Cifra 3

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.

[1] The Cifra 3 is widely considered a masterpiece of industrial design, using a split-flap display to display hours and minutes.

The Cifra 3 was included in the 2004 "Humble Masterpieces" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and is also the museum's permanent collection.

[3][4] 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.

[6][5][1] 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.