Beat the clock — Williams’ Beat the Clock is an electromechanical single-player built around the thrill of racing against time, designed by the legendary Steve Kordek, one of the true titans of pinball history, with art by George Molentin. With reel scoring, a confirmed run of 2,100, and — remarkably for its era — a two-ball multiball, it’s a lively woodrail machine from a genuine master of the craft.
The layout is a busy, bumper-rich spread: a generous four flippers, five pop bumpers, a pair of passive bumpers, three kick-out holes, two standup targets, two rollover buttons, and that notable two-ball multiball. All those bumpers promise a wildly energetic, bouncing ball that demands active nudging and quick reflexes, while the four flippers open up extra angles to attack the playfield. The two-ball multiball is a genuinely ambitious feature for an electromechanical machine, offering a jolt of excitement rare in games of this vintage. It’s a fast, kinetic design that captures the frantic, against-the-clock spirit of its theme.
Beat the Clock is a fine example of Steve Kordek’s design craft, pairing a high-energy racing theme with a bumper-heavy playfield and that surprising multiball. Kordek was a genuine legend whose innovations echoed across decades of pinball history, and playing one of his creations connects you to that deep legacy. For the collector who loves the golden age of EM pinball and its foundational figures, it’s a rewarding find. Ride those five bumpers, work the multiball, and race against the clock. Some machines capture the urgency of their theme, and this Kordek classic keeps the pressure on from plunge to drain. Beat the clock and drop a coin.