George Nelson Clocks
American, 1908-1986
Architect, designer, and writer George Nelson was a central figure in the mid-century American modernist design movement; and his thoughts influenced not only the furniture we live with, but also how we live.
Nelson came to design via journalism and literature. Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Yale in 1931, he won the Prix de Rome fellowship, and spent his time in Europe writing magazine articles that helped bring stateside recognition to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Gio Ponti, Le Corbusier and other canonical modernist architects.
In the 1940s, Nelson wrote texts that suggested such now-commonplace ideas as open-plan houses, storage walls and family rooms. D.J. De Pree, the owner of the furniture maker Herman Miller, was so impressed by Nelson that in 1944 — following the sudden death of Gilbert Rohde, who had introduced the firm to modern design in the 1930s — he invited Nelson to join the company as its design director. There Nelson’s curatorial design talents came to the fore.
To Herman Miller he brought such eminent creators as Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, and the textile and furniture designer Alexander Girard. Thanks to a clever contract, at the same time as he directed Herman Miller he formed a New York design company, George Nelson & Associates, that sold furniture designs to the Michigan firm. Nelson's studio also sold designs for clocks to the Howard Miller Clock Company, a manufacturer that was initially part of Herman Miller before it became an offshoot that was helmed by Howard Miller, D.J. De Pree's brother-in-law.
Nelson’s New York team of designers (who were rarely individually credited) would create such iconic pieces as the Marshmallow sofa, the Coconut chair, the Ball clock, the Bubble lamp series and the many cabinets and beds that comprise the sleek Thin-Edge line.
For dedicated collectors, as well as for interior designers who look beyond “the look,” there is a “cool factor” inherent to vintage pieces from George Nelson and others. Nelson was in on it from the start, and it’s valuable to have a piece that was there with him.
But still, as is evident from the offerings from dealers on 1stDibs, in any of the designs, in any iteration whose manufacture Nelson oversaw and encouraged, there are shining elements of lightness, elegance, sophistication — and a little bit of swagger. George Nelson felt confident in his ideas about design and didn’t mind letting the world know.
to
1
30
30
25
4
14
1
3
24
1
25
16
9
6
5
26
4
26
24
2
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
30
30
30
287
69
53
43
39
Creator: George Nelson
Mid Century Modern George Nelson Diamond Clock
By George Nelson
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful Diamond Clock designed by George Nelson & Associates, and manufactured by Vitra. In excellent working condition, working on an AA battery.
The George Nelson Diamond Clock ...
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Rare 1950’s Satin Brass Wall Clock by George Nelson for Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare 1950’s Howard Miller built in wall clock design by George Nelson.
Designed to be direct wire and the hours are pushed into drywall like tacks.
Retain the Howard Miller label o...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Brass
George Nelson Walnut Spike Clock by Howard Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An Nelson walnut and painted white metal body spike clock with color coded minute and hour hands. An early electric model in great working condition , retains the original label and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Metal
Rare Mid Century Modern George Nelson Orange Ball Clock Model 4755
By George Nelson
Located in Plainview, NY
An original George Nelson ( 1908- 1986) Mid Century Modern Ball Clock model 4755. This iconic clock features a distinctive and modern design with a mid-century aesthetic. The centr...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Metal
$2,240 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage George Nelson & Associates Metal Spoke Wall Clock for Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-Century Modern wall clock designed by George Nelson & Associates for Howard Miller Clock Company. Produced in 1955, this piece was named the 'Spoke' clock model no. 2227. Operate...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Steel
George Nelson Birch & Brass Wall Clock for Howard Miller
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson Birch & Brass wall clock for Howard Miller.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Brass
Postmodern Howard Miller George Nelson 1984 Olympus Table Clock "Tempo 21"
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare "Olympus" table clock by Howard Miller Clock Company. From the 1984 "Tempo 21" collection. The circular red clock face is upheld by a green pyramid base...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Mid Century Ball Clock in Brass and Wood
By George Nelson
Located in Weesp, NL
Interestingly, while nearly all of the designs that came out of George’s studio were attributed to him, many were actually designed by him and his team. Some were even designed solely by someone else working at the studio.
Nelson famously recounted the story of how the Ball Clock came to life in an interview decades after it’s release:
“It was one of the really funny evenings. Noguchi came by, Bucky Fuller came by, and here was Irving, and here was I, and Noguchi - who can’t keep his hands off anything - he saw we were working on clocks and started making doodles. Then Bucky sort of brushed Isamu aside. He said, ‘This is a good way to do a clock’ and made some utterly absurd thing. Everybody was taking a crack at this, pushing each other aside and making scribbles. At some point we left – we were suddenly all tired, and we’d had a little bit too much to drink – and the next morning I came back, and here was this roll of paper, and Irving and I looked at it, and somewhere in this roll, there was a ball clock. I don’t know to this day who cooked it up.”
Nevertheless, whoever it was that came up with George Nelson’s designs, it’s almost certain that they would never have come to fruition if it wasn’t for George’s vision and forward-thinking approach.
Can you tell me more about his clocks?
George’s clocks were one of his most impressive bodies of work. In total, he and his team designed over 130 clocks in just three decades.
While it is widely accepted that Irving Harper was the lead designer for the Howard Miller Clock Company at George Nelson Associates, the collection arose after two insightful observations from George: one, that people no longer used the numbers to tell the time; and two, that since most people now used their wristwatch to tell the time, interior clocks were now free to become more decorative in nature.
The clocks were designed and released in batches of 8 and were initially only given numbers for names. The Sunflower Clock was simply ‘Clock 2261’, the Flock of Butterflies Clock was 'Clock 2226’, and so on.
The Ball was the first clock designed by George and his team and it was followed shortly after by the Star, Sunburst, Spindle, Asterisk, Turbine, Flock of Butterflies, Eye and others. The clocks were purposefully abstract and were designed to complement the modernist furniture emerging at the time.
As well as wall clocks, George’s studio also produced a series of desk clocks during that time, most notably the bubble-shaped Night Desk...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Kite Wall Clock by George Nelson, Howard Miller, Vitra Label
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Manhasset, NY
Mid-Century Modern kite wall clock by George Nelson, Howard Miller, Vitra Label
George Nelson (American, 1908-1986) Group of Table and Wall Clocks for Howard Miller, Vitra Design Museum, Poland/Germany, designed 1949-1954 Vitra Design Museum labels, With battery-operated mechanisms
The Kite clock...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Vintage Black Sunburst Wall Clock by George Nelson for Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Jose, CA
Classic Mid Century Modern sunburst wall clock designed by George Nelson for Howard Miller Clock Company, circa 1950's. This iconic piece is all original made with black lacquered wo...
Category
1950s American Scandinavian Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Brass
Rare Mosaic Tile Wall Clock in Walnut by George Nelson & Assoc circa 1950s
By George Nelson, Irving Harper
Located in Troy, MI
Rare George Nelson And Associates Mosaic Tile Wall Clock
Designed by Irving Harper for George Nelson and Associates and produced by Howard Miller
Model 2232
1957
Walnut frame with...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Walnut, Glass
Arthur Umanoff Desk Clock, George Nelson & Associates, 1950s
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Amarillo, TX
George Nelson & Associates
table clock.
Howard Miller Clock Company,
USA.
Rosewood, steel.
Measures: 4.25 W x 3 D x 5.5 H inches.
Signed with decal manufacturer's label t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Steel
Howard Miller George Nelson 1984 Checkerboard Table Clock, "Tempo 21" Tower 3
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare postmodern brown and cream checkerboard table clock by Howard Miller Clock Company. From the 1984 "Tempo 21" collection. Slight signs of wear ...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Bitossi George Nelson Ceramic Pizza Slice Wall Clock
By Bitossi, George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Lutz, FL
Bitossi and George Nelson Meridian Collection Model 7542 wall clock produced by Howard Miller. Italian ceramic clock designed by Aldo Londi and h...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Metal
Vintage George Nelson / Howard Miller Multi-color Spike / Starburst Clock
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Iconic Vintage George Nelson / Howard Miller Multi-color Spike / Starburst Electric Wall Clock,, Amazing colors,, wonderful patina,, retains original Howard Miller label,, Tested and...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Metal
1950's Rare George Nelson for Howard Miller Chronopak 4765 Clock
By George Nelson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful example of a mid century design by George Nelson for the Howard Miller clock company, this Chronopak Model 4765A clock is in beautiful condition and running well and keep...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Metal
George Nelson for Howard Miller Clock #4766
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A nice vintage mid century modern George Nelson for Howard Miller 4766 Clock in working condition. The clock has an alarm function that is working as well. The clock bears a Treadway...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid Century Modern George Nelson Model No. 522 Wall Clock
By George Nelson
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful Model No. 522 wall clock designed by George Nelson & Associates, and manufactured by Howard Miller. In good working condition.
Marked with Howard Miller label
The George N...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Studio Steering Wheel Clock
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An original George Nelson Studio steering wheel clock
Original surface, hour markers and second hand
Howard Miller Decal present,see detail phot...
Category
1950s American Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Tripod Table Clock
By George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scarce large tripod table clock, Model 4764, designed by George Nelson and Associates for Howard Miller Clock Company. Satin brass dial encased in plexiglass bubble, with signature b...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Brass
Wicker Basket Clock by George Nelson for Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This rare wicker “Basket” wall clock, designed by George Nelson for Howard Miller, is a standout example of mid-century modern innovation and organic design. Featuring a woven wicker...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Meridian Wall Clock Rimini Blue Face by Aldo Londi for Bitossi
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
“Meridian” clock designed by George Nelson for the Howard Miller
Clock Company. Face is made of “Rimini Blue” Italian ceramic designed
by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, battery operated.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Ceramic
Mid Century Modern George Nelson Model No. 622 Wall Clock
By George Nelson
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful Model No. 622 wall clock designed by George Nelson & Associates, and manufactured by Howard Miller. In good working condition.
Marked with Howard Miller label.
The George ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage 1950s George Nelson for Howard Miller Oval Basket Weave Wall Clock
By George Nelson
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A rare and visually captivating timepiece, this George Nelson for Howard Miller wall clock from the 1950s showcases the innovative spirit of mid-century modern design. The oval-shape...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Rattan
Contemporary Mid Century George Nelson For Vitra Multicolored Analog Petal Clock
By George Nelson
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A playful yet refined example of mid-century modern design, this George Nelson Four-Petal Wall Clock for Vitra features a striking arrangement of bold, oversized petals in green, ora...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Prototype Domino Clock
By George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Nelson office, designed by Irving Harper for Howard Miller.
This is the only clock and was never produced.
Purchased from Howard Miller Executive.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Wood
George Nelson Chess Piece Clock
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare model #2251 chess piece table clock designed by George Nelson for Howard Miller Clock Company. Turned walnut base supports w...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Brass
Vintage Mid Century Mod Rattan Basket Clock by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A rare and visually striking mid-century wall clock designed by George Nelson for Howard Miller circa 1960s. This unique model features a circular clock face nestled within a sculptu...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Rattan
Checkerboard Table Clock, "Tempo 21" Tower 2 by George Nelson, 1984
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare postmodern cream, brown, and navy checkerboard table clock by Howard Miller Clock Company. From the 1984 "Tempo 21" collection. Very few signs...
Category
1980s North American Post-Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Brass Clock for Howard Miller
By George Nelson, Howard Miller, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson for Howard Miller brass clock. A round brass clock on a tri-legged brass pedestal with a thick plexiglass face. The clock has b...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
George Nelson clocks for sale on 1stDibs.
George Nelson clocks are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of George Nelson clocks, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original clocks by George Nelson were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider clocks by and Howard Miller. Prices for George Nelson clocks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $225 and can go as high as $6,950, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,550.
Creators Similar to George Nelson
Questions About George Nelson Clocks
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Modern George Nelson clocks are made in Poland. The company Vitra Designs manufactures the timepieces based on the original designs of the American designer who lived from 1908 to 1986. On 1stDibs, you can shop a selection of George Nelson clocks.
- Why is George Nelson famous?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022George Nelson was an American designer, and for a time the lead designer for the famed Herman Miller furniture company. Nelson is often referred to as the founder of American modernist design and often associated with his more inspired pieces such as the Coconut Chair, Marshmallow Sofa and the Ball Clock. Shop a collection of George Nelson furniture designs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What did George Nelson make?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022George Nelson was a furniture designer central to the mid-century modern design movement. His best-known creations are the marshmallow sofa, coconut chair, ball clock and bubble lamp series. His style included sleek, thin-edge lines on a variety of furniture still available today. Shop a range of George Nelson furniture designs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022George Nelson Bubble Lamps are made of steel wires, which form a durable framework for the lamp. A plastic polymer material spread over the wires forms the shade which is translucent to give the lamp a soft glow. Inspired by Swedish lamps, these mid-century modern light fixtures are still made by the legendary furniture manufacturer Herman Miller today. Shop a range of George Nelson Bubble Lamps on 1stDibs.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore George Nelson Furniture
George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
George Nelson Seating
George Nelson Tables
George Nelson Lighting
George Nelson Building and Garden Elements
George Nelson Wall Decorations
George Nelson Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
George Nelson Night Stands
George Nelson Beds and Bed Frames
George Nelson Bookends
George Nelson Books
George Nelson Magazine Racks and Stands