Fan Clock is the Nelson wall clock with no open space in its face. Twelve wedges of American cherry meet at the center, each pleated along a ridge, so the surface reads like a folded fan laid open. The wood projects at the points and recedes toward the middle, where the hands sit in a shallow bowl. A round black point set into a carved notch on each ridge marks the hour. George Nelson’s office designed it in 1948 for Howard Miller, which catalogued it as Model 2223. Vitra has made it since 2017 from drawings in Nelson’s archive.
HOW THE FAN CLOCK WORKS
The facets do most of the visual work: each wedge has two planes angled against each other, so one catches light while the other holds shadow. Because the wood rises from the center, the hands bend upward to clear the face: the white minute hand, with an oval paddle near its tip, rises at roughly twenty degrees, and the white arrow hour hand a little less. A short red second hand turns on top of them. A German quartz movement runs on one AA battery, included. It hangs from a keyhole on the back, and the time is set with the dial behind the clock.
CHOOSING YOUR GEORGE NELSON CLOCK
There is one version. Vitra sources the cherry for this clock from the United States; the other Nelson wall clocks use wood sourced in Poland. If you want a Nelson clock that reads first as a warm wooden object, the Fan is a clear choice. If you prefer the open radial structure associated with much of the series, look at the Sunburst, Polygon or Spindle.
DEALER’S NOTES
The hands are the quirk. Bent to clear the sloping wood, they take a moment to get used to. What we notice more in person are the carved notches for the hour pins and the solidity of the face: this is a block of shaped wood rather than an open assembly, and it feels that way in hand.
One technical note for later: the Fan, Wheel, and Polygon clocks use a movement with a special extension to clear the depth of the face. When the movement eventually needs replacement, keep the old one; the extension transfers to the new movement. These are the three Nelson wall clocks in the Vitra range with that exception.
Authentic examples carry the Vitra label and use a German movement. We stock movements, hands, and the nuts that hold them; see our replacement guide. We have sold Vitra’s Nelson clocks since 2020 and inspect each one before it ships.
Quick Help & Manual
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.
