Best Nixie Tube Clocks for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best Nixie tube clocks for every need
Published: September 18th, 2024

šŸ•°ļøNixie tube clocks are a cool blend of old-school tech charm and modern craftsmanship, making them a hit with both collectors and tech lovers. Although they were overshadowed by LED displays for years, their nostalgic glow and unique look have brought them back. Whether you're after a ready-made clock or looking for a fun DIY project, we've got you covered. Our picks range from budget buys to high-end designs, catering to different tastes and wallets.

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Overall Best: Good Wood Handmade Vintage Retro Nixie Tube IN-14 Table Clock

The Good Wood Handmade Vintage Retro Nixie Tube IN-14 Table Clock is our top pick for its impeccable blend of vintage aesthetics and contemporary features. Operating in either 12 or 24-hour format, this clock also boasts extras like training lamps, a backup coin battery, and a night mode. The handcrafted wooden exterior adds a touch of elegance that makes it a standout piece. While the clock might be larger than expected and replacing bulbs can be pricy, its build quality and design make it a worthy investment for any enthusiast.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

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Runner-up: Douk Audio Vintage VFD Tube Acrylic Old School Vacuum Tube Alarm Clock with Remote

Serving as an excellent runner-up, the Douk Audio Vintage VFD Tube Clock offers a multitude of modern customization options. It can display the time, date, and temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius, adding versatility to its retro appeal. Its clean, attractive design fits seamlessly into any room. Some users did note challenges in setting up the clock's functions, but overall, its blend of old-school charm and modern utility stands strong.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$79.00 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: EBTTOOLS DIY Integrated Design Nixie Tube Clock with Remote Control

For those on a tight budget, the EBTTOOLS DIY Integrated Design Nixie Tube Clock is a fantastic choice. Its modular design is straightforward to assemble, program, and use, making it perfect for hobbyists who enjoy industrial design. Additionally, its low power consumption is a practical benefit. Be aware, some users have reported missing pieces or instruction manuals, but when complete, it's an impressive and educational project.

Available at Amazon
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Best for Luxury: Urwerk SpaceTime Blade Nixie Tube Clock

If luxury and exclusivity are what you're after, the Urwerk SpaceTime Blade Nixie Tube Clock is unparalleled. Only 33 of these architectural marvels will be produced, each standing at 1.7 meters tall and resembling a Star Wars lightsaber. With eight Nixie tubes encased in a large cylindrical glass, this limited-edition clock is more than a timepieceā€”it's an eye-catching centerpiece. Despite its hefty price tag, its retro tech and contemporary design justify the investment for those looking to make a statement.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$169.99 at Amazon

Best DIY Kit: Lascar DIY Nixie Tube Clock Kit

Nixie Tube Clock Kit DIY IN14 (With tubes) and Wooden Enclosure. (24 hours format)

For the DIY aficionados, the Lascar DIY Nixie Tube Clock Kit is a perfect project that melds fun with functionality. The kit comes with all necessary components and easy-to-follow instructions, allowing you to build your own retro-styled timepiece. The educational and rewarding experience is unmatched, though it's best suited for those who possess some familiarity with electrical projects. If you enjoy hands-on activities, this kit offers the perfect blend of creativity and technical skill.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$149.95 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Nixie Tube Clock Kit IN14? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How difficult is it to assemble the Nixie Tube Clock Kit DIY IN14?
Putting together the Nixie Tube Clock Kit DIY IN14 can be a fun project, especially if you're into vintage tech. It uses these neat [Nixie tubes](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dnixie%2Btubes%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) that light up in a warm, orangey glow. It feels like you're building something straight out of a time machine! Now, on to the assembly part: You'll need to do some soldering since the kit doesn't come pre-soldered, so it's great if you enjoy getting your hands a little dirty. But if soldering is new to you, it might be a bit of a learning curve. The good news is, the manufacturer includes detailed video instructions. The videos are silent but come with captions to walk you through both setting up the electronics and assembling the wooden casing. One tip we found from our research: hold off on attaching the power connectors and buttons until you're ready to put the enclosure together. It seems to make the process run smoother. This kit is a hit for those who love combining dĆ©cor thatā€™s both functional and a nod to a bygone era. Those old-school [IN-14 tubes](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DIN-14%2Btubes%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) are known for their reliability, too. People often mention how satisfying it is to see the final product with its unique glow. From what we've gathered, many folks find the assembly enjoyable, although a bit tricky for those who havenā€™t soldered before. So, if you're game to take on the challenge, set aside some time and find a quiet spot to work. Take it slow, and it should be rewarding in the end! So, if you're into vintage vibes and DIY, this kit is a pretty fulfilling endeavor. Youā€™re not just making a clockā€”it's like crafting a little piece of art that'll definitely get people talking. With a bit of preparation and patience, you'll end up with a functional and stylish clock that'll be a great conversation starter.
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What are the instructions like for the Nixie Tube Clock Kit DIY IN14?
If you're thinking about tackling the Nixie Tube Clock Kit DIY IN14, it's a pretty neat project with a cool mix of vintage style and modern DIY vibes. According to the manufacturer's product description, the kit comes with a power supply and works with any power adapter as long as it doesn't go over 5V. So, you've got some flexibility in choosing a power sourceā€”just make sure it fits within that voltage limit. When you get the kit, be ready for a bit of hands-on action because it arrives unsoldered and in pieces. This might sound a bit challenging, but our research suggests that even newbies usually find it doable. The key is the video instructions that come with the kit. They're super helpful, providing step-by-step guidance without audio, but don't worryā€”the captions are there to show you how to solder and assemble everything. One tip we found: hold off on soldering the power connector or buttons until you're ready to put them into the wooden enclosure. It's a small detail in the instructions, but it can save you from having to redo anything later on. One of the coolest parts of this project is working with the [IN-14 tubes](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DIN-14%2Btubes%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which are original from the USSR days. These tubes are not just tough but also give off that distinctive orange glow, adding a nostalgic touch to your clock and making it quite the conversation starter once it's all put together. So, if you're into retro tech or love a good DIY project, this Nixie Tube Clock Kit could be just what you're looking for. It's a fun way to bring a bit of history back while making something uniquely yoursā€”a perfect challenge for tech enthusiasts and hobbyists.
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What features does the Nixie Tube Clock Kit DIY IN14 have?
If you're into DIY projects and vintage vibes, the Nixie Tube Clock Kit DIY IN14 could be right up your alley. This kit gives you everything you need to create a cool retro-style clock featuring those iconic IN-14 Nixie tubes with their nostalgic orange glow. According to the manufacturer, it includes the tubes and even a wooden enclosure to nail that classic look. One interesting detail is that the clock runs on a 24-hour format, which might be a bit different if you're used to the usual 12-hour setup. The project is definitely hands-on since the kit arrives unsoldered and unassembled. But no worries, the manufacturer includes step-by-step video instructions to walk you through the process, so even beginners can jump in. We found that soldering is a big part of putting this together. You'll need to carefully connect the IN-14 tubes to the circuit board along with other pieces like resistors and capacitors, all of which are included. However, you might want to pay close attention when following the visual instructions provided since thereā€™s no audio guidance from the QR codes. Here's a tip from our research: hold off on soldering the power connector and buttons until they've been properly threaded through the wooden housing. This could make things a bit easier for you down the line. In the end, building the Nixie Tube Clock Kit goes beyond creating a stunning timepieceā€”it's also about the fun and satisfaction of assembling it yourself. If you appreciate a touch of nostalgic tech and are up for a bit of a challenge, this kit could make for a rewarding project.
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