Polygon Clock was originally sold by Howard Miller as the Diamond Points clock, and the old name explains the form: twelve walnut spokes radiate from the center and end in darker faceted blocks, a diamond at every point. Vitra renamed the reissue for the twelve-sided figure those points describe. George Nelson’s office designed it in 1961, late in the clock program, and Howard Miller catalogued it as Model 2293. Vitra makes it today from drawings in Nelson’s archive.
HOW THE POLYGON CLOCK WORKS
Each walnut spoke is faceted so two planes meet along a ridge, creating alternating light and shadow around the dial. The darker wooden tips mark the hours. A white arrow hour hand and slender orange minute hand turn above the wood; there is no second hand. At 16⅞″ across and 4 inches deep, it has more projection from the wall than most Nelson clocks. 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. It sits between the Fan and the Sunburst: the Fan’s faceted wood without the solid face, and the Sunburst’s open radial structure without the color. If you want walnut, depth, and changing shadow, the Polygon is the clearest choice.
DEALER’S NOTES
The Polygon is less familiar than the Sunburst or Ball Clock, which is part of why we like it. The geometry reads more architectural than decorative, and the solid walnut gives the piece more presence in person than photographs suggest. Two details are easy to miss online: the center stands a full four inches off the wall, and the hands lie flat rather than bending upward as they do on the Fan.
One technical note for later: the Polygon, Wheel, and Fan clocks use a movement with a special extension to clear the depth of the wood 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.
