# Modernized Vintage Clocks The 'Nixie Brick' Merges Minimalism with Retro Style By Joey Haar | Published 2017-12-27 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nixie-brick References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2017/12/27/an-all-new-nixie/) Certain aspects of retro design remain inarguably appealing to the modern eye, while others are eyesores, so the Nixie Brick clock deftly keeps the best of an old style while incorporating it into the more modern tenets to which we've become accustomed. The clock uses the same technology as a Nixie clock, one of the more [unique technologies of the 1950s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vintageinspired-technology-tech-brand-kickbacks-discman-is-nostalgic), but it houses that tech in a modern shell. Nixie tubes, also known as cold cathode ray tubes, are glass tubes that use electronic conduction to display bright orange numbers. The [mesmerizing display](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triaxial-numechron-clock) is definitely attractive, but many authentic 50s Nixie clocks look excessively utilitarian. The Nixie Brick takes the analog appeal of cathode tubes and puts them within a [sleek, modern housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flip-alarm-clock) that would look just as appropriate holding a smart home terminal. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 88% | Activity: 97% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Vintage-inspired Technology:** Opportunity for businesses to modernize retro technology while preserving its nostalgic appeal. - **Minimalist Design:** Potential for companies to incorporate minimalistic aesthetics into their products, merging old and new styles. - **Smart Home Accessories:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to create modern devices that seamlessly blend into smart home environments. ### Where This Applies - **Consumer Electronics:** Companies in the consumer electronics industry can explore modernizing vintage technologies to attract nostalgically-inclined consumers. - **Home Decor:** Businesses in the home decor industry can capitalize on the demand for minimalist design by incorporating vintage elements into modern products. - **Smart Home Technology:** Opportunity for companies in the smart home technology industry to develop accessories that offer a blend of functionality, retro aesthetics, and smart features. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Nostalgic Nixie Tube Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/btf-nixie-watch.md) - [Bespoke Brass Vintage Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nixei.md) - [Retro Pastel Flip Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimalist-flip-clock.md) - [Barebones Retro-Inspired Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cloudnola-flip-clock.md) - [Retro Digital Flip Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flip-clock1.md) - [Nixie Tube-Equipped Turntables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nixie-tube-turntable.md) - [Pixelated Flip-Style Wall Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniot-klapklok.md) - [Chic Modern Cuckoo Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modern-cuckoo-clock1.md) - [Desktop Display Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minitoo-retro-pc-style.md)