George Nelson Turbine Clock

George Nelson

Turbine Clock

Twelve blades, turning only the light.: 30 inches across, in metal, from 1958. Each blade is twisted, so the light and shadow across the wall change with the hour of the day.

$1,180.00

Authentic George Nelson Clock Produced by Vitra · Authorized US retailer

Specifications

Origin: Poland, produced by Vitra
Year designed: 1958
Dimensions: 30.125" dia x 3" d
Materials: Brass, aluminum, lacquered metal
Weight: 18 lbs
Warranty: 2 years; 5 years on movement (parts)
Returns: Final sale
Movement: German quartz
Power: 1.5 V AA battery (included)

Overview
Specifications
Quick Help & Manual

George Nelson wall clocks, handmade in Poland

George Nelson wall clocks (shown at relative scale)

Turbine Clock is the largest of the Nelson wall clocks and the most industrial: twelve brass blades radiating from a small metal dial, thirty inches across, like a turbine wheel stopped mid-turn. George Nelson’s studio designed it for the Howard Miller Clock Company in 1958, late in the clock program, when the collection had moved from painted wood toward metal and the imagery of machines. There are no numerals; the blades mark the hours. Vitra has made it since 1999 from drawings in Nelson’s archive.

HOW THE TURBINE CLOCK WORKS

A German quartz movement behind the dial drives the hands on a single AA battery, included. The twelve blades stand in for the hours. The dial is brushed metal with a brown rim, set in a lacquered hub; the hour hand is a black teardrop, and the orange minute hand bends upward about thirty degrees to clear the blades as it passes over them. The clock arrives assembled and hangs from a keyhole on the back like the other Nelson wall clocks; at eighteen pounds, hang it from a screw into a stud or a proper wall anchor.

CHOOSING YOUR GEORGE NELSON CLOCK

There is one version. Because of its size and shipping requirements, we order the Turbine for you rather than keep it on the shelf; ask us about the current lead time before planning installation.

DEALER’S NOTES

People tend to underestimate this clock from photographs, both in size and weight. It works best where the room gives it some space: a loft, a larger living area, or an interior with enough wall around it. What photographs also miss is the light. The blades are angled, so a lamp or window catches them unevenly and throws a radial shadow that changes through the day.

The orange minute hand may look unusual at first, but it’s a response to the aggressive blades. The movement is the same type used in the other Nelson wall clocks and is straightforward to replace with parts from us and our guide. Authentic examples carry the Vitra label, use a German movement, and have the weight of real brass blades. 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.

setting the time on george nelson wall clocks

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.

replacing battery on george nelson wall clocks

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.

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.