In the 1940s and 1950s, sometimes after a few too many drinks, George Nelson would sit at a table and collaborate with other designers of the time. The Ball Clock, above, for example, was drawn on drafting paper in 1948 by either Nelson, Isamu Noguchi, Irving Harper, or Bucky Fuller, but they have no idea which one of them came up with the design that’s still around today.

They found the sketch the morning after it was drawn and made the clock a reality. This particular model is a reproduction by the Vitra Design Museum, and there are two versions.

You can choose from a walnut version, which is a Design Within Reach exclusive, or a natural or black brass finish, which also comes with a second hand. Several color schemes are available and they’re priced from $430.00 to $495.00 (the black brass).

Another Nelson design, the Eye Clock, was created a few years later, in 1957. This reproduction from the Vitra Design Museum, is an oversized eye comprised of geometric shapes arranged in a way that may make you wonder if the time could possibly be accurate at first.

The materials used include brass, walnut, and plastic, and the clock costs $450.00 at Design Within Reach.

George Nelson’s designs are what happen when clocks and creative vision collide. If you enjoy adding functional art to your home, these are worth a look.

Photo credit: Design Within Reach

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