Star Clock comes about as close to nothing as a wall clock can get. Twelve thin bars radiate from a small black hub, and between them there is only wall; at 24 inches across, almost the entire circle is empty. The bars alternate chrome and brass finish, chrome on the even hours and brass on the odd, so the eye can count around the dial without a single numeral. George Nelson’s office designed it in 1955 for Howard Miller, which catalogued it as the Spoke Clock, Model 2227. Vitra has made it since 1999 from drawings in Nelson’s archive.
HOW THE STAR CLOCK WORKS
The arms are flat bars with rounded edges, set into a black metal hub and turned so their thinnest side faces the room. Seen head-on, each one is a bright line; from an angle it widens into a blade, which is why the clock changes as you move past it. The hands are chrome: an arrow for the hour and a longer hand with an oval paddle for the minutes, with no second hand. Standing 3 inches off the wall, the arms cast a second star in shadow. A German quartz movement runs on one AA battery, included. The clock hangs from a keyhole on the back; at 6½ pounds, use an anchored screw. Set the time with the dial on the back.
CHOOSING YOUR GEORGE NELSON CLOCK
There is one version. Among the large radial Nelson wall clocks, the Star is the most linear: the Sunburst fills its circle with wood and color, the Flock of Butterflies with folded metal, and the Star with almost nothing.
DEALER’S NOTES
This is one of our favorites in the series, and the first surprise in person is the weight. A clock that reads as a few lines in the air is, at 6½ pounds, a substantial piece of metal. The one thing to know is contrast: the chrome hands sit against chrome arms, so in certain light they can take a second look to find.
We stock the Star when we can. 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.
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.
