American classics. Built with style to last a lifetime using brilliant neon, dazzling chrome, heavy-duty electric motors and glass. Lumichron clocks are carefully hand- crafted out of American-made components in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Each clock embodies the American spirit reminiscent of early 20th Century industrial design in a very contemporary fashion.Lumichron clocks successfully blend durable function and artistic form into quality time-keeping pieces. The smoothly sweeping second hand, the dial illuminated with the soft glow of genuine neon lighting, the sculptured lines of the chrome and gloss black all-metal cases; hang a Lumichron clock in any environment to enjoy its unique luminescence and style. Appreciate Lumichron clocks for their craft, permanence and functionality.
Each Lumichron clock is an original work of art designed and manufactured by entrepreneur Ian Macartney. "As an American growing up overseas, I became enamored with the impressions I received during periodic visits to the States. From the skyscrapers, Miracle Mile shopping strips and gigantic cars to the vast expanses of open space and freedom in the west. After moving back to the States years later, I realized that some objects everyone took for granted were really American icons, possessed with the free spirit of American style. Durable 1930's and 1940's chromed kitchen appliances and porcelain enameled neon signs, and the fantastic fins of the 1959 Cadillac - it's all about the exuberance of the styling and expression in a unique American way!"
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"I designed the line of Lumichron clocks to capture this spirit of America. To create another American icon. Bold, yet fun and functional with classic American styling. Round and colorful. The smoothness of analog, electric time. Non-disposable. Nothing plastic. This is the real thing." |
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Created in France in 1915, neon was introduced to the USA in 1923 via a Packard sign that is still in working condition today! Neon is the generic word applied to all forms of cold cathode lighting which have an indefinite life span, since the electrode in a neon tube never gets hot enough to burn out. Color is achieved in three ways. Neon is actually an inert gas that fluoresces with a red color when high voltage current is passed through it. The other gas used is Argon, with a drop of Mercury, to generate blue. Additional colors are generated by coating the inside of the tubing with phosphorus powders that change the light waves and result in shades of green, turquoise, violet, etc. Different colors can also be produced by using colored glass to make the tubing.
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Little has changed since the early days of neon. It is still formed completely by hand, in 1200 degree fires, by very skilled journeymen. |