Designer Wall & Desk Clocks

With his Wall Clocks, Desk Clocks and the wall-mounted Zoo Timers for children, the legendary American mid-century designer George Nelson has created refreshing alternatives to conventional clocks in a wide variety of designs and materials.

George Nelson studied architecture at Yale before travelling in Europe, where he encountered the leading works and ideas of modernism. In 1947, he established George Nelson Associates, Inc., a design office where he and a talented team created products and objects that became icons of mid-century modernism. His clocks turn timekeeping into expressive, sculptural design rather than relying on a conventional clock face.

Vitra’s connection to Nelson’s work began in 1957, when founder Willi Fehlbaum signed a licence agreement with Herman Miller to produce furniture for the European market. Vitra continues to produce authorised re-editions of George Nelson’s clock designs, including the Ball, Sunburst, Night and Zoo Timers, preserving their distinctive forms and materials for contemporary interiors.

These clocks come in lovely packaging, making them ideal gifts for a special person or occasion.

Explore the George Nelson page to discover more about the designer and his work.

Choosing a designer clock is about more than telling the time. The right piece should feel balanced within the room, complementing the furniture, wall colour and wider interior. Whether you are looking for a luxury wall clock for a living room, a statement design for a dining area or designer clocks for a modern home office, consider the clock’s scale, finish and visual presence together. A designer wall clock for a modern interior should feel considered alongside the room’s other materials and shapes. Explore luxury wall clocks to compare styles and find the right fit.

Start by measuring the wall where the clock will hang. A large wall clock such as Vitra's Sunflower wall clock that measures 75cm in diameter, can create a strong focal point above a sofa, sideboard or dining table, while a smaller design may be better suited to a hallway, kitchen or compact room. Leave enough surrounding space for the clock to breathe, and consider the viewing distance. A bold, graphic design can hold its own in a spacious room, while a quieter form may work better in a layered interior.

The finish will also shape the mood of the room. Walnut brings warmth and works beautifully with natural materials, mid-century furniture and neutral schemes; a walnut wall clock such as Vitra's Walnut Sunburst wall clock can bring these elements together. Brass adds a refined note to contemporary, classic or softly lit interiors, and a brass designer clock can serve as a subtle accent, or a big brass clock like Vitra's Turbine clock is so large  that it makes a real impact on any decor. Multicoloured designer clocks can introduce energy and contrast, making a multicoloured wall clock especially effective as a focal point on a plain wall. This is why Vitra's Mulitcoloured Ball Clock is one of our most popular wall clocks. When choosing a luxury wall clock, look at the tones already present in the room and decide whether you want the clock to blend in or become a considered accent.

For a cohesive result, think about the room first, then the clock. Choose a designer wall clock with enough presence for the wall, or select a smaller designer clock for a shelf, desk or bedside table. Taking time to compare size, materials and colour will help you find a piece that feels right for your space and remains enjoyable to live with.