C4U 3x3 Clock

C4U 3x3 Clock

C4U 3x3 Clock by Cube4You has the classic Clock layout: two faces with 9 clocks each and 4 pins that connect the faces. The goal is to set all the hands to 12 o'clock. What sets this puzzle apart from typical Clocks is mainly how it is made. Most of the parts are 3D printed, and the mechanism differs from what you know from popular magnetic models. We offer this Clock in Purple.

Build and mechanism

The faces have the texture typical of 3D printing, and both sides have removable matte plastic covers. The covers are not transparent, so the hands are easier to read without them. According to one user's description, the pins are held in place by magnets. The clocks themselves have no magnets; notches in the rings are used to set their positions.

Feedback so far suggests that turning is clearly tactile, more crunchy than smooth, and requires a firmer grip. The clocks stop not only at full hours but also halfway between them, and a pin can then lock up until you align the clocks connected to it. Loosening of the screws that hold the structure together has also been reported. We do not recommend taking this puzzle apart, as there are many small parts inside and reassembling it can be difficult.

Who is the C4U 3x3 Clock for?

It is above all a curiosity for puzzle collectors and fans of unusual Clocks. If you collect Cube4You models or want a 3D-printed Clock in your collection, you will get a puzzle with a noticeably different construction from standard models. For timed Clock practice and competitions, a classic magnetic Clock, for example from QiYi or ShengShou, is a better choice. It turns more smoothly, and its clocks stop only at full hours. This model is also not a good choice as a child's first Clock.

In the same series, Cube4You has also released larger and more complex Clocks, such as the 3x3 Clock Plus with extra clocks, as well as 4x4 and 5x5 versions. The model described here has the standard 3x3 layout.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3 Clock (2 faces with 9 clocks each, 4 pins)
• Manufacturer: C4U (Cube4You)
• Build: 3D-printed parts, removable face covers
• Dimensions: approx. 106 x 106 x 21.5 mm
• Colour: Purple