Jeff has a new clock that he shared with the world on the DWF.nu forum. It is a new design for a nixie watch based on Burroughs B4998 tubes. It will include a rechargeable lithium ion which should last about 3 months. The device is 41mm wide, 19mm tall, 32mm deep and weighs about 28 grams (not including enclosure). Lastly, it will include a changing cradle for the watch.
This device also has some other uncommon features. The watch is activated by a wrist snap-shake using a magnetized ball rolling in a steel barrel. Any unintended activations are kept to a minimum by an R/C timer circuit. Setting the time is done with a rod magnet which activates a micro reed switches placed on each end of the logic section. All of this is built using CMOS logic components; just like the original LED watches of the 70's. "I didn't cheat and use a microprocessor. Although I did use seven very small TSSOP packaged IC's."
This production run is limited to 15 watches so if you want one, contact him asap :)
(images and description used with permission.)
This is the latest creation from Dieter Wächter / Nocrotec and it is based off of RFT Z5660M tubes. There are two version of this clock listed on Nocrotec: V600-NT and the V600-RT. The NT is the one for sale and has the "nipple top" whereas the RT version has the rounded tube design. I believe the clock has a buy it now proce of around $800USD but since bidding has started, I cannot find the price.
As usual, Dieter has done a great job of documenting the design and building of this clock. You can see all of the details here: http://www.tube-tester.com/sites/nixie/nixie-clocks/v600/v600.htm
This Nixie clock combines nostalgic Nixie tubes with innovative circuitry in a nobly stainless steel case. Its elaborate software and features, the good craftsmanship and the beautiful case make this clock a distinctive top-quality product. It's a handmade masterpiece in design and functionality.
This clock uses the beautiful Z5660M tubes with a digit height of 1.2" (30 mm) made by RFT!
Well balanced proportions and a clear geometry making up for a coherent and disciplined yet charming design. The clock is a celebration of purist elegance. The case is made of brushed stainless steel - a complimentary material for this unique Nixie clock. The surface is very shiny and reflects the orange glow of the Nixie tubes - you won't be able to take your eyes off it. We will send a pair of cotton gloves along with your Nocrotec V600-NT Nixie Clock in order to avoid leaving fingerprints on the case. Please wear them whenever you touch your Nixie clock.
View the wonderful case finish here:
The Nocrotec V600-NT Nixie Clock uses a state of the art circuitry. Time is kept by precise real time clock. It's accurate to within 0.0003s per minute. Nixie tubes require a high voltage to operate. In Nixie clocks there are different techniques used to generate this voltage. The Nocrotec V600-NT Nixie Clock uses the most innovative power supply we are aware of. It is a highly efficient, super low noise switch mode power supply in a very small shape (inside the case of course). The clock is not multiplexed, but the 6 Nixie tubes are driven directly.
This clock uses the beautiful Z5660M made by RFT! A popular tube with a great digit height of 1.2" (30 mm). The shape of the numbers of the Z5660M Nixie tube has been considered to be one of the most beautiful ever made. Long life and stable operation are the benefits of these tubes.
eBay seller Turbo_Hobby emailed me to show off his newest creation - a 4 digit IN-12 nixie clock that he has been working on. Bidding is up to $19 and ends in 7 days. It comes fully assembled and ready to use. Since this uses IN-12a tubes, the "5" digit is actually an upside down "2". Presumably the designers did this to save the effort of forming one more digit, however small of a savings that would be. I really like these tubes because of that little quirk. it gives them more of a personality.
He suggests using this as a novelty desk clock...but given the form factor, you could easily mount this in a small photo box frame or other gadget. I do have one item from this seller, a single digit clock, and I've been happy with it so far. Go check out his auction at the bottom of this article.
This is a fully assembled four digit nixie clock with tube saving function. The clock is assembled with high-quality components and accurate clock pulse generator. Digits displayed are large and bright, which is good for a desk clock. Time will be kept by a lithium battery (soldered on board) when it is unplugged. Please refer to the video below or contact me for other details.
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UPDATE: not 5 minutes after this was posted, the item sold
Jeff Thomas has put one of his rare nixie watches up for sale on eBay for $500. To the best of my knowledge, this is the only 4 digit nixie clock on the market. It is slightly larger than the David Forbes design but it appears to be narrower and is enclosed in a clear acrylic case. As bet as I can tell in my research, this is the original nixie watch design.
Background: thirty five of these watches were assembled in 2001. Now nine years later, I revisited the original design.
I had completed a small production of six watches this week. This is the one remaining watch, and is being offered on ebay.
Shipping will be by USPS Priority Mail in the USA. International shipping will be USPS Express Mail worldwide.
(now quit reading and go buy it!)
