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George Nelson Tripod Clock

George Nelson Tripod Clock

George Nelson

Tripod Clock

Brass from head to toe.
6.5 inches tall, polished brass. The only Nelson desk clock whose dial is brass as well, so it reads as a single piece.
$725.00

Authentic George Nelson Clock Produced by Vitra · Authorized US retailer

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Tripod Clock

$725.00
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Contact us for lead time. Free US shipping.

Specifications

  • Origin: Poland, produced by Vitra
  • Year designed: 1947/1953
  • Dimensions: 6.5" h x 4.25" w x 3.25" d
  • Materials: Brass, acrylic glass
  • Warranty: 2 years; 5 years on movement (parts)
  • Returns: Final sale
  • Movement: German quartz
  • Power: 1.5 V AA battery (included)
George Nelson desk clocks
George Nelson desk clocks

Tripod Clock is the Nelson desk clock that stands rather than sits. Three slender brass legs splay from a brass body and lift the round, numeral-free dial clear of the desk, giving it the presence of a small instrument rather than a box with a face. George Nelson’s studio designed it for the Howard Miller Clock Company in the early years of the clock program; Vitra dates it 1947/1953 and has made it since 1999 from drawings in Nelson’s archive.

HOW THE TRIPOD CLOCK WORKS

A German quartz movement behind the dial runs on one AA battery, which we install before the clock ships; the battery is reached by unscrewing the back. The face has no numerals; you read it by the hands against the edge of the dial. The time is set with a knob on the back, while the hands remain protected behind an acrylic lens. It stands 6½ inches tall on a footprint of about 4¼ by 3¼ inches. The three fixed brass legs keep it stable on a flat surface, and we include brass colored vinyl caps if you want to protect the surface underneath.

CHOOSING YOUR GEORGE NELSON CLOCK

There is one version, and it is the only Nelson desk clock finished almost entirely in polished brass: legs, body, and dial, with the hands reading against brass rather than a contrasting face. The monochrome finish is the Tripod’s particular character, quieter than the black-dialed Night Clock and more sculptural. The brass will take on some patina where it is handled and can be polished if you prefer it bright. We can engrave the back. This is one of the Nelson clocks we order for you rather than keep in stock, so allow some lead time.

DEALER’S NOTES

One thing is worth knowing before you buy. We routinely replace movements in the Nelson wall clocks, and we can service desk clocks behind acrylic glass, but as of 2026 the Tripod’s movement cannot be replaced without damaging the acrylic lens. When the movement eventually reaches the end of its life, the clock becomes what it has always partly been: a small brass sculpture that once told time. We would rather you know that now than later, and we will update this page if Vitra changes the construction.

The Tripod is less commonly chosen than the Night Clock, which is part of its appeal. It works on a desk, shelf, or mantel. An authentic one has the weight of solid brass, the Vitra label, and a German movement. We have sold Vitra’s Nelson clocks since 2020 and inspect each one before it ships,.

Quick Help & Manual

Setting the time

Use the dial on the back of the clock to set the time.

setting the time on george nelson clocks

Replacing the battery

Tripod clocks run on a single AA 1.5V battery, which we install before shipping. The flat negative (−) end goes against the springier of the two contacts. 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 make it an annual routine at the time change.

replacing battery on george nelson clocks

Cleaning

Gently dust with a feather duster or microfiber cloth. Acrylic glass can be cleaned with an acrylic glass cleaner. 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 replaceable, but with good care, it can last 10-25 years. To extend the movement's life, change the battery once a year (during fall or spring time change is a good idea). For models with exposed hands, keep dust from building up on the hands and movement. Do not display the clock in a space that gets intense sunlight & heat throughout the day. Adjust the hands using the dial or knob on the back of the clock only. It's best to rotate the dial so the hands move in a clockwise direction, but it's OK for them to rotate counterclockwise (for example, when setting the time back an hour in the fall).

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 and hands 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.

Pre-Sale Questions

Are you an authorized Vitra retailer?

Yes. We have been an authorized Vitra partner since 2020, and we added Vitra and Artek chairs in 2026. Every clock is new from the factory and inspected here before it ships.

Can I return a George Nelson clock?

No. Selecting the right model can be a difficult decision, so please contact us with any questions before purchasing — we want you to be happy with your purchase and will give you our honest read. Due to the fragile nature of these clocks, we do not accept change-of-mind returns. If your clock arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect, contact us right away and we will make it right; the warranty is separate from the return policy. Full return policy.

Do you buy or sell vintage George Nelson clocks?

No. We sell only the current Vitra-made clocks, with quartz movements, produced since 1999.

Where are the clocks made?

In Poland, by Vitra, with German movements.

How long do the movements last?

With proper care, 10–25 years. They’re reliable and easy to replace, and Clock Forward covers the movement for three years beyond Vitra’s two-year warranty, parts only.

How can I extend the life of my movement?

Set the time with the dial on the back whenever you can; if you move the minute hand instead, keep a light touch and never move the hour hand on its own. Replace the battery once a year with Duracell, Duracell Procell Constant, or Energizer Ultimate Lithium. Keep the clock out of strong sun, heat, dust, and humidity. Full instructions are under Quick Help.

Do you sell replacement parts?

Yes: movements, hands, and the nuts that hold them, for Vitra-made Nelson clocks. Wall clock movements are simple to replace yourself; desk clocks with hands behind acrylic need professional service.

Why choose the authentic clock over a copy?

Because the copy only looks like the clock in a photograph. The Vitra clock has solid rays, an even finish, a German movement, and the original proportions and hands, and it carries a Vitra label on the back. It also holds up: ours have survived falls that would have ended a copy. Authentic Nelson clocks tend to hold their value on the secondary market as well.

Where do you ship from?

From our warehouse in Charlotte, North Carolina. A few models are made to order and take longer; we’ll tell you the lead time before you commit.

Why buy from Clock Forward?

We’ve sold Vitra’s Nelson clocks since 2020. We inspect every clock before it ships, pack it for safe transit, stock the parts, and want to hear how the clock is doing for as long as you own it.

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