Vitra Nelson Ball Clock

The Vitra Nelson Ball Clock is one of George Nelson’s most recognisable creations, originally designed as part of his celebrated collection of everyday objects featuring playful, sculptural ball motifs. This iconic mid-century wall clock adds character, colour and timeless style to any interior.

Vitra’s Wall Clock collection comes in a wide range of distinctive shapes, materials and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect statement piece for your home or workspace. Each clock is fitted with a high-quality quartz movement for precise timekeeping and long-lasting performance.

A standout alternative to traditional wall clocks, the Nelson Ball Clock brings design heritage and modern craftsmanship together—ideal for living rooms, kitchens, offices and design-led interiors.

Key Features

• Original Nelson design
• Made in the EU
• High quality finish
• Choice of colours
• Mid-century design

Wellworking Says...

"The Nelson Ball Clock is a favourite of these classic designs and is available from stock for fast delivery."

Vitra Nelson Ball Clock FAQs

What is the Vitra Nelson Ball Clock?

• The Ball Clock was originally designed between 1948–1960 by George Nelson (and his design studio) as part of a broader collection of clocks created for everyday use — as much decorative art as functional timepieces. 
• Since the mid-1990s, Vitra has been reissuing the Ball Clock, restoring it for modern homes while staying true to the original design. 
• The design is distinctive: wooden (or painted) balls mounted on thin metal spokes radiating from a central housing — replacing traditional numbers, the balls mark each hour, creating a bold sculptural focal point. 

What are the specifications and technical details?

• Diameter: approximately 33 cm (about 13″) — a size appropriate for living rooms, kitchens, offices or other interior spaces.
• Materials: a combination of wood (for the balls) and metal (for the spokes and central housing) — some versions use brass for the hub and supports.
• Movement: driven by a high-quality quartz clock mechanism, powered by a single AA battery, which is included.
• Numbers: None — as originally conceived by Nelson, the clock uses only the positions of the hands and hour-marking balls, reflecting a mid-century design philosophy.

What you can use it for?

The Ball Clock is more than just a time-keeper — it’s a design statement. Popular uses include:

• As a decorative wall clock that becomes a focal point in a living room, dining room, kitchen, office or workspace
• For interiors with mid-century, retro, or modern design — its sculptural look adds a playful yet stylish accent
• Whenever you want a blend of functionality and artful design — telling time while doubling as wall art

Care, Maintenance & Practical Tips

• Cleaning: Wipe the surface gently with a soft, damp cloth; if needed, use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild, neutral detergent.
• Battery: Uses a standard AA battery, included with the clock. To keep it running smoothly, replace the battery as needed (e.g. annually or when clock starts to lag).
• Placement: As the clock is sculptural and relies on visible hands and hour-mark balls — place it on a clear, uncluttered wall so the design and readability stand out.
• Note on “numbers”: Because there are no traditional numbers, reading the exact minute requires observing the relative position of the hands — this is by design, following the original concept.

Pros of the Nelson Ball Clock

• Iconic mid-century design — a recognised design classic that adds personality and style to any wall.
• Functional yet decorative: combines time-keeping with sculptural art.
• Versatile: works in many rooms and styles — modern, retro, minimalist or eclectic interiors.
• Plug-and-play: quartz movement and included battery make it ready to hang and use.

What to check before buying

• No numbers — so if you prefer obvious, digital-style readability, this clock is more about aesthetic than precision.
• Size — at 33 cm diameter, it’s large enough to be a statement piece.
• Maintenance — wood and metal materials require gentle cleaning; avoid abrasive cloths/chemicals to preserve finish.
• Battery dependence — like any quartz clock, responsive time-keeping depends on battery condition.

Good to Know — Design & Story

• The Ball Clock comes from a period (1948–1960) when designer George Nelson and his studio experimented with how people read time — concluding that the relative position of hands was enough, making numbers unnecessary.
• The design is considered a hallmark of 1950s modern design and remains popular today — both as a functional object and as a decorative, even playful design statement.
• As part of the re-issue by Vitra since the 1990s, the Ball Clock remains a faithful reproduction of the original, combining mid-century style with modern manufacturing and materials.