserve finish
Measurements

H × W × D
6.75 × 4.25 × 3.5 in.
17 × 10.8 × 8.5 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 Vitra Tripod Clock?

George Nelson designed the Tripod Clock in the 1950s while serving as design director at Herman Miller. Vitra now holds the license to produce his clock collection in Europe and beyond, reissuing the designs faithful to his original specifications.

Why does the Tripod Clock have no numbers on its face?

Nelson deliberately omitted numerals, arguing that the positions of the clock's hands are sufficient to read time. The bare face reflects his broader philosophy that good design communicates function through form alone, without instructional scaffolding.

What materials is the Vitra Tripod Clock made from?

The base and legs are crafted in polished brass, while the clock face is protected by an acrylic lens. The combination gives the piece its characteristic warmth and sculptural quality.

Is the Vitra Tripod Clock suitable for a desk or shelf?

Yes. Its tripod base is designed for freestanding placement on a flat surface, making it well suited to a desktop, credenza, or shelf. The compact scale keeps it proportional in most residential and professional settings.

How does the Vitra Tripod Clock relate to Nelson's broader clock series?

Nelson designed a family of clocks for Howard Miller in the 1940s and 1950s, each exploring a different formal idea. The Tripod is distinctive within that series for its freestanding structure, treating the clock as a three-dimensional object rather than a flat wall fixture.

Brand & Designer

Vitra
Wooden Dolls

Vitra

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

George Nelson

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