Big Ben

Big Ben, designed by Steve Kordek and manufactured by Williams Electronics in 1975, is a solid addition to any pinball collection. As an electro-mechanical (EM) machine, Big Ben represents one of the later iterations of this technology before solid-state electronics took over the industry, with a confirmed production run of 2,900 units. Its World Places - Landmarks theme, rendered in artwork by Christian Marche, takes its name from London's iconic clock tower.

The gameplay features include dual flippers for navigating the playfield, two pop bumpers, and two slingshots. Five rollover buttons and three drop targets give players clear scoring objectives, while a single kick-out hole and an end-of-ball bonus add to the machine's replay value. The game was also convertible between replay and add-a-ball operation, a practical touch for operators in different jurisdictions.

With Steve Kordek's design and Christian Marche's artwork, Big Ben pairs two of the most prolific names in Williams' EM era. While little additional information has been found about this specific machine, its straightforward single-player gameplay and retro appeal make it an attractive addition to any serious pinball enthusiast's collection.