At Hackaday, the fascination with timekeeping never gets old. Clock time is always an opportunity to explore innovative designs and technologies that redefine how we perceive the passage of time. Today, we shift our focus to the talented maker known as [shiura], who has unveiled the latest iteration of their remarkable invention: the 3D Printed Perpetual Calendar Clock, now at Version 2.

At first glance, a 3D printed calendar clock might not seem particularly groundbreaking. After all, one could easily procure a few stepper motors and integrate an ESP32 microcontroller to connect to an online time server, providing a straightforward solution to keep track of time. However, [shiura] takes a different approach, showcasing impressive mechanical skills that elevate the project beyond the conventional.

Unlike many clock designs that rely heavily on digital components, this clock strikes a balance between traditional mechanics and modern technology. At its core, it utilizes a commercial quartz movement, a common choice that requires only a single AA battery to operate. The design stipulates that the length of the hour axis must be twelve millimeters or longer, ensuring compatibility with the movement. With just a few self-tapping screws and an M8 nut, the rest of this intricate timepiece is entirely 3D printed, showcasing the possibilities of additive manufacturing.

What sets [shiura]s clock apart is its comprehensive tracking capabilities. It not only records the day of the week and the month, but it also accurately displays the dateeven in Februarywhile accommodating leap years. Thanks to this sophisticated mechanism, the clock should remain accurate for an incredibly long duration, with the only anticipated interruptions being battery replacements and minor drift. In fact, you likely wont need to adjust this clock until March 2100, provided both you and the remarkable 3D printed mechanism continue to function well into the next century. Though Version 1 already had astounding features, Version 2 refines the design with enhanced aesthetics and improved usability, making it a more visually appealing and user-friendly product.

For those curious about how this unique mechanism operates, [shiura] has provided an engaging video tour that delves into the intricacies of the clock's designdefinitely worth a watch after reading this article.

[shiura] is no stranger to innovation in horology, having previously introduced various clock designsranging from a hybrid mechanical-analog display to a splitless flip-clock, and even a fully analog hollow face clock. Its clear that at Hackaday, we have no shortage of clock-making talent, and it will always be clock time around here.