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George Nelson Cone Clock

George Nelson Cone Clock

George Nelson

Cone Clock

$655.00

Authentic George Nelson Clock Produced by Vitra · Authorized US retailer

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Contact us for lead time. Free US shipping.

Specifications

  • Origin: Poland, produced by Vitra
  • Year designed: 1947/1953
  • Dimensions: 6.5" h x 5.75" w x 6" d
  • Materials: Polyurethane
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Returns: Final sale
  • Movement: German quartz
  • Power: 1.5 V AA battery (included)
George Nelson desk clocks
George Nelson desk clocks

Cone Clock is exactly what the name suggests: a white cone with a clock face set into it, resting on a small rounded metal base. George Nelson’s studio designed it for the Howard Miller Clock Company in the early years of the clock program; Vitra dates it 1947/1953. Of the Nelson desk clocks, it is the purest piece of geometry: one smooth form with no back panel and no visible way in. Vitra has made it since 1999 from drawings in Nelson’s archive. It is distinct from the Nelson Cone Base Clock, which places a round dial on a metal cone stand.

HOW IT WORKS
A German quartz movement sits inside the cone. To keep the shape unbroken, there is no battery door; the clock opens by removing a single long fixing screw. For that reason, we install a long-life lithium battery before it ships. The face is black, with white markers and hands and a red second hand, which gives the stepper movement a faint tick up close. For daylight saving time or other small adjustments, you can simply move the minute hand rather than opening the clock.

CHOOSING YOURS
There is one version: a white polyurethane cone with a black face and rounded metal base. The molded construction is what makes the seamless shape possible. We try to keep one or two in stock.

DEALER’S NOTES
We like the Cone Clock for its shape, and it is worth being plain about the material. It is the one Nelson clock made from polymer, so it is lighter in the hand than its form suggests. On a desk or shelf, though, it reads as a solid sculptural object and holds its own beside books, ceramics, or other small objects.

If material matters more to you than this particular form, the Cone Base Clock is an all-metal alternative, though it is a different design. When the movement eventually wears out, replacement is straightforward with parts from us. Authentic examples carry the Vitra label and use a German movement. We have sold Vitra’s Nelson clocks since 2020 and inspect each one before it ships.

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. 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.

setting the time on george nelson clocks

Replacing the battery

Cone clocks run on a single AA 1.5V battery, which is included. 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 clocks

Cleaning

Gently dust with a feather duster or microfiber cloth. For exposed hands, 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 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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