From Neon Origins to Millclock’s Masterpieces
The Enchanting Legacy of Nixie Tubes
Nixie tubes—those warm, glowing numerals stacked in vacuum-sealed glass—are much more than retro components. Invented in the 1950s and introduced commercially by Burroughs in 1955 as the “NIX I” (Numeric Indicator eXperimental No. 1), they became the premier numeric displays for everything from industrial counters to early calculators.
Their luminous charm and mechanical elegance made them ubiquitous until the rise of LEDs and other low-cost alternatives in the 1970s. Yet, decades later, Nixie tubes remain beloved by enthusiasts, standing at the crossroads of vintage tech and modern craftsmanship.
Millclock: Reviving Retro with Precision and Passion
At Millclock, based in Ukraine, this fascination takes on form. The brand artfully blends retro glow with modern electronics, delivering retro-futuristic clocks that are as much art as they are timekeepers. Key features include app and web control, Wi-Fi time sync, and custom lighting and effects—all in a design that celebrates Nixie’s nostalgic appeal.
ZIN-70: The Ultimate Nixie Experience
Among Millclock’s crowning achievements stands the ZIN-70, home to the largest Nixie tubes in the world—a staggering 58 mm in diameter and 150 mm in height. Each digit is handcrafted, housed in a sleek, closed silver or black aluminium case, merging industrial strength with refined elegance.
The ZIN-70 is not simply a clock—it’s a statement piece. Featuring RGB underlighting, theme alarms, Internet-enabled synchronization, and customizable slot-machine animations, it transforms the passage of time into a multisensory experience.
ZIN-18: Compact Perfection
While the ZIN-70 impresses with scale, the ZIN-18 demonstrates Millclock’s mastery in compact design. Using 40 mm high digits, it brings the charm of classic Nixie tubes into a smaller format—perfect for desks, bedside tables, or collectors who want elegance without massive scale.
Despite its smaller size, the ZIN-18 includes the same refined features: precise timekeeping, Wi-Fi synchronisation, LED effects, and a build quality that matches Millclock’s highest standards. It proves that even in miniature, Nixie tubes can captivate and inspire.
Why Nixies Endure—and Millclock Flourishes
What makes a vintage display tube endlessly captivating? For many, the soft, floating glow of neon evokes a sense of steampunk aesthetic, inspired curiosity, and a hands-on relationship with time.
Millclock taps into that timeless allure—not by merely preserving Nixies as relics, but by elevating them with craftsmanship, technical depth, and emotional resonance.
