Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Vintage American Studio Craft Artist Made Round Turned Wood Sculptural Clock
Located in Troy, MI
One of a kind artist made petite round wooden wall clock
Circa 1980s
Mixed woods design beautifully turned with contrasting inlaid markers and finished with unique sculpted hands
...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Wood
Rare Mosaic Tile Wall Clock in Walnut by George Nelson & Assoc circa 1950s
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 Wall Clocks
Materials
Walnut, Glass
Mid-Century ''Square of Squares'' Teak and Golden Clock 1970s by Diehl, Germany
Located in Andernach, DE
Funky and square shaped design by one of Germanies mid- and late century clock makers Diehl.
Made in the late 60s, early 70s.
Here a fun design from teak and golden chrome connectors...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Mid-Century Bent Teak Clock, 1970s, Kienzle, Western Germany
Located in Andernach, DE
Beautiful wall clock by Kienzle from bent Teak ply, in a pure 70s design by one of Germanys most
renowned mid- and late century clock makers.
Made in the late 60s, early 70s.
Here w...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Walnut Spike Clock by Howard Miller
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 Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
Vintage 'Pocket Watch' Wall Clock by Landex Royal Craft, Japan 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Japanese novelty wall clock in the shape of an old school pocket watch. Made by Landex Royal Craft in Japan circa 1970-80. Made from brass and bras...
Category
20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage Hollywood Regency Brass walnut Wall Clock by Kienzle, Germany 1950s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
wall clock
Origin:
Germany
Producer:
KIENZLE, Germany (marked on the wood)
Age:
1950s
Description:
This original vintage wall clock was produced in the 1950s ...
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century ''Square of Squares'' Teak and Golden Clock 1970s by Diehl, Germany
Located in Andernach, DE
Funky and square shaped design by one of Germanies mid- and late century clock makers Diehl.
Made in the late 60s, early 70s.
Here a fun design from teak and golden chrome connectors...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Vintage American Studio Craft Artist Made Round Turned Wood Sculptural Clock
Located in Troy, MI
One of a kind artist made petite round wooden wall clock
Circa 1980s
Mixed woods design beautifully turned with contrasting inlaid markers and finished with unique sculpted hands
...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Wood
Howard Miller Iconic Clock by George Nelson
Located in Riverdale, NY
Iconic and classic Howard Miller ball clock from the 1950's by George Nelson. Wonderful Atomic style with a central clock motif with 50's styl...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
Rare Mid Century Modern George Nelson Orange Ball Clock Model 4755
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 Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
Black and White Flip Clock Large Station, Factory Clock, 1970s, France
By Bodet
Located in Antwerp, BE
Timeless Bodet black and white flip-flap station clock designed by the company that has been equipping French and Belgium stations for their big clocks for several decades. They inform travelers of the time that is running! This pretty specimen from the 1970s and 80s will ensure your punctuality while offering a beautiful Industrial and modern look to your interior decor.
The flip-flap clock...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Plastic, Lucite
Roger Capron Wall Mounted Ceramic Clock, circa 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Roger Capron wall mounted ceramic clock, circa 1960.
By Roger Capron, signed. (France).
In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful pa...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Ceramic
Swatch Wall Clock Maxi 1980s
By Swatch
Located in Čelinac, BA
Swatch wall clock maxi 1980s
Category
1980s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Plastic
Gilded Vintage Mid-Century Sunburst Starburst Wall Clock, Germany, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning original 1960s sunburst starburst wall clock. Featuring beautiful wood and composition sunburst surrounding illustrating perfectly the mood of the decade. It is in very good...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Composition, Metal
Vintage George Nelson & Associates Metal Spoke Wall Clock for Howard Miller
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 Wall Clocks
Materials
Steel
Henry Dreyfuss Wall Clock
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Highly graphic chrome wall clock with classic 50's details. Sweeping hand movement on this wonderful clock designed by one the greatest industrial designers of this century.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Chrome
Midcentury Diehl Ceramic Wall Clock, Glossy Caramel Relief in 3D, 1960s, Germany
By Maison Diehl
Located in Andernach, DE
Outstanding colours & design by one of the oldest famous German watch- and clock maker Diehl.
Quite a futuristic approach, a masterpiece of mid-century design.
Made in the 1960s, thi...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
1970s Rattan Wall Clock by Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly designed mid-century modern wall clock by Arthur Umanoff for George Nelson Associates for the powerhouse clock maker Howard Miller, likely from the 1970s. A model 517, i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by CONDOR, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning wall clock made of Iron & brass.
An eye catcher par excellence.
Made in Germany.
We have tested it and it works.
Electric, battery operated clock.
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Iron and brass Wall Clock by Diehl Dilectron, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning wall clock made of Iron & brass.
An eye catcher par excellence.
Made in Germany.
We have tested it and it works.
Electric, battery operated clock.
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage George Nelson & Associates Metal Spoke Wall Clock for Howard Miller
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 Wall Clocks
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Iron and Brass Zodiac Wall Clock by Diehl Electric, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning wall clock made of Iron & brass.
An eye catcher par excellence.
Made in Germany.
We have tested it and it works.
Electric, battery operated clock.
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
Beautiful 1970s handmade round ceramic wall clock
Located in München, DE
Beautiful round ceramic wall clock from 1970s.
Very high-quality and beautifully crafted in rich brown tones. Typical to the period.
Handmade. Made in Germany.
Battery-operated. The ...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Ceramic
Mid Century Modern Spartus Atomic Wall Clock! Hyper-Rare NOS Unused & Mint!
By Spartus Clocks
Located in Peoria, AZ
Time Warp!
1959 Sputnik Styled
Spartus Wall Clock
New Old Stock!
Mint Vintage Condition!
This is a spectacular find! An unused Sputnik style mid century modern Spartus wall clo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by DUGENA in Brass, 1960s Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning sunburst wall clock made of brass and metal.
One of the most beautiful models I have seen to date.
An eye catcher par excellence.
Made in ...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid Century Modern George Nelson Spindle Clock
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 Wall Clocks
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Arthur Umanoff “Meridian” Clock for Howard Miller
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage pendulum wall clock designed by Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller. The “Meridian” clock features aspects of Danish Modern design with a walnut w...
Category
1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-20th Century German Ship's Clock By Schatz
By Schatz
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid-20th century ship's clock by Schatz, Germany. handsome brass, mahogany & ebony in the form of a ship's wheel. Bevelled glass set in locking bezel. Double bell strike. Runs 8 days...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Bent Teak Clock, 1970s, Kienzle, Western Germany
Located in Andernach, DE
Beautiful wall clock by Kienzle from bent Teak ply, in a pure 70s design by one of Germanys most
renowned mid- and late century clock makers.
Made in the late 60s, early 70s.
Here w...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
Wall Clock Leather Brass, 1960s
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A wall clock made of leather and brass manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960.
The clock hangs with golden toned cords on a brass knob.
A removable key is used for winding the move...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Brass
1970s Round Copper Clock by Kienzle with Roman Numbers, Antique Patina
Located in Andernach, DE
Original 1970s clock made of pure copper, featuring relief-like Roman numbers, made by Kienzle from the ''Antique'' series.
Quartz clockwork by Hechinger, both Germany.
Wonderful, t...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Copper
Antique Wall Clock Made In Oak By Junghans From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique wall clock from the 1920s, manufactured by Junghans in oak.
Dimensions: H:95cm W:39cm D:19cm
Category
1920s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Oak
Memphis Period Clock by Nicolai Canetti
By Canetti
Located in Dallas, TX
Memphis period clock designed by Nicolai Canetti, 1980s. This is new old stock that's in the original box. Excellent working condition.
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
Kitchen Wall Clock Attrd Max Bill & Ernst Moeckl German Minimalist White Ceramic
By Max Bill, Dieter Rams
Located in Hyattsville, MD
The clock movement with a fresh battery has been running, however it may need to be serviced, it is quite loud. The manual timer is in working order. For reference an example was auc...
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Porcelain
Unusual Enamel Wall Clock Ca' 1960's
By Robert Wuersch Associates
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A charming wall clock in enamel on copper, ca' 1960's. Probably by Robert Wuersch, Falls River, Mass. Battery operated.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Enamel
Vintage George Nelson / Howard Miller Multi-color Spike / Starburst Clock
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 Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
Vintage Empire Art Products Atomic Era Mid Century Modern Wall Clock Set - 3 Pcs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Empire Art Products (USA, 1963) Atomic Era Mid Century Modern Wall Clock Set with Blue Accents - 3 Pc Set. Circa Mid 20th Century...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Wood
Wall Clock Leather Brass, 1960s
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A wall clock made of leather and brass manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960.
The clock hangs with golden toned cords on a brass knob.
A removable key is used for winding the move...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Brass
Mid century westerstrands swedish industrial station clock
By Westerstrand
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century Westerstrands Swedish industrial station clock circa 1963.
Here we can offer a rare large wall clock stamped by Westerstrands circa 1963. Lights up when connected. ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Brass and Wood Sunburst Wall Clock by Atlanta Electric
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning wall clock made of metal, brass, wood & glass.
An eye catcher par excellence.
Made in Germany.
We have tested it and it works.
Electric, battery operated clock.
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1960s Hollywood Regency brass walnut Table Clock by Kienzle, Germany
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
Table clock
Origin:
Germany
Producer:
Kienzle, Germany
Age:
1960s
This original vintage table clock was produced in the 1960s by the prem...
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
Frederic Weinberg Wall Clock/ Large Size
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Frederic Weinberg Wall Clock with Black Body and Arms and Coral Balls. Working Condition. This is the larger harder to find version of this classic Clock...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Kite Wall Clock by George Nelson, Howard Miller, Vitra Label
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 Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Midcentury Wall Clock in the Form of a Wristwatch in Leather and Brass, Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Midcentury wall clock in the form of a wristwatch in leather and brass, Germany
Made in Germany by Meister Anker.
Electric, battery operated clock.
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Brass Zodiac Wall, Table or Mantel Clock, Germany, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful heavy Mid-Century Modern brass desk clock with a brass clocks face. Executed in the 1960s by an german manufacturer. we think Movement was...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
Rare Mid Century Modern George Nelson Orange Ball Clock Model 4755
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 Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
Wooden Midcentury Wall Clock
Located in Vienna, AT
Wooden clock face and brass clock hands and index. Fitted with a battery movement. Made in Germany in the 1950s.
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Brass
Rare Royal Copenhagen Wall Clock by Poul Pedersen, Model 5151, Denmark, 1976
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scarce and sculptural space age wall clock designed by Danish artist Poul Pedersen for Royal Copenhagen, model no. 5151.
This star-shaped clock was approved for production on August ...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Faience
Italian mid-century modern orange and beige rectangular wall clock, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern orange and beige rectangular wall clock, 1960s
Rectangular wall clock in cream yellow and orange lacquered wood. The structure is slightly domed and rounde...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
Fritz Hansen & George Nelson Stool Seat Wall Clock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 1950s George Nelson ball clock for George Nelson and Associates and Howard Miller. This clock was designed with Irving Harper in 1949, and was the first among several iconic clock...
Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Brass
Rare German 1960s Brass Junghans Max Bill Wall Clock 322/0350 in brass
Located in Krefeld, DE
Wall clock design by Max Bill for Junghans in 1960s. Brass metal case. Electric movement is in good working condition. At the back side maybe from the owner or clockmake a repair not...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Brass
Mid Century German Iron Wall Clock
Located in Malibu, CA
Vintage European hand-wrought iron wall clock with blonde gold accents. German clockworks. Newly painted by Fleur de Lex in soft white with gilt Roman numerals.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Brass, Iron, Sheet Metal
1960s Simplex Electric School Wall Clock
By Simplex
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Simplex Wall Clock
12.75 h x 12.75 x 3 d
Original vintage. Patina present on aluminum frame. Minor scratch on glass.
Tested and working super quiet
Refer to images listed
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by Meister Quarz in Brass, 1960s, Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning sunburst wall clock made of brass, metal and glass.
One of the most beautiful models I have seen to date.
An eye catcher par excellence.
Made in Germany.
Electric, battery operated...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
Midcentury Mechanical Atlanta Wall Clock with 10 Days Movement and with Gong
Located in München, DE
Original mechanical midcentury Atlanta wall clock. With a 10-day clockwork and gong beat: every half and each full hour. Clockwork fully functional and accurate.
Very nice and elabo...
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid Century Modern George Nelson Model No. 522 Wall Clock
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 Wall Clocks
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Modern George Nelson Eye Clock
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 is a st...
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by TRICHTER in Brass, 1960s Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning sunburst wall clock made of brass, metal and glass.
One of the most beautiful models I have seen to date.
An eye catcher par excellence.
M...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
George Nelson Mid Century Ball Clock in Brass and Wood
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 Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Brass
Antique Wall Clock Made In Walnut By Junghans From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique wall clock from the 1920s, manufactured by Junghans in walnut.
Dimensions: H:75cm W:40cm D:19cm
Category
1920s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Brass Barometer by Barigo Germany, 1980s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish pocket watch shaped barometer in a solid brass outer case, silver dial, concave glass front and a showcase mechanical movement. Designed in Germany during the 1960'erne. Th...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Brass
Wall Clock " Atlanta ", Germany, around 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Wall clock " Atlanta " germany, around 1960s
Original condition of the case
Battery operated, not mechanical.
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Brass
Large Bakelite Industrial, Train Station Wall Clock
Located in Vienna, AT
Bakelite industrial wall clock from about 1940's, 1950's.
Diameter 49 cm and a depth of 10,5 cm.
The clock is in perfect condition, no major scr...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Bakelite, Glass
Vintage Railway Chronometer - Brass Jumbo Pocket Watch or Wall Clock
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Midcentury novelty Jumbo Pocket Watch or small Wall Clock. It is called Railway Chronometer. The case, crown and ring/crown guard is fashioned from b...
Category
1970s South African Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Brass
George Nelson Model-4758 Wall Clock for Howard Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson Model-4758 wall clock for Howard Miller.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
1970s Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller wall clock
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller 1970s wall clock, model #588. Made of a walnut case, original red back, brushed aluminum clock face, brass Roman nu...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Mid Century Modern Clock
Located in Seattle, WA
Gold Toned Hardware. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Not Tested , May or May not be Operational.
Dimensions. 6.5 W ; 3 1/2 D ; 6.5 H
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Wood
Brutalist Wall / Table Clock by Franco Bastianelli for Studio Cellini, Italy, 60
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Enamelled brutalist copper clock by Franco Bastianelli for Studio Cellini, Laurana Rame D'Arte in Pesaro, Italy 1960s.
Handcrafted on a copper base, enameled on fire with striking colors.
The clock is working and in very good vintage condition.
The back has a double hook to hang it on the wall or become a table clock...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Round Modernist Blue Mosaic Wall Clock "Europa, " Germany, 1950s
By Europa
Located in Vienna, AT
A mid-century round wall clock featuring a brass frame, elegant brass hands and indices, and a stylish blue mosaic clock face. Manufactured in the 1950s by Europa, Germany, this cloc...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Marble, Stone, Brass, Metal
Mid-century Modern wall clocks for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern wall clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage wall clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, wall decorations, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern wall clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original wall clocks, popular names associated with this style include Howard Miller, Junghans Uhren GmbH, George Nelson, and Kienzle Clocks. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for wall clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $129 and tops out at $6,700 while the average work can sell for $809.