Vitra Nelson Ball Clock

The first of more than 150 clocks that George Nelson Associates created for the Howard Miller Clock Company, the Ball Clock (1949) was originally known as Model 4755. Irving Harper, who worked at Nelson Associates for nearly two decades, is credited with designing this George Nelson clock. The Howard Miller Clock Company, by the way, was originally the Herman Miller Clock Company; it was founded in 1926 by D.J. De Pree, who had established Herman Miller, Inc., three years earlier. In 1937, De Pree’s brother-in-law, Howard Miller, took over the clock company, swapping out his father’s name – the Herman of Herman Miller – with his own.

On the ball.
The clock comprises 12 metal spokes radiating from a circular center. Each rod has a threaded end, to which is screwed a wooden ball that marks an hour. Two hands – terminating in an arrow and oval — indicate the time. On balls painted with darker colors, the wood grain may be slightly more visible; the Ball Clock in Natural or Black/Brass also includes a second hand. This is an authentic George Nelson clock, produced by Vitra Design Museum. Uses one AA battery (included). Made in Poland.