Sunflower Clock is drawn in wood rather than built from it. Each petal is a loop of thin plywood set on edge, so what you see is the outline of a petal with the wall showing through. Twenty-four of them overlap in four rings around the hub. At 29½ inches across, it is one of the largest clocks in the series, yet at about 4 pounds remarkably light for its size. George Nelson’s office designed it in 1958 for Howard Miller, which catalogued it as Model 2261. Vitra makes it today from drawings in Nelson’s archive.
HOW THE SUNFLOWER CLOCK WORKS
Forty-eight slats of plywood bend into twenty-four petals, each formed by a pair of curved pieces touching at two points. The petals overlap in four concentric rings, creating a field of looping lines and layered shadows. Twelve short metal rods mark the hours. The white hands are distinctive: an hour hand ending in a ring and a longer pointed minute hand anchored by an oval; there is no second hand. The clock hangs from a keyhole on the back. A German quartz movement runs on one AA battery, included. Set the time with the dial behind the clock.
CHOOSING YOUR GEORGE NELSON CLOCK
There are two editions. Birch uses natural birch plywood with a black metal hub; alternating sections of the slats are painted black on the inside, a detail that becomes more visible as you move past the clock. Black Ash uses black ash plywood with a brass hub and reads as a darker, more graphic drawing on the wall. Both benefit from a wide, uninterrupted space because much of the effect comes from the shadows between and behind the petals.
DEALER’S NOTES
The first surprise in person is the scale. At nearly thirty inches across, the Sunflower has real presence, but the open construction keeps it from feeling heavy on the wall. The Black Ash is the edition our clients choose more often, and we usually keep one in stock; the Birch we typically order from Vitra since it typically has a short lead time.
Authentic examples carry the Vitra label and use a German movement, which is straightforward to replace. 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.
