Block Clock | The Essential Store

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Design Legacy

The Block Clock is no longer in production—and that is precisely what gives it its weight. Designed by George Nelson during the formative years of American modernism, it stands as one of the most celebrated and recognizable works from his clock designs. More than a timepiece, it is a symbol of a moment when graphic clarity, optimism, and experimentation reshaped how everyday objects could look, feel, and live in space.

Today, the Block Clock is regarded as a true collector’s piece. Examples reside in museum collections and private archives, valued not only for their visual impact but for their role in defining midcentury design language. Its absence from current production only deepens its cultural and historical significance.

Materials

Lacquered Wood Blocks
Radial wooden blocks form the clock’s defining silhouette, finished in lacquer to enhance depth, grain, and contrast. The warmth of the wood softens the geometry while reinforcing the clock’s sculptural presence.

Enameled Brass Center
The central hub is crafted from brass and finished with enamel, providing a smooth, luminous focal point. This metallic core anchors the composition and reflects Nelson’s interest in combining warmth with precision.

Enameled Aluminum Elements
Enameled aluminum is used for select structural and visual components, adding crisp definition and a subtle industrial counterpoint to the organic wood forms.

Design

The Block Clock replaces traditional numerals with solid forms, arranging wooden blocks in a radial pattern that suggests time through rhythm rather than instruction. The square-meets-circle composition balances playfulness with discipline—a hallmark of Nelson’s work. Contrasts define the design: soft wood against hard enamel, graphic simplicity paired with visual depth, and American pop sensibility grounded in architectural thinking.

Dimensions

11.25" Diameter × 2.5" Depth
(29 cm diameter × 6 cm depth)

AA battery is not included.

Arrives in 3-5 Weeks
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Block Clock

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Questions About The Block Clock

How long until I receive my order?

The Block Clock arrives approximately 3-5 Weeks from the day of order.

Our products take longer to arrive than most others on the internet. But there's a good reason why. Most of our pieces are made to order and ship directly from the source. We don’t keep warehouses or carry excess inventory. This is how we cut costs and pass thousands in savings back to you. But it also means you have to wait a bit longer.

What is your return policy

The Block Clock can be returned after receiving the order only if the product is damaged or unusable.

Our products are made to order. So we cannot offer returns for changes in preference. But we always do what we can to make it right.

To be returned, products need to be completely unused and still in their original packaging.

How can I track my order?

The Block Clock ships within 1-3 Days of order placement.

Once your order has been shipped, you will receive an email with tracking details, allowing you to monitor its progress. Simply use the provided tracking information on our delivery partner’s website to stay updated on your shipment.

I have another question

Contact us anytime at care@theessential.com

Judge us by our looks

Our packaging is safe, simple, and proudly no frills. We don't think it makes sense to pay for things you throw away immediately.

That's why the Block Clock ships in the same protective packaging the manufacturer uses, covered in functional stickers and foreign stamps showing the journey it's been on.

We don't hide it and wear it as a badge of honor for the places our products have been and the people who made them.