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George Nelson Wheel Clock

George Nelson Wheel Clock

George Nelson

Wheel Clock

A wheel with no rim.
17.9 inches across, turned walnut, designed in 1961.The twelve rods end free in the air, and a silver band on each one marks the hour.
$815.00

Authentic George Nelson Clock Produced by Vitra · Authorized US retailer

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In stock. Free US shipping from Charlotte, NC. Delivers in 1-6 business days.

Specifications

  • Origin: Poland, produced by Vitra
  • Year designed: 1961
  • Dimensions: 17.875" dia
  • Materials: Walnut, metal
  • Weight: 6 lbs
  • Warranty: 2 years; 5 years on movement (parts)
  • Returns: Final sale
  • Movement: German quartz
  • Power: 1.5 V AA battery (included)

Wheel Clock is a wheel with no rim. Twelve turned walnut rods taper to points and meet at the center, leaving the ends free in the air. Each rod is finished with a band of metallic silver, and those twelve bands become the hour markers. George Nelson’s office designed it in 1961 for Howard Miller, late in the clock program that began in 1947 with the idea that people read time by the hands rather than the numerals. Vitra has made it since 2010 from drawings in Nelson’s archive.

HOW IT WORKS
The rods are solid lacquered walnut, each shaped with a slight concave near the center so the hands can pass over the wood. A painted metallic arrow hour hand and slender minute hand turn parallel to the walnut face. As solid walnut with a metal hub, it has more weight than its open shape suggests. A German quartz movement runs on one AA battery, included. The clock hangs from a keyhole on the back; use an anchored screw. Set the time with the dial on the back.

CHOOSING YOURS
There is one version. Among the radial Nelson wall clocks, the Wheel is one of the most wood-forward, with walnut doing most of the visual work and the silver kept to the rod ends and hands. If you want more metal and reflected light, the Flock of Butterflies or Turbine takes the idea in a different direction.

DEALER’S NOTES
The main surprise in person is that the silver on the rod ends and hands is painted rather than wrapped metal. The walnut, by contrast, is better understood in person: solid, turned, and heavier than photographs suggest.

One technical note for later: the Wheel, Polygon, and Fan clocks use a movement with a special extension due to the depth of the wood face. When the movement eventually needs replacement, keep the old one; the extension transfers to the new movement. These are the three Nelson wall clocks in the Vitra range with that exception.

Authentic examples carry the Vitra label and use a German movement. 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.

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.

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