Cheap Gametime Clock

Today I was loitering in the nearby Toys R Us and saw a chess clock that from looking at the box looked like the Excaliber Gametime II clock. It is being sold under the Toys R Us “Pavilion” brand. The picture on the box looked exactly like the Gametime II and the price was $19.99 plus tax. Usually the Gametime II sells for $30-40.

Googling found that there was a $19.99 pavilion travel chess set sold by Toys-r-us that has a place for a (not-included) chess clock.

toysrus.com/product/index.js … d=11107489

Even if there really was a chess clock in that package, there’s a good chance it was an older or cheaper Excalibur model – perhaps without increment, and/or with buttons that don’t feel very good. Recent models have solved these problems. I’d stick with the current models if I were you.

Bill Smythe

I checked out the clock that was mentioned above at a local Toys R Us this evening. The clock does go under the brand “Pavilion.” I took it out of the box and looked it over. While it has “Pavilion” logo, written on the black plastic case is Gametime!? :open_mouth: It is the same clock as the Excalibur Gametime II. The settings are on the bottom of the clock. It sets the same way. It shows minutes and seconds in counting down. You can set delay. The button push is easy and quiet, no distinct clicking like the first version. The only difference is in the directions that come with the clock. The print is so small you might need an electron microscope to read them. Pretty good bargain at $19.99.

They also had a chess bag with single weighted set, and a board with black and white squares. The bag is sturdy and has a good zipper, better looking than some I have seen. There a compartment that would fit a Gametime clock. Also a compartment to put your scorebook, pens, and small snacks. The set is the normal one we usually use. The only downside is that the board has smaller squares, probably 2" or smaller. This is similar to the boards you see in the UK or in Canada. The chess bag retails for $19.99.

What about increment?

Bill Smythe

I could not read the directions booklet because of the size of the type. When testing it for a bit in the store, it did have a setting for “Accum” with an on/off. Not sure if this referred to increment as I had never tried to set a Gametime clock for increment. In all other respects the clock was the exact same as the Gametime II. The clock was sturdy and the buttons had a good feel.

Yes, “Accum” (accumulate) is the increment setting. When the clock is set for increment instead of delay, an “F” (“Fischer”) appears in the center bottom of the display (where the delay countdown digit would normally be).

Several members of our club picked up the clock at Toys R Us. They tested and used them for some practice games. Worked just fine. One liked it better than the DGT North Americans we have on hand for members to use. If there are any left at the store, we may buy them for the club this weekend.

In the past couple of years, we have provided sets, boards, and clocks at our small tournaments. A few more digital clocks will allow us to run events with all clocks being digital; and can experiment with different delays or use 30 sec. increment.

OP here. I would have bought one of the Pavilions to compare it side by side with my Excalibur GT II, but I’m short on $ these days, and since I already have the clock, I couldn’t really justify buying another.