The Cifra 3 [ˈtʃiːfra ˈtre] is a digital flip clock manufactured by Solari di Udine, S.p.A., Italy designed by Italian architect Gino Valle [it] (1923–2003) in 1965, with significant contribution from John Myer, a Belgian inventor, and typography design by Massimo Vignelli. The Cifra 3 is widely considered a masterpiece of industrial design, using a split-flap display to display hours and minutes. The clock is on permanent display in the "Humble Masterpieces" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and holds a place in the permanent collection of the Science Museum in London.
History
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Gino Valle's relationship with the Solari company began in 1954 with the design of the Cifra 5 electromechanical digit-snap clock (patented in 1957), consisting of 4 vertical pallets of 10 numbers each making up all the hours. The Cifra 5 clock was the progenitor of a full-fledged family of industrial-type clocks, awarded the Compasso d'Oro in 1956. With the help of Belgian inventor John Meyer, a roll of 48 pallets was achieved, leading to the creation of the smallest direct-reading clock, the iconic Cifra 3, ideal for keeping at home or in the office.
See also
References
- ^ "Gino Valle, clocks, and the fusion of technology and design". Fondazione Pirelli. 2020-10-14. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
- ^ "Cifra 3". Solari lineadesign (Solari di Udine SpA). Retrieved 2024-07-07.
- "CIFRA 5 CLOCK". ADI Design Museum. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
- Design : la storia completa. Elizabeth Wilhide. Valsamoggia (BO): Atlante. 2017. ISBN 978-88-7455-133-0. OCLC 1090156975.
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- Storia del disegno industriale, prodotto: CIFRA 3, design: GINO VALLE
- The Solari Cifra 3 clock and Gino Valle's philanthropic vision
- MoMA|The Collection – The Cifra 3 Clock – MoMA Number: 719.1966
- PDF list (see p. 10) from MoMA's 2004 Humble Masterpieces exhibition