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EP0264875B1 - Attachment of a bracelet to a watch case - Google Patents

Attachment of a bracelet to a watch case Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0264875B1
EP0264875B1 EP87115246A EP87115246A EP0264875B1 EP 0264875 B1 EP0264875 B1 EP 0264875B1 EP 87115246 A EP87115246 A EP 87115246A EP 87115246 A EP87115246 A EP 87115246A EP 0264875 B1 EP0264875 B1 EP 0264875B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
base
frame
case
fact
undercut
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP87115246A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0264875A1 (en
Inventor
Fraçois Niklès
Gaston Gagnebin
Marco Bettelini
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Original Assignee
Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0264875A1 publication Critical patent/EP0264875A1/en
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Publication of EP0264875B1 publication Critical patent/EP0264875B1/en
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/08—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits
    • G04B37/084—Complete encasings for wrist or pocket watches without means for hermetic sealing of winding stem or crown
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/14—Suspending devices, supports or stands for time-pieces insofar as they form part of the case
    • G04B37/1486—Arrangements for fixing to a bracelet
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/22—Materials or processes of manufacturing pocket watch or wrist watch cases

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a wristwatch case comprising a crystal, a middle part serving as a housing for a movement fitted with hands, said middle part having a circular outer periphery devoid of roughness, and a bottom detachably fixed to the middle part, said middle part having on its lower edge two diametrically opposite clearances to each receive a strand of the bracelet, the shape of each clearing being substantially the same as the shape of the strand which is engaged therein and said bottom being shaped to cover said clearances without extending beyond said circumference circular exterior of the middle when the case is closed.
  • the cited document however has several drawbacks.
  • the first is to require special bracelet strands provided with openings coming from one piece with the strands or attached to the latter, which prohibits the use of standard strands with continuous edges such as are commonly found on the market.
  • the next is to require grooves that are complicated to machine in the middle, which are very difficult to make, moreover, if the middle is made of a material that is difficult to machine, such as ceramic, for example.
  • the bracelet generally made of leather or plastic, can deform and still come out of its housing. In any case, this retaining system requires the strand to be engaged over a good length, a length which can be shortened if the means which will appear in the present invention are used.
  • Document CH-B 347 490 describes a device for attaching a bracelet to a watch case which comprises two ears integral with the watch and projecting laterally therefrom and arranged in such a way that the ends of the bracelet are fixed each to one of these ears by an assembly member which avoids the use of bars.
  • the circular outer periphery is not devoid of roughness as will be seen in the present invention so that the fastening device is prominent and leaves apparent, for most of the embodiments described, the fastening system of the bracelet to the box. In addition, no packing is described.
  • the patent FR-A 935 435 describes for its part a strap attachment to a watch which avoids the use of an ordinary clasp. It is actually a device added to a watch that must have its own case and the strands of the bracelet, hung on claws are not covered by a clearance that would be practiced in a middle part as is the case in the present invention, and as is necessary to prevent the bracelet inadvertently disengages from the claws to which it is retained. There also the problem of the water resistance of the watch is not resolved.
  • the present invention overcomes the drawbacks mentioned above by proposing to use the means which appear in the claims.
  • Figure 1 is a top view of the watch case according to the invention and according to a first embodiment.
  • the box is generally designated by 1 and the strands of the bracelet by 2.
  • the circle 3 designates the outer periphery of the case 1 and the circle 4 the inner periphery of a middle part 5.
  • Figure 1 is partially torn at 6 o'clock from its dial to show how it is attached bracelet 2 to box 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a section along line II - II of Figure 1, we find the middle part 5 which is in the form of a ring limited by the circles 3 and 4.
  • the middle 5 is covered by a glass 6 glued or welded.
  • the interior of the middle part 5 serves as a housing for a movement 7 and its dial 8, themselves held in place by a flange 9 and a circle 10.
  • the movement 7 carries needles 22 pivoted about an axis 23.
  • the crystal 6 is provided with a metallization 11 whose edge 12 also appears in FIG. 1.
  • a base 13 is removably fixed to the middle part 5 by means of screws 14 which appear in the figure 3, figure which will be commented on below.
  • a gasket 15 seals the watch in a manner known per se.
  • Figures 1 and 2 further show that the middle part 5 has on its lower edge two diametrically opposite recesses 16 which each receive a strand 2 of the bracelet.
  • the shape of the recesses 16 is substantially the same as the shape of the strands 2 which are engaged therein.
  • At least one projection 17 is integral with the bottom 13. This projection extends in the engagement 16 to receive a corresponding opening 18 made in the strand 2 so that the strand is fixed to the box when the cover is applied under the middle.
  • the bottom 13 has two projections 17, each of the projections being a protuberance made in one piece with the bottom.
  • the base, with the projections which it includes, is produced by turning and milling.
  • a plate 19 which may be metallic and which is inserted into the thickness of the strand.
  • the protrusions of which have the shape of crown segments makes it possible to reduce the total height of the watch as much as possible and is particularly suitable for a ladies' watch. It goes without saying that, --- in this embodiment, the openings 18 made in the strand will also have the same shape of crown segment.
  • FIG. 2 also shows that the face 20 of the clearance 16, extending opposite the part 21 of the bottom 13 covering said clearance, forms with said part two planes between which the strand 2 is sandwiched, the said planes being perpendicular to the axis 23 of the hands 22, to force the strand 2 to emerge from the box in a plane perpendicular to said axis 23.
  • This arrangement will be used for watches of small diameters, particularly for ladies' watches, the diameter of which is at least 22 mm.
  • Figure 3 is a section along line III - III of Figure 1. It shows how the base 13 is fixed to the middle part 5 by screws 14. Figure 1 shows that four fixing points are provided.
  • the middle 5 carries holes 24 in which plugs are driven 25. The plug is then drilled-tapped taking as a reference the internal bore 4 of the middle 5. This technique will be used in the case where the middle is made of hard material , for example ceramic. However, we can do without plugs in the case where the middle part is made of steel or precious metal.
  • Figure 4 is a top view of the watch case according to the invention and according to a second embodiment. This second mode is distinguished from the first only by its attachment system and by the fact that the strands of the bracelet are inclined relative to the axis of the watch hands. Also, we will not return to the construction details which are the same as those explained in connection with FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 and we will simply use the same reference numbers to designate the identical parts.
  • Figure 4 is partially torn at 6 o'clock from its dial to show how the bracelet 2 is attached to the case 1.
  • the middle 5 has on its lower edge two diametrically opposite clearances 16 which receive each a strand 2 of the bracelet.
  • the bottom carries two projections 30 for a clearance 16, these projections being in the form of cylindrical pins driven into the bottom 13. So that the pin is well anchored in the bottom, we give at the bottom an extra thickness 31 at the place where the bottom covers the clearance 16.
  • the pins 30 extend in the clearance 16 to receive a corresponding opening 32 made in the strand 2.
  • the openings 32 are simple circular holes drilled in the strand, holes whose diameter is adjusted to the diameter of the pins 30.
  • the strand can be reinforced by the plate 19.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 also show that the face 33 of the clearance 16, extending opposite the portion 34 of the bottom 13 covering said clearance, forms with said portion two planes between which the strand 2 is sandwiched, said planes being inclined relative to the axis 23 of the needles 22, at least in the peripheral region of the box 1, to force said strand 2 to emerge from the box in a plane inclined relative to said axis 23.
  • the fixing of the bracelet by pins and the arrangement allowing the inclined emergence of the strands of the bracelet will be used especially on watches having a large diameter, for example 40 mm. In this case, in fact, there is more room for thickness, which makes it possible to strengthen the base for receiving the pins and to take advantage of a simpler fixing system than that of the crown segments of the previous embodiment.
  • the inclined exit of the bracelet strands is justified given the large diameter of the box. This arrangement will allow the bracelet to fit the shape of the wrist as soon as it comes out of the strap from the watch case. If one wishes to reinforce the strand 2 at the place of its fixing, one will use, as for the previous embodiment, a reinforcing plate 19 to which one will also give an inclined shape as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6.
  • the middle part 5 is made of a very hard material such as ceramic or a metal carbide.
  • the recesses 12 will come directly from sintering without requiring subsequent operations. Only the surfaces receiving the glass 6 and the movement 7 will be machined.
  • the middle could be made of another material such as stainless steel or a precious metal such as gold.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)

Abstract

1. Wristwatch case comprising a crystal (6), a frame (5), designed to house a movement (7) equipped with hands (22), said frame (5) exhibiting a circular outer periphery (3) having no projections, and a base (13) fastened removably to the frame (5) with the bottom edge of said frame (5) having two diametrically opposed undercuts (16) that each accomodate one end (2) of a band, the shape of each undercut (16) being essentially the same as the shape of the band (2) inserted therein, and said base (13) being shaped to cover said undercuts without projecting from said circular outer periphery (3) of the frame (5) when the case is closed, characterized by the fact that a water-tight gasket (15) is located between the frame (5) and the base (13), and at least one projection (17, 30) integral with the base (13) extends into each undercut (16) to pass through a matching opening (18, 32) fashioned in the band (2) so as to fasten said end (2) to said case when the base (13) is applied to the underside of said frame (5).

Description

La présente invention est relative à une boîte de montre-bracelet comportant une glace, une carrure servant de logement à un mouvement équipé d'aiguilles, ladite carrure présentant un pourtour extérieur circulaire dépourvu d'aspérité, et un fond fixé amoviblement à la carrure, ladite carrure présentant sur son bord inférieur deux dégagements diamétralement opposés pour recevoir chacun un brin du bracelet, la forme de chaque dégagement étant sensiblement la même que la forme du brin qui y est engagé et ledit fond étant conformé pour couvrir lesdits dégagements sans déborder dudit pourtour extérieur circulaire de la carrure quand la boîte est fermée.The present invention relates to a wristwatch case comprising a crystal, a middle part serving as a housing for a movement fitted with hands, said middle part having a circular outer periphery devoid of roughness, and a bottom detachably fixed to the middle part, said middle part having on its lower edge two diametrically opposite clearances to each receive a strand of the bracelet, the shape of each clearing being substantially the same as the shape of the strand which is engaged therein and said bottom being shaped to cover said clearances without extending beyond said circumference circular exterior of the middle when the case is closed.

Une boîte de montre répondant à la définition générique qui vient d'être donnée est décrite dans le brevet CH-A 355 095. Ce document propose une carrure dans laquelle sont pratiqués deux dégagements ou creusures. Dans chacun de ces dégagements est engagé un brin du bracelet qui présente un épanouissement en queue d'aronde et qui est maintenu dans ledit dégagement par le fait que l'épanouissement a la même forme que le dégagement. Le bracelet est maintenu axialement en place quand le fond de la boîte est appliqué sous la carrure. Aucune garniture d'étanchéité n'est interposée entre le fond et la carrure. Cette construction a l'avantage, comme la présente invention, de rendre inapparent tout le système d'attache du bracelet à la boîte, donnant ainsi l'illusion que le bracelet est fait d'une pièce et n'est pas interrompu par la boîte de montre.A watch case meeting the generic definition which has just been given is described in patent CH-A 355 095. This document proposes a middle in which two clearances or recesses are practiced. In each of these clearances is engaged a strand of the bracelet which has a dovetail blooming and which is maintained in said clearance by the fact that the blooming has the same shape as the clearance. The bracelet is held axially in place when the case back is applied under the middle. No gasket is interposed between the back and the middle part. This construction has the advantage, like the present invention, of making the entire system for attaching the bracelet to the box inapparent, thus giving the illusion that the bracelet is made in one piece and is not interrupted by the box. of watch.

Le document cité présente cependant plusieurs inconvénients. Celui d'abord de nécessiter des brins de bracelet spéciaux pourvus d'épanouissements venus d'une pièce avec les brins ou rapportés sur ces derniers, ce qui interdit l'utilisation de brins standards à bords continus tels qu'on les trouve couramment sur le marché. Celui ensuite de nécessiter des creusures compliquées à usiner dans la carrure, creusures très difficiles à réaliser de surcroît si la carrure est faite en matériau difficilement usinable comme la céramique par exemple. Celui enfin de ne pas assurer une fixation à l'épreuve de fortes tractions qui peuvent s'exercer sur le bracelet puisqu'alors le bracelet, généralement fait en cuir ou en plastique, peut se déformer et sortir tout de même de son logement. De toute façon, ce système de retenue exige un engagement du brin sur une bonne longueur, longueur qui peut être raccourcie si l'on utilise les moyens qui apparaîtront dans la présente invention.The cited document however has several drawbacks. The first is to require special bracelet strands provided with openings coming from one piece with the strands or attached to the latter, which prohibits the use of standard strands with continuous edges such as are commonly found on the market. The next is to require grooves that are complicated to machine in the middle, which are very difficult to make, moreover, if the middle is made of a material that is difficult to machine, such as ceramic, for example. Finally, that of not ensuring a fastening to the test of strong pulls which can be exerted on the bracelet since then the bracelet, generally made of leather or plastic, can deform and still come out of its housing. In any case, this retaining system requires the strand to be engaged over a good length, a length which can be shortened if the means which will appear in the present invention are used.

Dans une construction particulière, on a bien essayé de retenir le bracelet au moyen d'ergots faits d'une pièce avec une glace de montre moulée et d'un anneau vissé sur le fond ou la carrure. Cette construction, décrite dans le document JP-U 1 149 226, a le désavantage d'être fragile puisque les ergots en matière plastique peuvent casser facilement. Elle est également compliquée du fait de la simple présence de l'anneau.In a particular construction, we have tried to retain the bracelet by means of lugs made of one piece with a molded watch crystal and a ring screwed onto the back or the middle. This construction, described in document JP-U 1 149 226, has the disadvantage of being fragile since the plastic lugs can break easily. It is also complicated by the simple presence of the ring.

Le document CH-B 347 490 décrit un dispositif d'attache d'un bracelet à une boîte de montre qui comporte deux oreilles solidaires de la montre et faisant saillie latéralement de celle-ci et arrangées de telle façon que les extrémités du bracelet sont fixées chacune à l'une de ces oreilles par un organe d'assemblage qui évite l'utilisation de barrettes. Le pourtour extérieur circulaire n'est pas dépourvu d'aspérité comme on le verra dans la présente invention de sorte que le dispositif d'attache est proéminent et laisse apparent, pour la plupart des modes d'exécution décrits, le système d'attache du bracelet à la boîte. De plus, aucune garniture d'étanchéité n'est décrite.Document CH-B 347 490 describes a device for attaching a bracelet to a watch case which comprises two ears integral with the watch and projecting laterally therefrom and arranged in such a way that the ends of the bracelet are fixed each to one of these ears by an assembly member which avoids the use of bars. The circular outer periphery is not devoid of roughness as will be seen in the present invention so that the fastening device is prominent and leaves apparent, for most of the embodiments described, the fastening system of the bracelet to the box. In addition, no packing is described.

La construction préposée par le document US-A 2 225 474 met à profit deux pièces embouties s'emboîtant l'une dans l'autre pour former respectivement un boîtier extérieur frontal et un boîtier inférieur dorsal, ces pièces étant arrangées pour retenir un bracelet par deux oreilles apparentes diamétralement opposées, oreilles que justement cherche à éviter la présente invention. Cet arrangement ne comporte aucune garniture d'étanchéité, car la construction l'en empêche formellement. On ne voit donc pas comment, en partant de cet arrangement on pourrait l'adapter à la construction de la boîte de la présente invention où, en fixant le fond à la carrure on assure simultanément et l'attache du bracelet, et l'étanchéité de la montre.The construction proposed by document US-A 2,225,474 takes advantage of two stamped parts which fit into one another to respectively form a front outer casing and a lower back casing, these parts being arranged to retain a bracelet by two diametrically opposite apparent ears, ears which the present invention is precisely trying to avoid. This arrangement has no packing, as the construction formally prevents it. We therefore do not see how, starting from this arrangement, we could adapt it to the construction of the case of the present invention where, by fixing the base to the middle part, the strap is simultaneously attached and the seal of the watch.

Le brevet FR-A 935 435 décrit pour sa part une attache de bracelet à une montre qui évite l'utilisation d'un fermoir ordinaire. Il s'agit en réalité d'un dispositif surajouté à une montre devant posséder son propre boîtier et les brins du bracelet, accrochés à des griffes ne sont pas couverts par un dégagement qui serait pratiqué dans une carrure comme c'est le cas dans la présente invention, et comme cela est nécessaire pour éviter que le bracelet ne se dégage intempestivement des griffes auxquelles il est retenu. Là également le problème de l'étanchéité de la montre n'est pas résolu.The patent FR-A 935 435 describes for its part a strap attachment to a watch which avoids the use of an ordinary clasp. It is actually a device added to a watch that must have its own case and the strands of the bracelet, hung on claws are not covered by a clearance that would be practiced in a middle part as is the case in the present invention, and as is necessary to prevent the bracelet inadvertently disengages from the claws to which it is retained. There also the problem of the water resistance of the watch is not resolved.

La présente invention remédie aux inconvénients cités ci-dessus en proposant de recourir aux moyens qui apparaissent dans les revendications.The present invention overcomes the drawbacks mentioned above by proposing to use the means which appear in the claims.

L'invention sera comprise maintenant à la lecture de la description qui va suivre de deux modes de réalisation de ladite invention, modes donnés uniquement à titre d'exemples et illustrés par le dessin dans lequel:

  • La figure 1 est une vue de dessus, en partie déchirée de la boîte de montre selon l'invention et selon un premier mode d'exécution,
  • La figure 2 est une coupe selon la ligne II - Il de la figure 1,
  • La figure 3 est une coupe selon la ligne III - III de la figure 1,
  • La figure 4 est une vue de dessus, en partie déchirée de la boîte de montre selon l'invention et selon un second mode d'exécution,
  • La figure 5 est une coupe selon la ligne V - V de la figure 4, et
  • La figure 6 est une coupe selon la ligne VI - VI de la figure 4.
The invention will now be understood on reading the following description of two embodiments of said invention, modes given only by way of examples and illustrated by the drawing in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a top view, partially torn, of the watch case according to the invention and according to a first embodiment,
  • FIG. 2 is a section along line II - II of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a section along line III - III of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 4 is a top view, partially torn, of the watch case according to the invention and according to a second embodiment,
  • FIG. 5 is a section along the line V - V of FIG. 4, and
  • FIG. 6 is a section along line VI - VI of FIG. 4.

La figure 1 est une vue de dessus de la boîte de montre selon l'invention et selon un premier mode d'exécution. La boîte est généralement désignée par 1 et les brins du bracelet par 2. Le cercle 3 désigne le pourtour extérieur de la boîte 1 et le cercle 4 le pourtour intérieur d'une carrure 5. La figure 1 est partiellement déchirée à 6 heures de son cadran pour montrer comment est attaché le bracelet 2 à la boîte 1.Figure 1 is a top view of the watch case according to the invention and according to a first embodiment. The box is generally designated by 1 and the strands of the bracelet by 2. The circle 3 designates the outer periphery of the case 1 and the circle 4 the inner periphery of a middle part 5. Figure 1 is partially torn at 6 o'clock from its dial to show how it is attached bracelet 2 to box 1.

Si l'on se réfère maintenant à la figure 2 qui est une coupe selon la ligne II - Il de la figure 1, on retrouve la carrure 5 qui se présente sous la forme d'un anneau limité par les cercles 3 et 4. La carrure 5 est recouverte par une glace 6 collée ou soudée. L'intérieur de la carrure 5 sert de logement à un mouvement 7 et son cadran 8, eux-mêmes tenus en place par un réhaut 9 et un cercle 10. Le mouvement 7 porte des aiguilles 22 pivotées autour d'un axe 23. Pour cacher la carrure 5 et le réhaut 9, la glace 6 est pourvue d'une métallisation 11 dont le bord 12 apparaît aussi sur la figure 1. Un fond 13 est fixé amoviblement à la carrure 5 au moyen de vis 14 qui apparaissent à la figure 3, figure qui sera commentée plus bas. Une garniture 15 assure l'étanchéité de la montre de façon en soi connue. Les figures 1 et 2 montrent encore que la carrure 5 présente sur son bord inférieur deux dégagements 16 diamétralement opposés qui reçoivent chacun un brin 2 du bracelet. La forme des dégagements 16 est sensiblement la même que la forme des brins 2 qui y sont engagés. Lorsque le fond 13 est appliqué sous la carrure 5, les dégagements 16 sont couverts, de sorte que le brin 2 est engagé entre le fond et la carrure.If we now refer to Figure 2 which is a section along line II - II of Figure 1, we find the middle part 5 which is in the form of a ring limited by the circles 3 and 4. The middle 5 is covered by a glass 6 glued or welded. The interior of the middle part 5 serves as a housing for a movement 7 and its dial 8, themselves held in place by a flange 9 and a circle 10. The movement 7 carries needles 22 pivoted about an axis 23. For hide the middle part 5 and the flange 9, the crystal 6 is provided with a metallization 11 whose edge 12 also appears in FIG. 1. A base 13 is removably fixed to the middle part 5 by means of screws 14 which appear in the figure 3, figure which will be commented on below. A gasket 15 seals the watch in a manner known per se. Figures 1 and 2 further show that the middle part 5 has on its lower edge two diametrically opposite recesses 16 which each receive a strand 2 of the bracelet. The shape of the recesses 16 is substantially the same as the shape of the strands 2 which are engaged therein. When the base 13 is applied under the middle part 5, the clearances 16 are covered, so that the strand 2 is engaged between the base and the middle part.

Selon l'invention, au moins une saillie 17 est solidaire du fond 13. Cette saillie s'étend dans l'engagement 16 pour recevoir une ouverture correspondante 18 pratiquée dans le brin 2 de telle sorte que le brin est fixé à la boîte quand le couvercle est appliqué sous la carrure.According to the invention, at least one projection 17 is integral with the bottom 13. This projection extends in the engagement 16 to receive a corresponding opening 18 made in the strand 2 so that the strand is fixed to the box when the cover is applied under the middle.

Selon une variante de ce mode d'exécution général et comme on peut le voir en figures 1 et 2, le fond 13 présente deux saillies 17, chacune des saillies étant une protubérance faite d'une pièce avec le fond. Le fond, avec les saillies qu'il comprend, est réalisé par tournage et fraisage. Pour renforcer les points d'attache du brin 2 à la boîte 1, on peut prévoir une plaquette 19 qui peut être métallique et qui est insérée dans l'épaisseur du brin. Cette variante, dont les protubérances ont la forme de segments de couronne, permet de réduire au maximum la hauteur totale de la montre et convient particulièrement bien pour une montre-dame. Il va de soi que,--- dans cette exécution, les ouvertures 18 pratiquées dans le brin auront aussi la même forme de segment de couronne.According to a variant of this general embodiment and as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the bottom 13 has two projections 17, each of the projections being a protuberance made in one piece with the bottom. The base, with the projections which it includes, is produced by turning and milling. To strengthen the attachment points of the strand 2 to the box 1, one can provide a plate 19 which may be metallic and which is inserted into the thickness of the strand. This variant, the protrusions of which have the shape of crown segments, makes it possible to reduce the total height of the watch as much as possible and is particularly suitable for a ladies' watch. It goes without saying that, --- in this embodiment, the openings 18 made in the strand will also have the same shape of crown segment.

La figure 2 montre aussi que la face 20 du dégagement 16, s'étendant en regard de la partie 21 du fond 13 recouvrant ledit dégagement, forme avec ladite partie deux plans entre lesquels le brin 2 est pris en sandwich, les dits plans étant perpendiculaires à l'axe 23 des aiguilles 22, pour forcer le brin 2 à émerger de la boîte dans un plan perpendiculaire audit axe 23. On utilisera cette disposition pour des montres de petits diamètres, particulièrement pour des montres-dame, dont le diamètre est de l'ordre de 22 mm au moins.FIG. 2 also shows that the face 20 of the clearance 16, extending opposite the part 21 of the bottom 13 covering said clearance, forms with said part two planes between which the strand 2 is sandwiched, the said planes being perpendicular to the axis 23 of the hands 22, to force the strand 2 to emerge from the box in a plane perpendicular to said axis 23. This arrangement will be used for watches of small diameters, particularly for ladies' watches, the diameter of which is at least 22 mm.

La figure 3 est une coupe selon la ligne III - III de la figure 1. Elle montre comment le fond 13 est fixé à la carrure 5 au moyen de vis 14. La figure 1 montre que quatre points de fixation sont prévus. La carrure 5 porte des trous 24 dans lesquels sont chassés des bouchons 25. Le bouchon est ensuite percé-taraudé en prenant pour référence l'alésage intérieur 4 de la carrure 5. Cette technique sera utilisée dans le cas où la carrure est en matériau dur, par exemple en céramique. Cependant on pourra se passer des bouchons dans le cas où la carrure est en acier ou en métal précieux.Figure 3 is a section along line III - III of Figure 1. It shows how the base 13 is fixed to the middle part 5 by screws 14. Figure 1 shows that four fixing points are provided. The middle 5 carries holes 24 in which plugs are driven 25. The plug is then drilled-tapped taking as a reference the internal bore 4 of the middle 5. This technique will be used in the case where the middle is made of hard material , for example ceramic. However, we can do without plugs in the case where the middle part is made of steel or precious metal.

La figure 4 est une vue de dessus de la boîte de montre selon l'invention et selon un second mode d'exécution. Ce second mode ne se distingue du premier que par son système d'attache et par le fait que les brins du bracelet sont inclinés par rapport à l'axe des aiguilles de la montre. Aussi ne reviendra- t-on pas sur les détails de construction qui sont les mêmes que ceux exposés à propos des figures 1, 2 et 3 et on se contentera d'utiliser les mêmes chiffres de référence pour désigner les parties identiques.Figure 4 is a top view of the watch case according to the invention and according to a second embodiment. This second mode is distinguished from the first only by its attachment system and by the fact that the strands of the bracelet are inclined relative to the axis of the watch hands. Also, we will not return to the construction details which are the same as those explained in connection with FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 and we will simply use the same reference numbers to designate the identical parts.

La figure 4 est partiellement déchirée à 6 heures de son cadran pour montrer comment est attaché le bracelet 2 à la boîte 1.Figure 4 is partially torn at 6 o'clock from its dial to show how the bracelet 2 is attached to the case 1.

Si on se réfère aussi aux figures 5 et 6 qui sont des coupes selon les lignes V - V et VI - VI de la figure 4 respectivement, on s'aperçoit que la carrure 5 présente sur son bord inférieur deux dégagements 16 diamétralement opposés qui recoivent chacun un brin 2 du bracelet. Selon le second mode d'exécution présenté ici, le fond porte deux saillies 30 pour un dégagement 16, ces saillies se présentant sous la forme de goupilles cylindriques chassées dans le fond 13. Pour que la goupille soit bien ancrée dans le fond, on donne au fond une sur- épaisseur 31 à l'endroit où le fond recouvre le dégagement 16. Les goupilles 30 s'étendent dans le dégagement 16 pour recevoir une ouverture correspondante 32 pratiquée dans le brin 2. Dans cette exécution les ouvertures 32 sont de simples trous circulaires percés dans le brin, trous dont le diamètre est ajusté au diamètre des goupilles 30. Comme dans le mode d'exécution précédent, le brin peut être renforcé par la plaquette 19.If we also refer to Figures 5 and 6 which are sections along the lines V - V and VI - VI of Figure 4 respectively, we see that the middle 5 has on its lower edge two diametrically opposite clearances 16 which receive each a strand 2 of the bracelet. According to the second embodiment presented here, the bottom carries two projections 30 for a clearance 16, these projections being in the form of cylindrical pins driven into the bottom 13. So that the pin is well anchored in the bottom, we give at the bottom an extra thickness 31 at the place where the bottom covers the clearance 16. The pins 30 extend in the clearance 16 to receive a corresponding opening 32 made in the strand 2. In this embodiment the openings 32 are simple circular holes drilled in the strand, holes whose diameter is adjusted to the diameter of the pins 30. As in the previous embodiment, the strand can be reinforced by the plate 19.

Les figures 5 et 6 montrent encore que la face 33 du dégagement 16, s'étendant en regard de la partie 34 du fond 13 recouvrant ledit dégagement, forme avec ladite partie deux plans entre lesquels le brin 2 est pris en sandwich, lesdits plans étant inclinés par rapport à l'axe 23 des aiguilles 22, au moins dans la région périphérique de la boîte 1, pour forcer ledit brin 2 à émerger de la boîte dans un plan incliné par rapport audit axe 23.FIGS. 5 and 6 also show that the face 33 of the clearance 16, extending opposite the portion 34 of the bottom 13 covering said clearance, forms with said portion two planes between which the strand 2 is sandwiched, said planes being inclined relative to the axis 23 of the needles 22, at least in the peripheral region of the box 1, to force said strand 2 to emerge from the box in a plane inclined relative to said axis 23.

La fixation du bracelet par goupilles et la disposition permettant l'émergence inclinée des brins du bracelet seront utilisés surtout sur des montres présentant un grand diamètre, par exemple 40 mm. Dans ce cas en effet, on dispose de plus de place en épaisseur ce qui permet de renforcer le fond pour recevoir les goupilles et mettre à profit un système de fixation plus simple que celui des segments de couronne du mode d'exécution précédent. De même la sortie inclinée des brins du bracelet est justifiée vu le diamètre important de la boîte. Cette disposition permettra au bracelet d'épouser la forme du poignet dès la sortie du bracelet de la boîte de montre. Si l'on désire renforcer le brin 2 à l'endroit de sa fixation, on utilisera, comme pour le mode d'exécution précédent, une plaquette de renforcement 19 auquel on donnera également une forme inclinée comme on le voit sur les figures 5 et 6.The fixing of the bracelet by pins and the arrangement allowing the inclined emergence of the strands of the bracelet will be used especially on watches having a large diameter, for example 40 mm. In this case, in fact, there is more room for thickness, which makes it possible to strengthen the base for receiving the pins and to take advantage of a simpler fixing system than that of the crown segments of the previous embodiment. Similarly, the inclined exit of the bracelet strands is justified given the large diameter of the box. This arrangement will allow the bracelet to fit the shape of the wrist as soon as it comes out of the strap from the watch case. If one wishes to reinforce the strand 2 at the place of its fixing, one will use, as for the previous embodiment, a reinforcing plate 19 to which one will also give an inclined shape as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6.

Les deux modes d'exécutions proposés ci-dessus conviennent particulièrement bien si la carrure 5 est en matériau très dur tel la céramique ou un carbure métallique. Dans le cas de la céramique, les dégagements 12 seront directement venus de frittage sans nécessiter d'opérations ultérieures. Les faces recevant la glace 6 et le mouvement 7 seront seules usinées. Il est évident que la carrure pourrait être en un autre matériau comme l'acier inoxydable ou un métal précieux tel de l'or.The two embodiments proposed above are particularly suitable if the middle part 5 is made of a very hard material such as ceramic or a metal carbide. In the case of ceramic, the recesses 12 will come directly from sintering without requiring subsequent operations. Only the surfaces receiving the glass 6 and the movement 7 will be machined. It is obvious that the middle could be made of another material such as stainless steel or a precious metal such as gold.

On notera aussi que, dans la construction proposée, tout l'effort de traction est porté sur des saillies faisant partie du fond de la boîte de montre et que la carrure est affranchie de tout effort de ce genre. Cela est avantageux dans le cas où cette carrure est faite en céramique qui est un matériau qui peut se fendre ou même se casser s'il est soumis à certaines contraintes mécaniques.It will also be noted that, in the proposed construction, all of the tensile force is carried on projections forming part of the bottom of the watch case and that the middle part is freed from any such effort. This is advantageous in the case where this middle part is made of ceramic which is a material which can split or even break if it is subjected to certain mechanical stresses.

Claims (10)

1. Wristwatch case comprising a crystal (6), a frame (5), designed to house a movement (7) equipped with hands (22), said frame (5) exhibiting a circular outer periphery (3) having no projections, and a base (13) fastened removably to the frame (5) with the bottom edge of said frame (5) having two diametrically opposed undercuts (16) that each acco- modate one end (2) of a band, the shape of each undercut (16) being essentially the same as the shape of the band (2) inserted therein, and said base (13) being shaped to cover said undercuts without projecting from said circular outer periphery (3) of the frame (5) when the case is closed, characterized by the fact that a water-tight gasket (15) is located between the frame (5) and the base (13), and at least one projection (17, 30) integral with the base (13) extends into each undercut (16) to pass through a matching opening (18, 32) fashioned in the band (2) so as to fasten said end (2) to said case when the base (13) is applied to the underside of said frame (5).
2. Case according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the base (13) has two projections per undercut (16) and each band end (2) has two corresponding openings.
3. Case according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that each projection is a cylindrical pin (30) driven into the base (13).
4. Case according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that each projection comprises a protrusion (17) forming one piece with the base (13).
5. Case according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the projection (17) takes the shape of a segment of a crown.
6. Case according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that each band end (2) is reinforced with a grommet (19) at the point of attachment to the case.
7. Case according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the frame (5) is a ceramic ring.
8. Case according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the frame (5) is a ring made of a precious metal.
9. Case according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the face (20) of the undercut (16) extending opposite that part (21) of the base (13) that serves to cover said undercut (16) combines with said part to form two planes, between which the band end (2) is sandwiched, with said planes being perpendicular to the axis (23) of the hands (22) so as to cause said end to emerge from the case in a plane perpendicular to said axis (23).
10. Case according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the face (33) of the undercut (16) extending opposite that part (34) of the base (13) that serves to cover said undercut (16) combines with said part to form two planes, between which the band end (2) is sandwiched, with said planes being angled with respect to the axis (23) of the hands (22), at least in the area near the periphery of the case, so as to cause said end (2) to emerge from the case in a plane that is inclined with respect to said axis (23).
EP87115246A 1986-10-22 1987-10-19 Attachment of a bracelet to a watch case Expired - Lifetime EP0264875B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH4200/86 1986-10-22
CH420086A CH666379GA3 (en) 1986-10-22 1986-10-22

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EP0264875A1 EP0264875A1 (en) 1988-04-27
EP0264875B1 true EP0264875B1 (en) 1990-06-20

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EP87115246A Expired - Lifetime EP0264875B1 (en) 1986-10-22 1987-10-19 Attachment of a bracelet to a watch case

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US (1) US4903253A (en)
EP (1) EP0264875B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH0814628B2 (en)
CH (1) CH666379GA3 (en)
DE (1) DE3763345D1 (en)
HK (1) HK93893A (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH0814628B2 (en) 1996-02-14
CH666379GA3 (en) 1988-07-29
HK93893A (en) 1993-09-17
DE3763345D1 (en) 1990-07-26
US4903253A (en) 1990-02-20
JPS63111490A (en) 1988-05-16
EP0264875A1 (en) 1988-04-27

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