Spindle Clock is twelve turned walnut spindles radiating from a small brass-finished hub, 22¾ inches across. Time revolves around stationary spindles, and what they suggest depends on who is looking: the spindles of a textile mill, a modernist ship’s wheel, a set of chair parts, a slender asterisk. Lucia DeRespinis designed it at George Nelson Associates in 1957, and the Howard Miller Clock Company introduced it as Model 2239; she also designed the Eye Clock. Like every Nelson clock, it has no numerals; the spindles mark the hours. Vitra has made it since 1999 from drawings in Nelson’s archive.
HOW THE SPINDLE CLOCK WORKS
A German quartz movement in the hub runs on one AA battery, included. The hands move against the spindles: a white triangular hour hand, a slender orange minute hand, and a red second hand, which gives the stepper movement a faint tick up close. The time is set with a knob on the back, and the clock hangs from a keyhole like the other Nelson wall clocks.
CHOOSING YOUR GEORGE NELSON CLOCK
There is one version: turned solid walnut spindles, a brass-finished aluminum hub, and powder-coated hands. The walnut is turned along its length, so the grain follows each spindle and no two clocks are quite alike. We keep it in stock; if we are between shipments, Vitra typically sends it to us within one to two weeks.
DEALER’S NOTES
What we like is the contrast: turned walnut against brass, and the colored hands against both. It has real size but still reads as light and playful because so much of the wall shows between the spokes. It works as comfortably on a busy wall as on an empty one. It is the clock our graphic designer chose for her own home, and the one on our showroom wall.
One thing we check carefully: Spindle Clocks occasionally arrive with a loose spoke. We open and inspect every one before it ships, so we catch that here rather than after delivery. The movement is straightforward to replace when it eventually wears out, with parts from us and our guide. Authentic examples carry the Vitra label and use a German movement. We have sold Vitra’s Nelson clocks since 2020.
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.
