George Nelson Wall 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.

Creator: George Nelson

George Nelson Birch & Brass Wall Clock for Howard Miller

$1,295

George Nelson Birch & Brass Wall Clock for Howard Miller

By Howard Miller, George Nelson

Located in Los Angeles, CA

George Nelson Birch & Brass wall clock for Howard Miller. Materials: Birch Wood, Brass

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

George Nelson Original Vintage Brass and Wood Ball Wall Clock

$1,220

George Nelson Original Vintage Brass and Wood Ball Wall Clock

By George Nelson

Located in Oceanside, US

An iconic Original Ball Wall Clock designed in 1947 by George Nelson Associates and produced by the Howard Miller Clock Company in Zeeland, Michigan. This early example features a ra...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

George Nelson for Howard Miller Model No. 522 Wall Clock, c. 1950s

$550

George Nelson for Howard Miller Model No. 522 Wall Clock, c. 1950s

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. While Nelson’s iconic “Ball Clock” (Model 475...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage George Nelson / Howard Miller Multi-color Spike / Starburst Clock

$2,600

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 Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal

George Nelson for Howard Miller Model No. 622 Wall Clock, c. 1950s

$650

George Nelson for Howard Miller Model No. 622 Wall Clock, c. 1950s

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. While Nelson’s iconic “Ball Clock” (Model 475...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Aluminum

MCM George Nelson Studio Model 4756 "Steering Wheel" Wall Clock by Howard Miller

$2,200

MCM George Nelson Studio Model 4756 "Steering Wheel" Wall Clock by Howard Miller

By George Nelson

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Striking 1950 Model 4756 "Steering Wheel" Wall Clock by the George Nelson Design Studio for the Howard Miller clock company. The clock features a minimalist brushed brass open-face d...

Category

1950s American Vintage George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Steel

Classic (OLD) Mid Century Modern "Ball" Clock / George Nelson / Howard Miller

$1,450

Classic (OLD) Mid Century Modern "Ball" Clock / George Nelson / Howard Miller

By George Nelson, Howard Miller

Located in Buffalo, NY

An iconic Original Ball Wall Clock designed in 1947 by George Nelson Associates and produced by the Howard Miller Clock Company in Zeeland, Michigan. This early example features a ra...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

Vintage Mid Century Mod Rattan Basket Clock by George Nelson for Herman Miller

$800

Vintage Mid Century Mod Rattan Basket Clock by George Nelson for Herman Miller

By George Nelson, Howard Miller

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 Wall Clocks

Materials

Rattan

George Nelson Studio Steering Wheel Clock

$1,550

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 Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal

Rare 1970s Vintage Howard Miller MCM Floating Lucite Wall Clock - Roman Numerals

$2,500

H 2.07 in Dm 12.13 in

Rare 1970s Vintage Howard Miller MCM Floating Lucite Wall Clock - Roman Numerals

By George Nelson, Howard Miller

Located in St. Louis, MO

This exceptionally rare vintage wall clock by the celebrated Howard Miller Clock Company is a phenomenal example of high-end Postmodern design. The clock features a unique, minimalist frame composed of a heavy-gauge clear Lucite (acrylic) C-shaped band. This outer ring is intentionally separated at the top and bottom, creating a striking architectural gap that frames the piece. Suspended inside the clear casing by small pins is an elegant, translucent inner dial fashioned from premium peach/copper-tinted acrylic. Rather than sitting on a surface, the clock is engineered to hang directly from its central black quartz movement housing, allowing the open Lucite frame to float weightlessly against the wall. In a bold design twist, the dial is printed with oversized, crisp white Roman numerals that appear to float mid-air, paired with sleek white hour and minute hands and a vibrant red sweeping second hand. Driven by a precision battery-operated quartz movement, this sculptural timekeeper beautifully bridges the gap between Space Age materials and 1980s Postmodern aesthetics. Can't find another example out there. Manufacturer: Howard Miller Clock Company (Zeeland, Michigan, USA) Designer Attribution: While many collectors automatically look for George Nelson when they see vintage Howard Miller lucite...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal

Vintage German Wall Clock in Brass

$427

H 9.65 in Dm 7.29 in

Vintage German Wall Clock in Brass

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A pocket watch shaped quartz (batteri-operated) wall clock featuring solid brass frame, Roman numerals and a sunburst dial in silver enamel. Manufacture...

Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

Checkerboard Table Clock, "Tempo 21" Tower 2 by George Nelson, 1984

$1,250

H 20 in W 9.25 in D 2.5 in

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 Wall Clocks

Materials

Aluminum

Postmodern Howard Miller George Nelson 1984 Olympus Table Clock "Tempo 21"

$1,250

H 14 in W 8.25 in D 14 in

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 Wall Clocks

Materials

Aluminum

Howard Miller Desk Clock by Design Office of George Nelson

$1,500

H 5.5 in W 4 in D 3 in

Howard Miller Desk Clock by Design Office of George Nelson

By Arthur Umanoff, Howard Miller

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Arthur Umanoff for The Design Office of George Nelson for Howard Miller Desk or Table Clock. In great shape and running flawlessly! Been in use for about 6 months on my desk at th...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Danish Wall Clock by Fritz Hansen, George Nelson, Teak, 1957

$1,250

H 13.25 in Dm 13.25 in

Mid-Century Modern Danish Wall Clock by Fritz Hansen, George Nelson, Teak, 1957

By Fritz Hansen

Located in Stamford, CT

Stool seat wall clock, model 7512, c. 1957 by Fritz Hansen. This finely decorative wall clock is simply stunning and is certain to draw conversation in any room in the home. Produced by George Nelson & Associates, USA, 1950s Stamped 'FH DENMARK...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Howard Miller Floor Clock

$2,400

H 64 in W 16 in D 10.5 in

Mid-Century Modern Howard Miller Floor Clock

By Howard Miller

Located in Toledo, OH

Mid-Century Modern Howard Miller floor clock. Black lacquer with half round chrome trim. Wood paneled front. Chimes need adjustment does not ...

Category

20th Century North American Modern George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Modern Howard MIller Jefferson Tabletop Clock Brass

$75

H 7.25 in W 5.75 in D 2 in

Mid Century Modern Howard MIller Jefferson Tabletop Clock Brass

By Howard Miller

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a mid-century modern Howard MIller Jefferson tabletop clock. Finished in satin brass. Quartz movement. Tested and currently working without any issues. Includ...

Category

1990s Unknown Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

Howard Miller “Richmond” Grandfather Clock — Model 610-796

$4,320

H 83.5 in W 19.5 in D 12 in

Howard Miller “Richmond” Grandfather Clock — Model 610-796

Located in Omaha, NE

Crafted in warm golden oak with bookmatched burl panels and a classic arched bonnet, this Richmond model presents with strong visual depth thanks to its full-length glass door and mi...

Category

Late 20th Century American American Classical George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

Howard Miller George Nelson Grandfather Clock Model 677

$1,400

H 55.25 in W 13 in D 9 in

Howard Miller George Nelson Grandfather Clock Model 677

By Howard Miller

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A newer sophisticated take on the grandfather clock with the case in smoked Lucite defining the outline of the clock. The face has a brushed aluminum face with mod hands in red and w...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Chrome

1970s Howard Miller Wall Clock designed by Arthur Umanoff Zebra Wood & Chrome

$2,900

H 2 in Dm 13 in

1970s Howard Miller Wall Clock designed by Arthur Umanoff Zebra Wood & Chrome

By Irving Harper, George Nelson, Howard Miller, Arthur Umanoff

Located in Miami, FL

This 1970s mid-century modern wall clock, designed by Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller, features a striking Zebra Wood veneer, a polished chrome frame, and original George Nelson-style hands, making it a highly collectible decorative piece. The clock is model 616, created by Arthur Umanoff Associates in the 1970s for Howard Miller. It showcases a Zebra Wood veneer, referred to in the 1975/1976 Howard Miller catalog as "Leriex rosewood veneer," combined with chrome accents including the frame and hour markers. The hands are the original George Nelson-style metal hands, reflecting Umanoff’s mid-century modern aesthetic. This design harmonizes with other Vintage Retro Furniture pieces from the era, such as Peter Protzman desks...

Category

1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Zebra Wood

Howard Miller 68th Anniversary Grandfather Clock, Brass & Glass, 2003

$4,240

H 78.5 in W 19 in D 11 in

Howard Miller 68th Anniversary Grandfather Clock, Brass & Glass, 2003

By Howard Miller

Located in Omaha, NE

A finely crafted floor clock by Howard Miller, presented in a warm Windsor Cherry finish with traditional bonnet pediment and fluted columns. This example features the sought-after i...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American American Classical George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items

1950s Vintage Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson Howard Miller Ball Clock

Sold

H 12.75 in W 12.75 in D 3 in

1950s Vintage Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson Howard Miller Ball Clock

By Howard Miller, George Nelson, Buckminster Fuller, Isamu Noguchi

Located in San Diego, CA

Vintage Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson Ball Clock. Produced by Howard Miller, with original tag. Designed in 1946. Runs quiet and smoothly w...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal

Rare George Nelson for Howard Miller Wall Clock in Brass & Lucite, Keininger

Sold

H 33.125 in W 15.25 in D 4.5 in

Rare George Nelson for Howard Miller Wall Clock in Brass & Lucite, Keininger

By George Nelson, Howard Miller

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Before George Nelson was known for CSS or Basic Series, he was on the design team at Howard Miller, cutting his teeth on the clocks they produced. Calling back to the space-age desig...

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass, Steel

Vintage George Nelson Model-2202 Sunburst Clock for Howard Miller

Sold

H 30.5 in W 30.5 in D 3 in

Vintage George Nelson Model-2202 Sunburst Clock for Howard Miller

By Howard Miller, George Nelson

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This vintage George Nelson Model 2202 sunburst clock for Howard Miller is an iconic example of mid-century modern design, combining playful geometry with timeless radial symmetry. Cr...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal

George Nelson for Howard Miller Lucite Wall Clock

Sold

H 40 in W 15 in D 5.5 in

George Nelson for Howard Miller Lucite Wall Clock

By Howard Miller, George Nelson

Located in Astoria, NY

George Nelson for Howard Miller Brass and Lucite Wall Clock, hanging pendulum, label to transparent clock face. 40" H x 15" W x 5.5" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Spindle Starburst Wall Clock by George Nelson Howard Miller

Sold

H 2.25 in Dm 23 in

Mid Century Modern Spindle Starburst Wall Clock by George Nelson Howard Miller

By George Nelson, Howard Miller

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Early and original spindle clock designed by George Nelson for Howard Miller Clock Company. It features solid wood spindles with brass numberless dial. Tested and working as it should.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass, Steel

Iconic George Nelson for Howard Miller Mid-Century Modern Starburst Clock

Sold

H 19.5 in Dm 19.5 in

Iconic George Nelson for Howard Miller Mid-Century Modern Starburst Clock

By George Nelson, Howard Miller

Located in Wheat Ridge, CO

An iconic and authentic George Nelson for Howard Miller Mid-Century Modern Starburst Clock with its original stamp / maker’s mark intact. Measurements: 19.5ʺ wide, 2.5" deep and 19....

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal

Rare 1949 "Spike" model 4757C Wall Clock by George Nelson for Howard Miller Co

Sold

H 14 in W 14 in D 3.5 in

Rare 1949 "Spike" model 4757C Wall Clock by George Nelson for Howard Miller Co

By Howard Miller, George Nelson

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Rare 1949 George Nelson designed "Spike" Wall Clock (Model 4757C) by Howard Miller Clock Company. Crafted from walnut, enameled aluminum, and lacquered wood, this iconic piece embodi...

Category

Mid-20th Century American George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Walnut

Vintage 1950s George Nelson for Howard Miller Oval Basket Weave Wall Clock

Sold

H 11 in W 14 in D 4.5 in

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 Wall Clocks

Materials

Rattan

Contemporary Mid Century George Nelson For Vitra Multicolored Analog Petal Clock

Sold

H 17.5 in Dm 17.5 in

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 Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal

Rare 1950’s Satin Brass Wall Clock by George Nelson for Howard Miller

Sold

H 0.5 in Dm 12 in

Rare 1950’s Satin Brass Wall Clock by George Nelson for Howard Miller

By George Nelson, Howard Miller

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 Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern George Nelson Spindle Clock

Sold

H 3.94 in Dm 22.45 in

Mid Century Modern George Nelson Spindle Clock

By George Nelson

Located in Dronten, NL

Beautiful Spindle Clock designed by George Nelson & Associates, and manufactured by Vitra. In excellent working condition, working on an AA battery. The George Nelson Spindle Clock ...

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Mid Century Modern George Nelson Eye Clock

Sold

H 13.39 in W 29.93 in D 3.94 in

Mid Century Modern George Nelson Eye Clock

By George Nelson

Located in Dronten, NL

Beautiful Eye Clock designed by George Nelson & Associates, and manufactured by Vitra. In excellent working condition, working on an AA battery. The George Nelson Eye Clock...

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Wall Clocks

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

George Nelson wall clocks for sale on 1stDibs.

George Nelson wall clocks are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of George Nelson wall clocks, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original wall clocks by George Nelson were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider wall clocks by and Howard Miller. Prices for George Nelson wall clocks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $225 and can go as high as $3,051, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,500.

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Questions About George Nelson Wall Clocks

Why is George Nelson famous?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
George 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 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
George 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.
Where are George Nelson clocks made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Modern 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.
What are George Nelson Bubble Lamps made of?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
George 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.