Time Machine Tabletop Clock

Product Description

Time Machine is the clock that's fun to watch! Just turn the time machine tabletop clock on and its precise mechanism transfers a chrome ball every sixty seconds fo... [Read more]

Top Reviews

Improving the noise level
by Pedro R. Schaeffer (4 out of 5 stars)
September 21, 2011

I got this clock and after reading the reviews I would like to suggest a few steps that will lower substantially the mechanical noise of this clock.

As most people say, this clock is very noisy, and I must agree, so, I decided to improve the noise level and the result is a much improved overall noise level. One must keep in mind that this is a device that is made of plastic and has dozen of steel balls circulating on its troughs, so, don't expect it to be as quite as a conventional clock.

First thing to improve the noise level is to set the clock on top of a soft pad to minimize the vibration of its structure with a hard surface, like a glass top or wood.

Second, fill all the empty space underneath the clock with plastic foam (as the one used in computer packaging or even a kitchen foam sponge). To do so, remove the batteries, remove all the balls and flip the clock over, and you'll see many empty spaces underneath. Cut pieces to fit snugly into the empty spaces until everything is filled with foam. Flip the clock back to its working position on top of the pad, place the balls in the proper places to show the correct time and replace the batteries and their cover.

Very important, always use this clock with the plastic cover that came with it. This cover has two notches underneath the top that hold the motor tower on the right position, thus avoiding a misalignment of the moving arm that catches the balls.
↭ 🍁 ↭
This makes a great teaching tool - however it needs to be readjusted ...
by M. A. Szlaga (4 out of 5 stars)
May 3, 2016

Received some rusty ball bearings and the company was QUICK to replace. This makes a great teaching tool - however it needs to be readjusted on a daily basis as it is inaccurate and loses about 3 minutes of time per day.
If only this thing ran the way it should, I'd have it running all day in my house. The mechanisms inside are noisy despite it having a case around it which I thought would insulate the sound. Understandably the balls are going to make some sort of sound as they roll, but it's a lot of sound! It is distracting especially in a classroom when testing or asking to write or read... or in a bedroom. Would work very well in an open space or behind a glass cabinet however, like I said it is fairly noisy but such a great COMPANY I gotta say - very innovative and VERY PLEASANT to work with.
↭ 🍁 ↭
Trash
by Buddy H (1 out of 5 stars)
December 22, 2013

At first this machine kept great time then after 4 months I noticed that the time was off. Then I noticed that the arm that picks up the ball and carries it to the top to be dropped on the unit is stopping short by about 10 degrees during each rotation meaning every so many minutes it falls behind. I changed the batteries but it didn't make any difference. I know the batteries were good I just purchased then and they had an expiration date of years ahead.

Basically the unit only runs for a few months and then seems to malfunction. It's not worth the money. It should be priced at less than 10 bucks.
↭ 🍁 ↭
A favorite from my father's office
by C.J.S. Hayward (5 out of 5 stars)
February 25, 2013

During my childhood, one periodic treat was going to my office and seeing a Time Machine on his desktop. Since it broke, there are now two Time Machines on his desk, the original one and one that I gave him after the original one broke.

It's enchanting, but I would like to give one very clear warning. If you are using batteries to power your clock (you can also power it via a 6 volt, negative center power adaptor), TAKE THE BATTERIES OUT BEFORE TRANSPORTING. The balls in the clock will fall every which way, which is fine, but it is easy enough for two or more balls to jam the arm that carries the balls, AND CAUSE IRREPARABLE DAMAGE.

On my clock I have placed tape over the niches where the balls turn, and I am powering it with an adaptor. However, I would explicitly warn that the mechanism surrounding the arm is easily damaged, and if you would otherwise leave it powered while you transport it (i.e. with batteries), remove the batteries so it is transported without power. And, WITH OR WITHOUT BATTERIES, when you reach your destination, make sure that there are not balls lodged in such a way that the arm is jammed, before you restore power.

This is a great product. However, there are a couple of warnings necessary to keep enjoying this great product.
↭ 🍁 ↭
Fun, but not well made and doesn't keep accurate time.
by Auton (2 out of 5 stars)
April 15, 2011

I had a 70's vintage version of this clock that I inherited from my father. The motor burned up on that clock so I bought this one to replace it. The new version is interesting because it has a second indication, but that is the only way it is better. The new version is a lot more flimsy than the old one. The pivot points on the marble arms are sloppy and get stuck occasionally. It also doesn't keep good time (even when nothing gets stuck). It seems to loose about 20 minutes a day. The original was powered directly from household current. The new version is powered by batteries, but does have a input for an ac adapter (not included).

UPDATE: This clock ran for about two months then quit. I thought it was just dead batteries, but it still didn't work after I replaced them with fresh ones. I even tried using an ac adapter, but no luck. The second dial still turns but the arm that lifts the balls for the minutes and hours no longer moves.
↭ 🍁 ↭
Works as a clock, but more of a toy.
by Charles Gregory (4 out of 5 stars)
July 12, 2013

This clock is very cool, but it also makes a lot of noise. Enough that I only "use" it as a garage workshop clock. With all its moving parts, it isn't the most reliable device in the world, and I have occasionally found that it has dropped a few balls off the track. I've had to use one of those wire claw grabbers to get them out of the post base holes from time to time--don't use a magnet! You could magnetize the ball.

As has been previously mentioned, durability is a concern for this clock. I've had mine for several years (usually turned off), and I did have to fix something on it early in my ownership. I think it was part of the arm drive mechanism, but I don't remember for sure. It was something very simple to fix, just needing super glue or duct tape or something like that, and it has worked just fine ever since.

If I were rating this strictly as a clock, I would only give it 2 or 3 stars because of reliability concerns, but I think of it as a cool toy that happens to keep time.

One final plus: You won't find a clock with an easier (manual) daylight savings time adjustment!
↭ 🍁 ↭
Did Not Last Very Long
by Cycomps (2 out of 5 stars)
January 24, 2012

I purchased this item because I collect clocks and it would have made an interesting addition to my collection. However, only after 2 months of operating, it messed up. The ball pickup arm started acting strangely. It would only go halfway around then stop. After another minute, it would go the rest of the way around then stop, thus taking 2 minutes to pick up a ball instead of 1 minute. I have been in contact with the manufacturer but so far have only gotten an email back stating that "the clock only has a 45 day warranty on it" which I already read before I sent the email to their customer service. I was asking if there was a replacement part that I could order but so far all they mention is the fact the the warranty had expired. I believe that is only as far as I am going to get with them. It looks possible that this particular problem may be common with it. I am very disappointed with this item at this time.

UPDATE:

I just received an email back from the customer service lady that I have been corresponding with saying the she received "special permission" to extend the warranty this one time only on my clock and that they will replace it for me. It's good that some companies will listen to their customers. I have to take back what I said in my earlier review. We'll see how the replacement does before I say anything further about it.

UPDATE 2:

I returned the clock to them and as of today 2-17-12 I have not heard back from them or received the replacement clock. I think they really do not intend to replace the clock like they said they would otherwise I would have received it back by now. I do NOT recommend this product to anyone because it seems to have inherent problems with the ball pickup mechanism and that the clock will only last a few months.
↭ 🍁 ↭
The price changed by 5-6 times what I paid previously FOR SHAME.
by Djordje (3 out of 5 stars)
October 25, 2014

I purchased 2 of these previously. The first one had a cheap arm that simply went around like the 2nd hand on a clock. No actual counter that activates the hand. That version seemed to work well. The 2nd one was not reliable. The time was always off every day and I spent more time fixing the time than actually enjoying it. The concept is awesome especially for nerds like myself. I originally paid about $30 dollars. I want to get a new one but not at 5 to 6 times the cost. What a rip off. CUI should be ashamed of selling at that cost. *wags finger*
↭ 🍁 ↭
it's ok but not durable in the least.
by Eric (3 out of 5 stars)
June 21, 2011

I had one of the old electric ones that I bought at a garage sale. It was very durable and the motor finally died. I bought this one. Within about 2 minutes of having it out of the box the battery cover snapped trying to put it on over the batteries. Other than that it is working fine and is as noisy as I remember. We will see how it goes. I will update this review if the clock dies. Other than that it is noisy. I tend to ignor it but if noise (particularly a clunking like noise) bothers you then don't keep this is a study room or a quiet room. Also, it doesn't have an on/off switch so you either have to unplug it or pull a battery. The batteries are split 3 to 1 so it looks as though they took that into account. I give it a 3. Would be a 4 if it had a switch and was more durable. A 5 if in addition to that they find a way to make it more accurate and possibly quieter (I know that's a challenge with metal on plastic but hey, one can hope.)
↭ 🍁 ↭
Very neat clock, however I would not get it for it being worth $30.
by Pyrodron (1 out of 5 stars)
January 5, 2012

UPDATE 4/29/12: This clock no longer works. After taking it apart, I found the timer was defective & it kept shutting down the motor. I showed it to my step-dad, whom is good at electronics like these, & said there was nothing he could do to fix it. I figured it could be fixable but at the price this clock is at, it's not worth it.
1/1/12: I got this as a Christmas present w/ my amazon gift card. I've had the clock running since New Years 2012. And so far, it's working fine. The concept of the clock is very neat. The only downside is that it's loud & that I understand. I've had no problems however, try not to bump it. There are holes at the floor of the clock that hold the legs up, if you bump it, one of the balls could fall in there & then you'd have to tip the clock over. I like how they gave you a few more balls than needed in case if any are damaged which I like.

*If this is not the "Time Machine Tabletop Clock" product you were looking for, you can check the other results by clicking this link.  Details were last updated on Sep 17, 2024 08:15 +08.