QiYi Magnetic Clock

QiYi Magnetic Clock (Purple)

QiYi Magnetic Clock is a fully magnetic Clock, an official WCA event. Each side has 9 dials, plus 4 wheels and 4 pins. The internals are built entirely on magnets: the gears hold 204 small magnets and the pins hold 4 large ones, 208 in total. The purple (Lilac) variant has the newer magnet layout that QiYi introduced in 2024.

What the new magnet layout changes

The wheels and pins now have magnetic positioning rings. The magnet on the centre gear is stronger and the ones on the corner gears are weaker. In practice, turning feels more even no matter how many pins are pressed, and the hands land on full hours more reliably. According to users, the pins are more stable than in the first version of this Clock and harder to move by accident, for example during inspection.

Feel and setup

This Clock is more controllable than fast, and every position clicks clearly. Out of the box, many people find it slow, dry and fairly stiff. That's why it's worth doing a setup right away: take the Clock apart, lube the mechanism and adjust the tension. Tension is adjusted with four screws, and a small Phillips screwdriver is all you need to open it. After this setup, the Clock turns noticeably lighter. If you set it very loose, be careful not to overshoot.

Build quality

The pattern on the casing isn't printed but made as inserts, so it doesn't wear off like a print would. The wheels have rounded edges that don't rub your fingers during fast turning.

Who is it for?

For people who are starting to practise Clock for time, and for those upgrading from a weaker, non-magnetic model. You can compete with this Clock without buying modded versions. If you're looking for a Clock for a child who is just getting to know this puzzle, it will work well too. Just remember that it will benefit from lubing after you take it out of the box.

Specifications

• Type: Clock (WCA event), magnetic
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Size: approx. 100 mm
• Weight: approx. 128 g
• Magnets: 208 (204 in the gears, 4 in the pins), magnetic rings in the wheels and pins
• Adjustment: tension set with four screws
• Colour: Purple (Lilac)