Ring-A-Date Calendar | Iconic Design

The Ring-A-Date calendar is an iconic design from 1970 by Italian designer Giorgio Della Beffa. It emerged during a period when design and technology were rapidly converging. In the 1960s and 1970s, the so-called polymer revolution introduced new plastic materials such as ABS into furniture and home accessories. Especially in Italy, this led to a surge of innovative designs that were light, functional, and futuristic.

The Ring-A-Date perpetual calendar was created for the brand Euroway and was immediately recognized worldwide for its clever simplicity and playful interaction. Instead of paper, numbers, or digital displays, the calendar consists of three colored rings that allow you to set the day, date, and month manually. This makes the object not only functional but also tangible and fun. Every day, moving the rings gives a conscious interaction with the design.

The design is minimalist, lightweight, and futuristic at the same time. Its rounded shapes, soft colors, and open mechanism give the calendar a friendly appearance. As a result, the Ring-A-Date wall calendar fits effortlessly into modern, minimalist, retro, and design-focused interiors. It’s an object you not only use but also appreciate as a piece of design.

Ring-A-Date Calendar in the MoMA Museum

The international recognition of the Ring-A-Date calendar came when it was selected for an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. MoMA is known for its strict selection of objects that combine design, innovation, and cultural significance. That a calendar was included in this collection highlights the uniqueness of the design. The Ring-A-Date was seen as an example of how functional objects can also hold aesthetic value. It combines graphic simplicity with technical ingenuity and human interaction—precisely the qualities MoMA looks for in design classics. Even today, the calendar is listed among iconic designs from the 1970s and continues to inspire contemporary product designers.

Revival of the Ring-A-Date Perpetual Calendar

After years of absence, the Ring-A-Date perpetual calendar was reintroduced by Giorgio Della Beffa’s grandchildren. They decided to bring the design back to life, not as a copy but as a faithful reissue following the original philosophy.

Remarkably, production uses the same methods and even the original molds from the 1970s. The calendars are made from ABS plastic using injection molding, making them lightweight yet strong and durable. Weighing approximately 500 grams, the calendar is easy to hang on almost any wall.

This reissue is not only a tribute to the original design but also a continuation of the craftsmanship and design philosophy of that era. The result is a product that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

Ring-A-Date Calendar in Different Colors

The Ring-A-Date calendar is available in various colors that suit both retro and modern interiors. Standard colors include green, white, orange, and yellow. There is also a special edition in a warm brown tone that complements natural and minimalist interiors beautifully.

Each calendar comes with three rings. For example, the green version includes white rings, but additional rings are available separately in multiple colors. This allows you to personalize your calendar to match your interior style. Changing the rings completely transforms the calendar’s look without needing a new object. This playful modularity makes the Ring-A-Date wall calendar a dynamic wall piece that adapts to your interior. Combine it with other wall objects such as a wall vase, wall clock, wall plate, or design mirror for a creative and playful display.

How to Identify an Original Ring-A-Date

Every original Ring-A-Date calendar features a small metal plaque on the side confirming its authenticity. The plaque includes a unique serial number for each calendar, verifying that it is an official, original piece.

The size is also an important identifier. The Ring-A-Date was produced in a single format: 48.5 cm in height, 47.3 cm in width, and 5.4 cm in depth. A calendar in a different size is likely not original.

Finally, price is a clue. Original Ring-A-Date calendars are priced higher due to the iconic design, high-quality materials, and official reissue. If a Ring-A-Date appears at a very low price, it is likely a replica.

By checking these three points, you can easily verify whether a Ring-A-Date calendar is authentic.

Buy the Ring-A-Date Calendar at Davinis

At Davinis, we love design objects with a story. The Ring-A-Date calendar is a perfect example. It combines timeless design, playful interaction, and sustainable production in one iconic object. By choosing the Ring-A-Date, you support not only classic design but also the preservation of craftsmanship, design history, and family-driven entrepreneurship.

Experience this extraordinary design for yourself. Discover the Ring-A-Date calendar at Davinis and add a piece of design history to your interior.