Robin Sterling Clocks

Robin Sterling is a physicist-turned-maker based in Norwich, U.K. He blends electronics, fine woodworking, and a taste for mathematical forms to create limited, handcrafted objects—from carved wave sculptures to open-PCB kits—and now, solid-wood Nixie clocks. His workshop handles everything in-house, from CAD to hand-sanding and finishing, so each piece carries both engineering precision and a furniture-grade surface finish.

For his new clock line, Robin chose Dalibor Farny R-series tubes, setting them in walnut, oak, or burnt-beech bases that are milled with gentle wave contours and sealed in natural wax. The warm, orange digits float above the grain while custom electronics inside the case handle time-keeping and dimming. Every clock is built to order, with a typical lead time of four to six weeks, and can be personalized through wood choice, carving patterns, or engraved logos.

The collaboration is a simple one: we supply the nixie tubes, Robin supplies the timber craft. The result is a family of nixie pieces that feel more like small pieces of furniture than gadgets—an earthy counterpoint to the metal-and-glass aesthetic of most tube clocks, and a fresh way to showcase our handmade digits on a living-room shelf.