# Crab-Legged Steampunk Clocks Nixie Machine Fuses Vintage Digital Tubes with Modern Manufacturing By Amelia Roblin | Published 2015-01-28 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steampunk-clock References: [tuvie](http://www.tuvie.com/nixie-machines-clock-by-frank-buchwald/) & [mbandf](http://www.mbandf.com/mad-gallery/creators/nixie-machine/) It may surprise you to discover that the most modern-looking elements of this steampunk clock are actually the oldest. Frank Buchwald appropriated old glowing [Nixie](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lamp-clocks) tubes that were made in East Germany in the 1960s – examples of the best preserved anywhere. The six [sci-fi bulbs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacetime-transformation-lamp) are assembled in pairs, configured to display the hours, minutes and seconds, or the day, the month and the year. The sharp red numerals beam behind the glass like lasers, accenting an already detailed design below. While the master maker of the Nixie Machine Clock has produced similar models in the past, this one has been composed as quite a technical-looking structure. [Metal supports](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moov-and-coo) that resemble crabs' legs hold a menorah-like armature, for an alien-esque and futuristic form that seems to transcend time. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 87% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## 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 - **Steampunk Clocks:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine vintage design elements with modern manufacturing techniques to create unique and visually striking timepieces. - **Nixie Tubes:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Repurpose and integrate vintage Nixie tubes into modern electronic devices for a retro-futuristic aesthetic. - **Metal Sculpture Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Merge art and functionality by incorporating metal sculpture elements into everyday objects. ### Where This Applies - **Home Decor:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new design approaches for home decor items, incorporating elements from different eras to create unique and visually intriguing pieces. - **Electronics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine vintage and modern technologies to create distinctive electronic products with a nostalgic appeal. - **Art and Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Push the boundaries of traditional art and design by incorporating unconventional materials and techniques into functional art pieces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Single-Digit Nixie Tube Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lamp-clocks.md) - [Nostalgic Nixie Tube Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/btf-nixie-watch.md) - [Satisfying Steampunk Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-oddly-satisfying-clock.md) - [Tubular Illuminating Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacetime-blade.md) - [Mechanical Digital Mesmerizing Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triaxial-numechron-clock.md) - [Flowing Light Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crydal-scroll-clock.md) - [Grenade-Inspired Table Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lepe-1839.md) - [Steampunk Desktop Appliances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3in1-desk.md) - [Opulent Armory Clock Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lepe-1839-grenade-clock.md)