How to Setup QiYi Clock: The Complete and Exhaustive Guide

How to Setup QiYi Clock: The Complete and Exhaustive Guide

The QiYi clock is one of the most advanced mechanical puzzle clocks on the market today. Learning how to set up QiYi clock properly is essential for both beginners and competitive speedcubers. This comprehensive guide covers everything about clock puzzles, from basic setup procedures to advanced optimization techniques for all clock variants available in the speedcubing community.

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Understanding the QiYi Clock

The QiYi magnetic clock represents a revolutionary advancement in clock puzzle design. Unlike the original Rubik's Clock from the 1980s, the QiYi clock setup offers precision, reliability, and multiple customization options that make it the preferred choice among speed solvers worldwide.

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Key Features of the QiYi Magnetic Clock

Essential Materials for QiYi Clock Setup

Before you begin the how to set up qiyi clock process, gather these materials:

1. Microfiber cloth or kitchen roll
2. Silicon-based lubricant (30,000 CST recommended)
3. Thinner silicon lube (1,000 CST for pin holes)
4. Small screwdriver (typically Phillips head)
5. Electrical tape (19mm width)
6. Small container or plastic bag for parts
7. Dropper bottles for precise lube application
8. Tissues for cleaning

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Recommended Lubricants

Step-by-Step QiYi Clock Setup Guide

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Part 1: Disassembly Process

How to set up qiyi clock begins with careful disassembly. Follow these numbered steps precisely:

1. Remove external screws: Locate the four screws on the exterior of the clock case (one on each edge). Use your screwdriver to carefully remove them without stripping.
1. Separate the case halves: Once screws are removed, gently pull the two plastic case pieces apart. Be cautious as the nuts on the back can fall out.
1. Remove the front and back plates: Carefully extract the decorative front cover and back plate by applying gentle, even pressure around the edges.
1. Disassemble the main clock structure: Slowly and carefully pull the two main clock faces apart. This requires gentle pressure all around the circumference to prevent magnet displacement.
1. Extract the center mechanism: Remove the internal ring structure containing the dials and gears. Work slowly to avoid mixing up components.
1. Separate dial layers: Gently pull the two layers of dials apart. These contain nine dials each and will have different magnets depending on their position.
1. Organize pieces by category: This is critical—separate your pieces into four distinct groups:
2. •Corner clocks: The thick pieces with magnets on both sides (4 total)
3. •Center clocks: Located in the middle positions (2 total, one per side)
4. •Edge clocks: The thinner pieces surrounding the center (12 total)
5. •Pins: The four metal pins that control which dials move (4 total)
1. Set aside hardware: Place all screws and nuts in a secure container to prevent loss.
📺 Video Tutorial

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Part 2: Cleaning Your QiYi Clock

Proper cleaning is essential before lubrication. The cleaning process removes factory residue and dust:

1. Clean all dial faces: Using a microfiber cloth or kitchen roll, wipe each of the nine dials on both the top and bottom layers. Pay special attention to the crevices between dial slots.
1. Wipe internal surfaces: Clean the inside rings where dials rotate. Dust accumulation here creates friction and lockups.
1. Clean the plastic cases: Wipe both the main case structure and decorative plates to remove any factory dust or debris.
1. Inspect the pins: Carefully clean all four pins with a soft cloth, ensuring they move smoothly in their holes. Pin cleanliness directly impacts puzzle performance.
1. Clean corner pieces: These receive significant wear, so ensure they're dust-free before reassembly.
1. Final inspection: Look for any remaining dust or manufacturing residue before proceeding to lubrication.

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Part 3: Lubrication Strategy for Optimal Performance

How to set up qiyi clock properly depends critically on lubrication technique:

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The Two-Lube System (Recommended)

The optimal setup uses two different lubricant weights:

For the Main Faces (30,000 CST):

1. Apply base layer: Take a small amount of 30K lube on your cloth—aim for just a visible sheen, not excessive application.
1. Coat the nine dial holes: Apply lube around where each of the nine dials rotates on both faces. You should barely see the lubricant; this is the "sheen" method.
1. Internal ring application: Use the same technique to apply lube to the internal rings where dials slide. Consistency is more important than quantity.
1. Black/White variant special step: For black and white clocks only, apply a small amount of 30K to the pin hole areas as well.
1. Different colors note: For blue, lilac, green, and emerald variants, avoid applying heavy lube to the pin holes—this creates stickiness.
1. Lube distribution: If using a heavier lube, consider placing one dial into the ring and spinning it to distribute the lubricant evenly, then removing it.

For the Pin Holes (1,000 CST):

1. Use dropper bottles: With thinner lube, dropper bottles provide precision. Apply one small drop into each of the four pin holes.
1. Distribute with pins: Insert each pin individually and gently twist to spread the lube around the hole interior.
1. Wipe excess: After distributing, wipe the pin itself clean so only the hole interior remains lubricated.
1. Repeat on both sides: Apply the same technique to the pin holes on both the front and back plates.

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Advanced Lube Setup for Competitive Performance

For advanced solvers seeking sub-5 times:

• •Use 30,000 CST on all dial faces (both sides)
• •Use 1,000 CST exclusively in pin holes
• •Apply the "barely visible sheen" principle consistently
• •Allow 24-48 hours break-in before competing
• •The setup used to achieve the first-ever sub-4 average employed this exact method

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Part 4: Reassembly Process

Proper reassembly is crucial after lubrication:

1. Verify clock orientation: Ensure the 12 o'clock position is marked on both faces (usually shown by dots or a line).
1. Place center clocks first: On the white face (or your primary color), insert the center clock in the middle position, oriented toward 12 o'clock.
1. Add edge clocks: Position all eight edge clocks around the center, ensuring they're all oriented toward 12 o'clock as well.
1. Insert corner pieces: For the four corner pieces, verify that you're placing them with the correct magnet orientation. Corner pieces have magnets on both sides, so orientation matters.
1. Add pins: Insert the four pins into their holes. The pins should click and stay in position due to the magnets.
1. Prepare the second side: Repeat the process for the back face, ensuring consistency with orientation.
1. Combine the two halves: Carefully align the magnetic connections and press the two sides together firmly. You should hear a satisfying magnetic click as they connect properly.
1. Attach external covers: Place the decorative front and back covers and ensure they're aligned with the main body.
1. Verify smooth operation: Before proceeding, test that the clock rotates smoothly with all pins up and down.

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Part 5: The Critical Tape Modification

The tape mod provides increased flexibility and reduces friction:

1. Gather materials: You'll need scissors and 19mm electrical tape. White tape is often preferred as it's less visible.
1. Measure tape length: Cut a piece approximately 4-5 centimeters (1.5-2 inches) long. Trial and error helps find your ideal length.
1. Apply to side edges: Place the tape along one side edge of the clock case, centering it vertically.
1. Work systematically: Repeat on the remaining three side edges until all sides are taped.
1. Ensure proper alignment: The tape should be centered and smooth without wrinkles to function optimally.
1. Test performance: After taping, the clock should feel noticeably less restrictive and turn more freely.

The tape modification works by reducing the rigidity of the plastic case, allowing slight flex that permits smoother dial rotation.

📺 Video Tutorial

Breaking In Your QiYi Clock

After setup, your clock requires a break-in period:

• •Perform regular solves with varied pin configurations
• •Expect the puzzle to feel tight initially
• •Avoid competing during the first 100 solves
• •Resist the urge to add more lube during break-in
• •If it becomes too stiff or gummy after break-in, disassemble and adjust

Comprehensive Clock Variants Guide

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Standard QiYi Magnetic Clock (2x2 Basic)

The standard QiYi clock represents the most traditional format with nine dials on each side:

Features:

• •18 total dials (9 per side)
• •4 movable pins
• •208 magnetic components
• •4 tension-adjustable screws
• •Multiple color variants

Solving Method: The standard Pochmann method or flip method works optimally with this variant.

Setup Duration: 30-45 minutes including disassembly and assembly.

Competitive Average: Intermediate solvers average 10-15 seconds; advanced solvers achieve 6-8 seconds.

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ShengShou 3x3 Clock Variant

The ShengShou 3x3 clock provides a simplified entry point:

Key Differences:

• •9 total dials (3 per side)
• •3 movable pins instead of 4
• •Fewer moving parts
• •Easier to understand mechanics
• •Lower learning curve

Setup Process:

1. Follow the same basic disassembly as standard clocks
2. Note that you only have three pins to manage
3. The center dial remains stationary when only specific pins are moved
4. Lubrication follows the same two-lube system

Solving Approach:

• •Solve the center first (fixed reference point)
• •Match adjacent dials to the center
• •Working outward in a cross pattern
• •Handle outer dials last
📺 Video Tutorial

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ShengShou 5x5 Clock Variant

The 5x5 variant provides intermediate complexity:

Structure:

• •25 total dials (approximately 12-13 per side depending on center design)
• •5 movable pins
• •Additional gear mechanisms
• •Increased solving complexity

Setup Differences:

• •More components require organization during disassembly
• •Additional pins need lubrication attention
• •Larger case structure
• •More dial positions to align

Solving Strategy:

1. Solve the center cross pattern
2. Match adjacent corners
3. Work on outer dials systematically
4. Final alignment to 12 o'clock

Estimated Solving Time: Beginners 15-25 minutes; experienced solvers 8-12 minutes.

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ShengShou 4x4 Clock Variant

The 4x4 represents an intermediate challenge:

Characteristics:

• •16 dials total
• •4 pins (like standard)
• •Different spatial arrangement
• •Moderate learning curve

Setup notes: Follows standard QiYi setup procedures with minor component variations.

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Advanced Variants: Beyond 5x5

While comprehensive guides for 6x6 through 9x9 clock variants are limited in competitive speedcubing communities, these emerging puzzles exist:

6x6 Clock: Approximately 36 dials, 6 pins, significantly increased complexity.

7x7 Clock: Around 49 dials, 7 pins, expert-level solving.

8x8 and 9x9 Clocks: Theoretical designs with 64 and 81 dials respectively, representing the most complex mechanical clock variants.

Solving Methodology: These larger variants follow similar logical progression to 5x5:

• •Establish center reference
• •Build outward systematically
• •Manage pin configurations precisely
• •Final alignment phase

Note on Availability: Official competitive solutions for 6x6+ exist primarily through specialty manufacturers and are rarely used in World Cube Association (WCA) competitions.

Clock Solving Methods Explained

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Beginner Method (Flip/Basic Method)

Perfect for learning how to set up qiyi clock solving basics:

1. Create first cross: Make all dials on one side point to 12 o'clock
2. Match center reference: Use the middle dial as your anchor point
3. Match edges to center: Align adjacent dials with the center
4. Complete the cross: All nine dials point to 12 o'clock
5. Flip and repeat: Turn the puzzle over and solve the back side identically
6. Corner adjustment: Use remaining pins to align corner dials
7. Final positioning: Ensure all dials align to 12 o'clock on both sides

Typical Time: 45-60 seconds for beginners

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Pochmann Method (Fixed Pin Order)

An intermediate approach used by competitive solvers:

Key Principles:

• •Memorize a fixed pin sequence: UR, DR, DL, UL
• •Turn the same dial each time
• •Account for "lucky cases"
• •Flexible starting position from any orientation

Optimal Solution Path:

1. Equalize the cross
2. Connect four adjacent clocks to the center reference
3. Flip and repeat on the back side
4. Solve corner clocks with one pin down at a time
5. Final 12 o'clock alignment

Average Time: 15-20 seconds for practiced solvers; 8-10 seconds for experts

Lucky Cases: Situations where clocks are already partially solved, allowing time savings through skipped steps.

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10-Move Memoless Method

An advanced technique eliminating memorization:

Core Concept: Generate solving moves in real-time through observation rather than memorized algorithms.

Advantages:

• •No memorization required
• •Flexible approach
• •Faster potential times
• •Less mental overhead

Typical Time: 7-12 seconds with practice

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Optimized Pochmann Method

The method used for competitive sub-4 average achievement:

• •Enhanced efficiency through memorization optimization
• •Lucky case exploitation
• •Minimal wasted moves
• •Precise pin manipulation

Competition Results: Thomas Allinson achieved the first-ever sub-4 average (3.74) at Kewbz Scottish Championship 2025 using this method with a precisely setup QiYi clock.

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Other Advanced Methods

Clock Notation and Scrambling

Understanding proper notation is essential for competitive solving:

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Position Abbreviations

• •UR = Upper Right
• •DR = Down Right
• •DL = Down Left
• •UL = Up Left
• •U = Upper Center
• •D = Down Center
• •R = Right Center
• •L = Left Center
• •ALL = All dials at once

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Movement Notation

• •+ Sign = Clockwise rotation
• •- Sign = Counterclockwise rotation
• •Number (1-6) = Number of hour positions rotated (from 12 o'clock)
• •y2 = 180-degree horizontal flip of the puzzle

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Example Scramble

UR3- DR3+ DL2+ UL5- U4+ R6+ D0+ L0+ ALL4+ y2 U6+ R4+ D6+ L2- ALL4- UR DR DL

This notation tells you:

1. Upper Right dial 3 moves counterclockwise (backward 3 hours)
2. Down Right dial 3 moves clockwise (forward 3 hours)
3. And so on...
4. After various moves, flip the puzzle horizontally (y2)
5. Continue solving the back side

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

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Common Issues and Solutions

Regular Maintenance Schedule

1. Every 500 solves: Light cleaning with a cloth
2. Every 1,000 solves: Internal inspection for dust/debris
3. Every 2,000 solves: Consider partial re-lubrication of dial faces
4. Annually: Full disassembly, cleaning, and re-lubrication

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Storage Recommendations

• •Store in a cool, dry place (avoid extreme temperatures)
• •Keep away from moisture (humidity can cause rust)
• •Store upright or flat, never on its edge
• •Use a cube stand or protective case
• •Keep away from magnetic fields

Performance Optimization for Advanced Solvers

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Hardware Customization

Some elite solvers enhance performance through modifications:

1. Magnet augmentation: Adding 24+ additional magnets for stability
2. Corner weight reduction: Carefully removing small portions of corner piece plastic
3. Pin tension adjustment: Using the four external screws for precise resistance tuning
4. Alternative tape thickness: Experimenting with different tape weights
5. Hybrid lubrication: Combining multiple lube brands for optimized feel

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Break-in Acceleration

Advanced solvers employ techniques to reach peak performance faster:

1. Intensive practice: 100+ focused solves in the first 24 hours
2. Varied pin configurations: Practicing with all possible pin combinations
3. Temperature variation: Using in different environments to test stability
4. Progressive stress testing: Gradually increasing turning speed

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Mental Preparation for Competition

Beyond hardware, solving readiness requires:

• •Memorization of your chosen method's patterns
• •Practice with time pressure
• •Pin manipulation speed development
• •Consistent turning technique
• •Pre-competition setup verification

Video Tutorials for Visual Learners

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Setup Tutorials

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Solving Tutorials

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ShengShou Variants

Quick Reference: Setup Timeline

Total Time to Fully Optimized Clock: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Conclusion

Learning how to set up qiyi clock properly transforms your solving experience from frustration to precision and speed. Whether you're a beginner tackling your first clock puzzle or an advanced competitor pursuing sub-4 times, the setup procedures outlined in this exhaustive guide provide the foundation for success.

The key to optimal performance lies in understanding that every component matters—from the carefully selected lubricant viscosity to the precise orientation of magnets during reassembly. By following these detailed steps and embracing the break-in process, you'll develop a clock that responds precisely to your touch and delivers consistent, competitive performance.

Remember that clock puzzles represent one of the most rewarding WCA events to master, combining mechanical understanding, memorization skill, and finger dexterity into a uniquely satisfying solving experience.