The clocks
What is a nixie tube?
A nixie tube is a glass tube filled with neon gas, containing ten stacked metal cathodes shaped like the digits 0 to 9. When a digit is powered, it glows with a warm orange light. Nixie tubes were used in measuring instruments and early computers from the 1950s until LED displays replaced them.
Are the tubes new?
Most of our clocks use new old stock (NOS) tubes: genuine vintage tubes manufactured decades ago and never used before. The Solitube uses a Dalibor Farny R568M tube, newly hand-made in the Czech Republic. Because vintage tubes are old, small cosmetic variations (glass tint, printed markings) are normal.
How long do the tubes last?
Lifespan depends on the tube and on how many hours it is lit. Every clock includes features that extend it: a night mode to dim or blank the display, a “slot machine” routine that cycles all digits to prevent cathode poisoning, and an optional motion sensor that switches the tubes off when nobody is in the room.
Is a nixie clock safe?
Yes. Nixie tubes need around 170 V DC, generated inside the clock from the low-voltage adapter supplied. The electronics are enclosed in the case. Do not open the clock or touch the board while it is plugged in, and always use the supplied adapter.
Will the clock work in my country?
Yes. Each clock ships with a mains adapter for the destination country. Timekeeping relies on a quartz crystal (or on GPS/WiFi sync), not on the mains frequency, so the clock keeps accurate time anywhere in the world.
Setup and options
How do I set the time?
With two buttons, following the printed manual supplied with the clock. A dedicated button switches between summer and winter time. Settings are kept in memory, and a supercapacitor keeps time through short power cuts.
GPS or WiFi module: which one should I choose?
Both set the time automatically. The WiFi module gets the time from the internet through your home network. The GPS module receives it from satellites, works anywhere without a network and comes with a 3 m cable. Choose WiFi if the clock sits within range of your router, GPS otherwise.
Can I customise my clock?
The RGB backlight is fully programmable from the clock itself. For other requests (a different tube, a case finish), contact me before ordering.
Ordering and delivery
Which payment methods do you accept?
Credit and debit cards, PayPal and Apple Pay. You do not need a PayPal account to pay by card.
How long does delivery take, and how much does it cost?
Shipping costs and options are shown at checkout before you pay. Processing times and delivery estimates are on our shipping & returns page.
Will I pay customs duties?
Not within the European Union. For deliveries outside the EU (for example the UK, Switzerland, the USA or Japan), import duties and taxes may be charged by your country’s customs on delivery and are paid by the recipient.
Can I return a clock?
Yes, within 14 days of delivery. See our returns policy.
What warranty do I get?
A 1-year warranty from Nixie Boulevard, in addition to the 2-year legal guarantee of conformity for consumers in the EU. See the warranty page.
Still have a question? Ask me.
