Machine Description

Beat The Clock was a classic electro-mechanical pinball machine released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in 1963, capitalizing on the popularity of game shows and time-based challenges of the era. The machine's theme was inspired by the television game show of the same name, which was a significant part of American popular culture during the 1950s and early 1960s.

The machine featured a distinctive clock-themed playfield with time-based scoring challenges, multiple pop bumpers, and classic standup targets arranged to create timing-based gameplay objectives. Players would attempt to complete various shots within specific time limits, mirroring the urgency and excitement of the television show. The backglass artwork typically displayed bold clock imagery and dynamic typography characteristic of the early 1960s aesthetic.

As an electro-mechanical machine from the pre-solid-state era, Beat The Clock employed relay logic, motors, and steppers to track scoring and game progress. The game's mechanical nature created the distinctive sounds and tactile feedback that collectors and enthusiasts particularly value. While not among Gottlieb's most famous titles, Beat The Clock represents an important example of how pinball manufacturers of the period incorporated popular media properties into their designs.