Sunburst Clock is one of the best-known clocks designed by George Nelson’s studio for the Howard Miller Clock Company. Introduced in 1949 as Model 2202, it was part of the first collection of fourteen numeral-free clocks. Nelson’s office had observed that people read a clock largely by the position of the hands, making numerals unnecessary. The Sunburst reduces the idea to a small dial surrounded by tapered wooden rays. The clocks were developed at George Nelson Associates in New York, where Irving Harper is now credited with much of the clock program. After Howard Miller ended production in the 1980s, Nelson’s archive went to the Vitra Design Museum; Vitra has produced the clocks since 1999 from the original drawings.
HOW IT WORKS
A German quartz movement behind the dial drives the hands on a single AA battery. The twelve rays stand in for the hours, and the time quickly becomes as easy to read as a numbered dial. A knob on the back sets the time. The stepper movement can produce a faint tick up close, more noticeable on Nelson models with a second hand. The clock hangs from a single screw using the keyhole on the back.
CHOOSING YOURS
The four editions share the same size and construction. Black / Brass pairs black rays with a brass dial and is the most formal. Multicolored uses the familiar mid-century palette around a white center and is the version most associated with the design. Red and Walnut also have white metal centers: Red is the brightest, while Walnut, with lacquered walnut rays, is the most restrained. We try to keep all four in stock.
DEALER’S NOTES
The Sunburst and Ball Clock are the Nelson designs clients ask for most. Of the two, the Sunburst is more architectural: all line, without the Ball Clock’s dots. Black / Brass is the most formal, Multicolored the most popular, while Red and Walnut are worth considering if you like the shape but want something less familiar.
What is harder to see online is the quality of Vitra’s construction. The rays are solid, the finish is even, and the clock has more substance in the hand than inexpensive copies. Authentic Vitra clocks carry the Vitra label on the back, use a German movement, and follow the original proportions and hand design.
When the movement eventually wears out, replacement is straightforward: we stock movements and provide a step-by-step replacement guide. We have sold Vitra’s Nelson clocks since 2020 and are the company some other retailers send their clients to for repairs. We inspect each clock before it ships and pack it for safe transit. They work easily in living rooms, kitchens, and offices, and some clients have bought several to hang as a group.
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.
