Ball Clock emerged from George Nelson’s New York office one evening in 1949, though no one is certain who drew it. Nelson told the story in a 1981 interview with Ralph Caplan: Isamu Noguchi and Buckminster Fuller had joined Nelson and Irving Harper while they were working on the Howard Miller clock commission, everyone began sketching on a roll of drafting paper, and the next morning the Ball Clock was among the drawings. “I know it wasn’t me,” Nelson said; Harper did not think it was his either, and both suspected Noguchi. It became part of Howard Miller’s first collection of numeral-free Nelson clocks and, in Nelson’s words, “it was decided by Mrs. America that this was the clock to put in your kitchen.” Vitra has produced it since 1999 from the drawings in Nelson’s archive.
HOW IT WORKS
Twelve wooden balls on metal spokes stand in for the hours; the hands do the rest. A German quartz movement in the central disc runs on one AA battery, included. The time is set with a knob on the back, and the clock hangs from a single screw using the keyhole behind the disc. The stepper movement can produce a faint tick up close on the three editions with a second hand.
CHOOSING YOURS
The six editions share the same size and construction, with acrylic-lacquered wooden balls. Multicolored is the familiar version, with several colors on brass spokes. Orange and Natural Beech also use brass spokes: Orange reduces the palette to one color, while Natural Beech leaves the wood unpainted for the most restrained look. Red has white spokes. Black / Brass and Cherry / Brass pair darker balls with chromed metal spokes; these two, along with Natural Beech, have a second hand, while the other three do not. We try to keep all six in stock.
DEALER’S NOTES
The Ball Clock and Sunburst are the two Nelson designs clients ask for most, and the Ball Clock is the smaller and more playful of the two. Multicolored is the edition chosen most often, but the other five give you the same form with a different mood. We do not steer anyone toward a particular one; this is mostly a question of color, and you will usually know which feels right.
Thirteen inches is small, and worth keeping in mind when choosing a wall. On its own it suits a kitchen, hallway, or smaller office wall; some clients have bought several and hung them as a group. What photographs do not show as well is the construction: the balls are solid, the spokes are straight, and the finish has more substance than inexpensive copies. Authentic Vitra clocks carry the Vitra label on the back and use a German movement.
When the movement eventually wears out, replacement is straightforward: we stock movements and hands and provide a step-by-step replacement guide. We have sold Vitra’s Nelson clocks since 2020, inspect each one before it ships, and pack it for safe transit.
Setting the time
The best way is the dial on the back: turn it so the hands move clockwise. Turning it counterclockwise is fine for setting the hour back in the fall. If taking the clock down is awkward, you may also move the minute hand directly, gently and clockwise. Never move the hour hand on its own; it can damage the gears and put the hands out of sync. The one risk in moving the minute hand is loosening the small nut (open or closed, depending on the model) that holds it in place; a loose nut can eventually let the minute hand come off. If that happens, we sell replacement nuts and hands, and the fix takes a minute.
Replacing the battery
All wall clocks run on a single AA 1.5V battery, which is included. The flat negative (−) end goes against the springier of the two contacts on the movement: angle that end in first, then press the battery down. We prefer Duracell, Duracell Procell Constant, or Energizer Ultimate Lithium (non-rechargeable), which is leak-proof. Replace the battery as soon as the clock starts losing time, or better, make it an annual routine at the spring or fall time change; the old battery is usually still good for a remote or another device.
Cleaning
Gently dust with a feather duster or microfiber cloth. Be careful not to knock the clock off the wall. Occasionally blow dust from the movement shaft to prevent buildup. To clean stains, lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with a very diluted mild, non-abrasive detergent, and promptly dry. Contact us about any stubborn stains or mechanical issues.
Extending the life of the movement
The clock movement is easily replaced (see Hand / Movement Replacement Guide), but with good care it lasts 10–25 years. Change the battery once a year; the fall or spring time change is a good reminder. Keep dust from building up on the hands and the movement shaft. Keep the clock out of strong sun and heat. Set the time with the dial on the back whenever you can, and if you move the minute hand instead, keep a light touch and leave the hour hand alone.
Warranty & Repairs
George Nelson clocks made by Vitra are guaranteed against defects under normal use for 2 years from the date of purchase, parts and labor. Clock Forward covers the movement for 3 further years, parts only. If a replacement part doesn’t solve the problem within the warranty, a full replacement may be authorized. Normal wear is not covered.
We stock replacement movements, hands, and nuts for Vitra-made George Nelson clocks only. Please contact us with any problem for as long as you own the clock, in or out of warranty.
George Nelson Clock Updates
Recommended:
Get an email reminder during spring and fall time changes on how to set your clock.
