C4U 7x7 Plus Clock

C4U 7x7 Plus Clock

C4U 7x7 Plus Clock is a large puzzle clock from Cube4You (C4U), a manufacturer that develops the Clock in many unusual formats: NxN, Hexagram, Triangle and Maze. This model belongs to the Plus series and is a separate product, not just another colour of the standard C4U 7x7 Clock. It is available in the Purple variant.

How this Clock works

The principle is the same as with the classic clock: both sides have dials with hands, and there are pins between them. The position of each pin (pressed in or pulled out) determines which dials turn together when you rotate a wheel. The goal is to set all the hands to 12 on both sides. The 7x7 layout has far more connections between dials than a regular 3x3, so you will need to work out your method from scratch and plan your moves more carefully. Ready-made algorithms from the WCA Clock won't be enough here.

Plus or standard 7x7?

The standard C4U 7x7 Clock has 49 dials in a full 7x7 grid, 36 pins and 4 wheels. In the Plus models, C4U adds extra dials and pins to the base layout. In the 3x3 Clock Plus, for example, that means four dials on top of the usual nine. So the Plus version is an expanded variant of a given size, not the same puzzle under a different name. If you are just starting out with large C4U clocks, it is wiser to begin with a smaller model, such as the 4x4 or 5x5.

Build and handling

C4U clocks are assembled from 3D-printed parts. This is what makes such unusual designs possible at all, but you shouldn't expect the precise fit of mass-produced cubes. In larger C4U clocks, resistance increases when many pins are raised at once. In that case, it is better to turn several wheels at the same time rather than overloading a single part. This is a big, heavy puzzle, so it is easier to solve at a table than in your hands.

Who is it for?

For those who know the regular Clock well and are looking for something much more challenging, as well as for collectors of unusual puzzles. It is not a speedcubing puzzle in the WCA competition sense, but rather a long, logical challenge. For a first puzzle or a gift for a child just starting out with the Clock, a classic 3x3 clock is a better choice.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: C4U (Cube4You)
• Type: puzzle clock (Clock), Plus series, 7x7 format
• Build: 3D-printed parts
• Colour: Purple