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George Nelson Chronopak Clock

George Nelson Chronopak Clock

George Nelson

Chronopak Clock

Time, packed into a walnut sphere.
6.5 inches tall, walnut on a curved brass foot. The foot lifts the rounded body just above the tabletop.
$835.00

Authentic George Nelson Clock Produced by Vitra · Authorized US retailer

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In stock. Free US shipping from Charlotte, NC. Delivers in 1-6 business days.

Specifications

  • Origin: Poland, produced by Vitra
  • Year designed: 1947/1953
  • Dimensions: 6.5" h x 4.25" w x 4.5" d
  • Materials: Walnut, acrylic glass, brass
  • Weight: 1.75 lbs
  • Warranty: 2 years; 5 years on movement (parts)
  • Returns: Final sale
  • Movement: German quartz
  • Power: 1.5 V AA battery (included)
George Nelson desk clocks
George Nelson desk clocks

Chronopak is one of the two Nelson desk clocks made of wood, and the rounder of the pair. A solid walnut case, shaped like a thick slice of a sphere, holds a black dial behind an acrylic lens, while a single curved brass foot lifts it just off the surface. George Nelson’s studio designed it for the Howard Miller Clock Company in the early years of the clock program, around 1948; Vitra dates it 1947/1953 and has made it since 1999 from drawings in Nelson’s archive. Next to the brass Night Clock and Tripod, the Chronopak and its angular sibling, the Diamond Clock, are the desk clocks that belong with furniture, and the ones people tend to reach out and touch.

HOW IT WORKS
A German quartz movement inside the case runs on one AA battery, which we install before the clock ships. To keep the form seamless, the case twists open after an underside fixing screw is removed, giving access to the battery. The dial has no numerals: white markers on black, a white arrow-shaped hour hand, a straight white minute hand, and a thin red second hand. The stepper movement produces a faint tick up close. The time is set with a knob on the back, while the hands remain protected behind the lens.

CHOOSING YOURS
There is one version: solid walnut, a polished brass foot, and a black dial. The walnut has natural grain, so no two are quite alike, and it will deepen slightly with age. The brass foot will take some patina over time. Its rounded underside is moderately gentle on a desk without felt. We keep the Chronopak in stock, which few US retailers do; ordered, it can carry a long lead time.

DEALER’S NOTES
What we like most is the heft of the walnut block. It feels more like a small piece of furniture than an accessory, and it sits naturally on a wooden desk, mantel, or bookshelf. Of the Nelson desk clocks with dials behind acrylic, this is the easiest to service: Vitra recently changed the internal construction to removable screws, so movement replacement is now more straightforward when the time comes.

It sells steadily alongside the Night Clock. Authentic examples carry the Vitra label, use a German movement, and have the weight and grain of solid walnut. We have sold Vitra’s Nelson clocks since 2020, inspect each one before it ships, and pack it for safe transit.

Setting the time

Use the dial on the back of the clock to set the time.

setting the time on george nelson chronopak clocks

Replacing the battery

Chronopak clocks run on a single AA 1.5V battery, which we install before shipping. The flat negative (−) end goes against the springier of the two contacts. 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 make it an annual routine at the time change.

replacing battery on george nelson chronopak clocks

Cleaning

Gently dust with a feather duster or microfiber cloth. Acrylic glass can be cleaned with an acrylic glass cleaner. 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 replaceable, but with good care, it can last 10-25 years. To extend the movement's life, change the battery once a year (during fall or spring time change is a good idea). For models with exposed hands, keep dust from building up on the hands and movement. Do not display the clock in a space that gets intense sunlight & heat throughout the day. Adjust the hands using the dial or knob on the back of the clock only. It's best to rotate the dial so the hands move in a clockwise direction, but it's OK for them to rotate counterclockwise (for example, when setting the time back an hour in the fall).

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 and hands 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.

Pre-Sale Questions

Are you an authorized Vitra retailer?

Yes. We have been an authorized Vitra partner since 2020, and we added Vitra and Artek chairs in 2026. Every clock is new from the factory and inspected here before it ships.

Can I return a George Nelson clock?

No. Selecting the right model can be a difficult decision, so please contact us with any questions before purchasing — we want you to be happy with your purchase and will give you our honest read. Due to the fragile nature of these clocks, we do not accept change-of-mind returns. If your clock arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect, contact us right away and we will make it right; the warranty is separate from the return policy. Full return policy.

Do you buy or sell vintage George Nelson clocks?

No. We sell only the current Vitra-made clocks, with quartz movements, produced since 1999.

Where are the clocks made?

In Poland, by Vitra, with German movements.

How long do the movements last?

With proper care, 10–25 years. They’re reliable and easy to replace, and Clock Forward covers the movement for three years beyond Vitra’s two-year warranty, parts only.

How can I extend the life of my movement?

Set the time with the dial on the back whenever you can; if you move the minute hand instead, keep a light touch and never move the hour hand on its own. Replace the battery once a year with Duracell, Duracell Procell Constant, or Energizer Ultimate Lithium. Keep the clock out of strong sun, heat, dust, and humidity. Full instructions are under Quick Help.

Do you sell replacement parts?

Yes: movements, hands, and the nuts that hold them, for Vitra-made Nelson clocks. Wall clock movements are simple to replace yourself; desk clocks with hands behind acrylic need professional service.

Why choose the authentic clock over a copy?

Because the copy only looks like the clock in a photograph. The Vitra clock has solid rays, an even finish, a German movement, and the original proportions and hands, and it carries a Vitra label on the back. It also holds up: ours have survived falls that would have ended a copy. Authentic Nelson clocks tend to hold their value on the secondary market as well.

Where do you ship from?

From our warehouse in Charlotte, North Carolina. A few models are made to order and take longer; we’ll tell you the lead time before you commit.

Why buy from Clock Forward?

We’ve sold Vitra’s Nelson clocks since 2020. We inspect every clock before it ships, pack it for safe transit, stock the parts, and want to hear how the clock is doing for as long as you own it.

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