# Cutting-Edge Old Clocks Fred Niell's Indicator-6 Nixie Clock Blends Retro & Nouveau By Andrew Robichaud | Published 2009-06-06 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fred-niells-indicator-6-nixie-clock References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/indicator-6-nixie-clock-is-handsome-functional-khruschev-appro/) & [niell.org](http://www.niell.org/nixie_6/Clock2Manual.html) This Indicator-6 Nixie clock is both a step back in time and a step forward into the future. The imagery of this clock takes you into the workspace of Sherlock Holmes. You’d probably find it next to his monocle and pipe. The Indicator-6, designed by Fred Niell, uses genuine [vacuum-tube technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dsky-moonwatch) (very old-school) to display the time in hours, minutes and seconds within the 6 [nixie tubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triaxial-numechron-clock). This [old school/new age clock](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amida-digitrend-open-sapphire) goes for around $275, but can you really put a price on awesome? ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Retro-futurism:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create modern products that blend vintage aesthetics with advanced technologies, appealing to consumers nostalgic for the past. - **Nixie Tube Revival:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative applications for nixie tubes, such as incorporating them into smart home devices or wearable technology. - **Steampunk-inspired Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine antique aesthetics with contemporary functionality to cater to the growing demand for steampunk-inspired products and accessories. ### Where This Applies - **Home Decor:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate retro-futuristic elements into home decor products, offering consumers a unique blend of nostalgia and modernity. - **Consumer Electronics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the use of nixie tubes in the design of cutting-edge electronics, providing a distinctive visual appeal and a sense of novelty. - **Fashion Accessories:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design steampunk-inspired accessories that combine vintage charm with functional features, targeting fashion-forward individuals seeking alternative styles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bespoke Brass Vintage Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nixei.md) - [Nostalgic Nixie Tube Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/btf-nixie-watch.md) - [Barebones Retro-Inspired Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cloudnola-flip-clock.md) - [Pixelated Flip-Style Wall Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniot-klapklok.md) - [Nixie Tube-Equipped Turntables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nixie-tube-turntable.md) - [Retro Pastel Flip Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimalist-flip-clock.md) - [Mechanical Digital Mesmerizing Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triaxial-numechron-clock.md) - [Tubular Illuminating Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacetime-blade.md) - [Retro Digital Flip Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flip-clock1.md)