Flock of Butterflies Clock is made from twenty-four aluminum wings, each a single sheet folded down its spine, so the two halves catch light differently. One facet reads bright, the other shaded, and as you move through the room the pairs trade places. That shifting light gives the clock its fluttering effect. George Nelson’s office designed it in 1955 for Howard Miller, who catalogued it as Clock 2226. It belongs to the wall clock program that began in 1947 with the idea that people read time by the hands rather than the numerals. Vitra has made it since 1999 from drawings in Nelson’s archive.
HOW THE FLOCK OF BUTTERFLIES CLOCK WORKS
Two rings of twelve wings radiate from a walnut-veneered disc: a larger outer ring and a smaller inner ring set between them, creating the layered depth. The wings are aluminum with a black spine along each fold. The dial carries twelve red ball markers, a slender metallic minute hand, a metallic hour hand resembling the silhouette of a spinning top, and a red second hand. As the interior light changes, the clock casts a changing shadow pattern on the wall. A German quartz movement runs on one AA battery, included. It hangs from a keyhole on the back, where the time-setting dial is also found.
CHOOSING YOUR GEORGE NELSON CLOCK
There is one version. It belongs with the Sunburst, Spindle, and Turbine among the larger radial Nelson wall clocks, but its character comes less from color than from changing light and shadow. If you want stronger color contrast, the Sunburst is the more obvious choice; if you want a clock whose surface changes as you move around it, the Flock of Butterflies is the more interesting one.
DEALER’S NOTES
What we notice first in person is the negative space. The gaps between the folded wings are as much a part of the design as the metal, and the wall shows through them in a pattern that changes with the light. The effect is easier to understand in person than in a photograph, because the facets brighten and darken as you move past the clock.
We try to keep one or two in stock; otherwise contact us for current lead time. Authentic examples carry the Vitra label and use a German movement. The movement is straightforward to replace, and 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.
One more thing about the name: butterflies do not form flocks. A group of them is called a kaleidoscope, which, given the folded facets, might have been the better name all along.
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.
