EP4083718A1 - Modular wristwatch system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular wristwatch system with a case (12). The housing (12) has a housing main part (30) and a first strap lug part (38, 40) releasably attached to the housing main part (30) and a second strap lug part (38, 40) releasably attached to the housing main part (30) which are formed thereto are to attach a bracelet to it. The wristwatch system has, for at least the first lug (38, 40) or the second lug (38, 40), a first type of lug and a second type of lug which are interchangeable to change the case (12).

Description

technical field

The present invention relates to a modular wristwatch system. In addition, the invention relates to interchangeable parts of a modular wristwatch system.

State of the art

the DE 20 2010 014 867 describes a modular wristwatch case. A holding frame, a bezel and a clamping ring can be exchanged without the use of tools. In daily use, there is a risk of unintentional loosening of the respective parts. In addition, the exchangeable parts are connected to one another in such a way that it is not possible to exchange individual parts of the housing without also detaching other parts. In addition, customization of the housing is low due to a small number of interchangeable parts.

the CH 701 221 A1 describes a watch case with a middle part and four lugs screwed to it. This is intended to simplify production of the central part. An exchange of the horns to customize the housing and a modular housing concept are in the CH 701 221 A1 not described.

the EP 3 457 222 B1 describes a wristwatch case with movable lugs. This is intended to simplify attachment of a bracelet. Replacing the lugs to customize the case and a modular case concept are in the EP 3 457 222 B1 not described.

In the EP 2 000 865 A2 discloses a wristwatch case that includes a bezel characterized by being easily replaceable without tools to change the appearance of the case. However, no possibility of replacing further housing components and/or the bracelet is disclosed.

In the EP 2 172 816 A1 discloses an adjustable wristwatch case comprising a hard alloy and/or hard metal case body, a crystal, a case back and a pair of lugs, the lugs being configured as decorative side members comprising an attachment mechanism for attaching a bracelet, wherein the lugs are configured such that no damage or breakage occurs to the lugs when attaching the wristband; and the attachment mechanism for attaching a wristband is configured such that the wristband and/or the lugs are easily replaceable. However, the revealed EP 2 172 816 A1 no possibility of realizing a replacement of the lugs without dismantling the crown, which complicates the process of replacing eg the lugs and/or the bracelet. In addition, accessories can be lost and/or damaged during assembly. In addition, at the EP 2 172 816 A1 the entire clockwork can be exposed, so that the water protection and/or the dust protection for the wristwatch housing must be laboriously readjusted after it has been changed.

task

The object of the present invention is to provide a modular wristwatch system that allows the external appearance of the wristwatch system to be individualized by exchanging individual components. The replacement of the components should be feasible for the layman with simple technical aids.

In particular, the replacement of individual components that change the external appearance of the wristwatch system should also be made possible without detaching other components.

In addition, the wristwatch system should be constructed in such a way that disassembling a case body associated with the wristwatch does not impair properties of an exceptional space surrounding a movement Properties are in particular dust protection and / or water protection. This should enable the layperson to replace individual components.

Presentation of the invention

The invention relates to a modular wristwatch system. The modular wristwatch system can form a wristwatch in which at least a part is interchangeable for customization. The wristwatch system has a case. The case can form a housing space for a movement and/or a body of the wristwatch. The housing can accommodate and/or protect a movement of the wristwatch.

The case includes a case body and a first lug portion removably attached to the case body and a second lug portion removably attached to the case body. The case main part can form a body of the wristwatch. The main housing part can be formed, for example, from a metallic material, a plastic or from wood. The lugs are adapted to attach a bracelet thereto, specifically one end of the bracelet jointly to both lugs. The bracelet can be designed to attach the wristwatch that can be formed with the modular wristwatch system to a wrist of a wearer.

The wristwatch system has, for at least the first lug or the second lug, a first type of lug and a second type of lug which are interchangeable to change the case. As a result, the wristwatch can be highly and easily customized according to the wearer's wishes. An owner can thus individually combine his watch and, depending on his wishes, also procure individual parts later in order to change his watch. There is no need to buy a new watch to customize its style. Respective replaceable parts can be designed in such a way that they can be replaced by the end user. The housing can be designed in such a way that the protection of the clockwork is retained when parts are replaced. For example, an exception room can remain closed when parts are exchanged, for example to maintain water protection and/or dust protection. The housing can be designed to be splash-proof, waterproof and/or dust-tight and/or gas-tight.

In particular, the exception space is designed in such a way that it surrounds and/or encompasses the entire movement. The exceptional space is preferably sealed watertight and/or airtight and encloses the movement within itself. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the exception space is designed to be removable in its entirety from the housing, with the water protection and/or dust protection being retained inside the exception space when the housing is removed. This allows the owner to exchange individual parts without losing and/or impairing the protective functions of the watch.

The wristwatch system may have a first type of lug and a second type of lug for the first lug and the second lug, respectively, which are interchangeable to change the case. The first strap attachment part can be designed, for example, as a left strap attachment part and the second strap attachment part, for example, as a right strap attachment part. For example, the right lug part can be fastened symmetrically to a 3 o'clock position on the case main part and/or the left lug part can be fastened symmetrically to a 9 o'clock position on the case main part. In this way, the two lugs can jointly hold a bracelet at each bracelet end. The bracelet can thus be exchanged simply by detaching the lugs. However, the first lug-on part can, for example, also be fastened symmetrically to a 12 o'clock position on the main housing part and/or the second lug-on part can be fastened symmetrically to a 6 o'clock position on the main housing part. In this case, an associated end of the bracelet can be attached to each lug part. A bracelet part can be easily exchanged together with the lug part.

The watch system can form a watch with interchangeable parts. The wristwatch system may include at least a first type of left lug and a second type of left lug which are interchangeable to change the case. The wristwatch system can have at least a first type right lug and a second type of right lug which are interchangeable to change the case.

At least one of the lugs may have a recess for placement of a crown. The crown can be used, for example, to adjust the watch by rotating it and can be displaced axially between an adjustment in which the watch can be adjusted and a stowed position. For example, to adjust the watch, the crown is pulled away from the case body from its stowed position. The case body may have a side opening for the crown of the watch. A tube can be arranged in this opening, through which a shaft, with which the crown can be connected to the clockwork, is guided. The tube can support and/or protect this wave. For example, a support of the shaft on the strap abutment part can be avoided. This avoids damaging the shaft by replacing an adjacent lug part. The tube can be part of the wristwatch system. Alternatively, the tube can also form part of the shaft. The crown can be part of the wristwatch system and/or the movement. The crown can be attached to the shaft.

The respective lug parts may be integrally formed. As a result, a peripheral side of the housing can be particularly robust and replacement can be easy. The housing main part can be formed in one piece. The case can be particularly robust and the movement can be well protected. The detachable attachments of the wristwatch system can be formed by screw connections, for example. The detachable fastenings of the wristwatch system can only be loosened and/or fastened with a tool, for example, in particular with a screwdriver. As a result, unintentional loosening can be reliably avoided. The tool can be a part of the wristwatch system to enable a convenient change of respective interchangeable parts.

The main housing part can delimit a receiving area for a movement and/or a clock face at least partially, in particular laterally circumferentially. The housing can have a watch glass on the dial side, which can be designed as a front glass. The watch glass on the dial side can be arranged on the dial side on the housing main part. The watch glass on the dial side can den Delimit the receiving area for a clockwork and/or a clock face at least partially, in particular on the front side and/or on the clock face side. The housing can have a base part, which can be designed, for example, as a ring or disk. The base part can be arranged on a side facing away from the dial and/or on an underside. The base part can delimit the receiving area for a clockwork and/or a dial at least partially, in particular on the back and/or on the underside. The wristwatch system may include a movement that may be housed within the case. The movement can form an internal mechanism of the wristwatch. The movement can have respective hands and the dial. The clockwork can be designed to drive the hands, for example to display a time.

A front side of the case and/or the wristwatch can, for example, allow the time to be read. The front side can correspond to an upper side of the wristwatch, which faces away from the wrist, for example, when the wristwatch is being worn. The front can point in the same direction as the face of the watch. An underside and/or back of the housing and/or of the wristwatch can, for example, face away from the dial and/or be opposite the front. The underside, which can form a bottom of the housing, can face the wrist when the wristwatch is being worn. A flank and/or a laterally encircling side of the wristwatch, the case and/or the main part of the case can extend between the front and the back.

In one embodiment of the wristwatch system, it is provided that the strap attachment parts are each designed to be detachably attached to a flank of the main housing part. This can result in a comfortably wearable watch and lateral protection of the case main body from scratches.

In one embodiment of the wristwatch system, it is provided that the main housing part has a lateral recess for the first lug part and/or the second lug part, in which the lug part fastened to the housing main part is at least partially arranged. For example, the housing body has a left side recess for the left lug and have a right lateral recess for the right lug part. The lateral recess can be arranged on the flank of the housing main part. The lateral recess can be delimited on its upper side and on its lower side by a flange of the main part of the housing. A respective flange may be substantially planar and/or extend radially away from the movement receiving space. The lateral recess can reduce a risk of damaging the attachment of the strap lugs to the case body, for example by bumping the watch against an environment. In addition, the lateral recess can support the lugs. The lateral recess may conceal a gap between the lugs and the case body, particularly from the front of the case. The lateral recess can be formed outside the accommodating space for the movement. The lateral recess can be delimited inwards in the radial direction by a wall of the main part of the housing, with this wall being able to delimit the receiving space for the clockwork in the radial direction outwards. An associated recess may be provided for each lug portion.

The lateral recess can have at least one centering element in the circumferential direction, such as a wall protruding radially outwards. The centering element can make it easier to position the strap attachment parts for fastening them. For example, the centering element can be a wall running in the direction from a front side to a rear side, which separates two lateral recesses from one another. By aligning the position of the strap attachment parts, screwing can in particular be facilitated, for example by aligning respective blind holes and/or through-openings coaxially with one another.

In one embodiment of the wristwatch system, it is provided that the strap attachment parts each have a first fastening area for a first end of the bracelet and a second fastening area for an opposite, second end of the bracelet. For example, the first attachment area may be located near the 12 o'clock position and the second attachment area may be located near the 6 o'clock position. For example, the first end of the wrist strap may be between the first attachment area of the first lug portion and the first attachment area of the second lug portion be arranged. For example, the second end of the wristband may be disposed between the second attachment portion of the first lug portion and the second attachment portion of the second lug portion. Each fastening area can, for example, have a blind hole for receiving one end of a spring bar of the bracelet and/or can be formed by a blind hole in each case. This blind hole can be free of an internal thread. The blind holes of each attachment of one of the ends of the bracelet can face each other. The first lug part and the second lug part may together each form an attachment for one of the ends of the bracelet.

Instead of two detachable strap attachment parts, only one detachable strap attachment part can be provided. In this case, for example, a corresponding first attachment area can be formed by the housing main part, for example to form a receptacle for the spring bar of one of the ends of the bracelet.

In one embodiment of the wristwatch system, provision is made for the strap attachment parts to have at least one blind hole. Each strap attachment part can have at least one blind hole. The blind hole can be designed for the attachment of the respective strap attachment part to the housing main part. The blind hole of each lug portion may be a bottom blind hole. Thus, the top of the lugs can be free of holes. However, the reverse arrangement is also possible. The watch case is particularly insensitive to dirt. A screw of the attachment can then be visible on the top as a design element. The strap attachment parts can be detachably fastened to the main housing part by means of a screw connection. The strap attachment parts can each also have a plurality of spaced-apart and optionally coaxial blind bores for fastening the strap attachment part to the housing main part. The respective lug-on part can be attached particularly securely with several screws. In addition, undesired shifting, such as twisting, of the lug parts can be reliably prevented. Respective screws for this attachment may be part of the watch system. The respective blind holes can have an internal thread. A screw connection can be made with a through-opening on the main housing part. For this, the blind hole can have a corresponding through-opening of the housing body must be coaxially aligned, particularly when the strap lug is placed in the lateral recess. For example, the lugs may be free of plug connections to the housing body. The strap lugs may be slidable in the side receptacle and/or between the flanges of the case body in the circumferential direction of the case body. The lugs may be detent free.

In one embodiment of the wristwatch system, it is provided that the main housing part has a flange. The flange can have at least one through opening, at which the strap attachment parts can be screwed to the housing main part. This allows the lugs to be easily secured to the case body. Because of the flange, the attachment can be free from interaction with other replaceable components, in particular an attachment for a bezel. The flange can be arranged, for example, at a lower end area of the housing main part. As a result, the screw connection can only be seen and/or accessible from the underside of the housing. In this way, protection against contamination can also be provided. Alternatively, the flange can be arranged, for example, on an upper end area of the housing main part. As a result, the screw connection can only be seen and/or accessible from the top of the housing. In this way, rubbing of the screw connection on the skin of the wearer can also be avoided. The through openings can be free of an internal thread. The through-opening can be spaced apart from the accommodation space for the movement. The flange can be arranged on the outside of the accommodation space for the movement and can extend, for example, in a radial direction and/or in a planar manner. The flange can be partially or completely circumferential in the circumferential direction. The through-opening can have a partial area which is designed to accommodate a screw head. For example, the screw head of a screw connection can be arranged essentially flush with the adjacent housing or countersunk. The flange can delimit the lateral recess for accommodating the strap attachment parts, in particular on the underside or on the top. The flange may be integral with the remainder of the body of the housing.

The main housing part can have a further flange, in particular arranged on an upper end region of the main housing part. The further flange can be arranged parallel to the other flange. For example, the two flanges can be shaped identically or similarly and offset from one another in a vertical direction. The further flange can be free of through openings for screwing the lug parts to the housing main part. One of the two flanges can be designed, for example, as an upper flange and another of the two flanges as a lower flange. The two flanges can have through openings and/or blind holes for fastening the strap attachment part and the strap attachment parts have through openings for their attachment. For example, the lugs can then be attached with a nut and bolt. Alternatively, one of the top and bottom flanges may have a blind hole with an internal thread. The through openings in the strap attachment parts can then be free of internal threads.

In one embodiment of the wristwatch system, it is provided that the housing has a bezel that is detachably fastened to the housing main part. The bezel may be a front-most part of the case. The bezel can be arranged above the watch glass. The bezel can be designed as a ring, for example. The bezel can be part of the case. The detachable attachment can be done, for example, by means of a screw connection. The wristwatch system may include at least a first type of bezel and a second type of bezel that are interchangeable to change the case. This results in a further customization option. The bezel can be designed as an interchangeable ring. The bezel can be an annular and/or one-piece body. The bezel can also have a first bezel part fixed to the housing part and a second bezel part rotatably attached to the first bezel part. A time can be marked with the bezel. The bezel can have a groove radially on the inside, in which the watch glass is arranged. The bezel can be attached to the main part of the housing on the dial side. A watch glass on the dial side, which can be designed as a front glass, can be arranged under the bezel. The bezel can fasten the front glass to the main housing part, in particular by clamping between the main housing part and the bezel. So can the end user simply replace the watch glass with the bezel. However, the watch glass can also be attached to the main housing part independently of the bezel, for example by means of a press fit. This allows the watch glass to stay in place and protect the dial when the end user changes the bezel.

In one embodiment of the wristwatch system, it is provided that the bezel has at least one blind hole, in particular a blind hole on the underside. The bezels can be detachably fastened to the main housing part by means of a screw connection. A smooth and dirt-resistant surface can be provided on the upper side through the blind hole. In particular, the bezels can each have a plurality of blind bores spaced apart from one another. The bezel can be attached with several screws and secured against twisting and shifting. Respective screws for fastening the bezel may be part of the wristwatch system. The blind hole can have an internal thread. Alternatively, the bezel can also have a through-opening for screwing it to the main housing part. Then the bezel can be fixed to the case body by means of a bolt and nut, for example. The screw connection can thus be used as a design element. In addition, no internal thread is then necessary, which means that production can be simpler and more cost-effective.

One embodiment of the wristwatch system provides that the main housing part has a flange, in particular a first flange arranged on a lower end area of the main housing part and a second flange arranged on an upper end area of the main housing part. This can simplify attachment and arrangement of respective replaceable parts to the housing body. In addition, in this way respective exchangeable parts can easily be attached independently of one another, as a result of which it is not necessary to detach parts of the housing which are not intended to be exchanged in order to exchange other parts of the housing. In addition, the two flanges can delimit the recesses for partially receiving the strap lugs.

The flange can have at least one through-opening, at which the bezel can be screwed to the main part of the housing. This is a simple and inexpensive attachment for the bezel. The through opening can be free of an internal thread. In particular, the first flange and the second flange can each have a coaxial through-opening, at which the bezel can be screwed to the main part of the housing. As a result, the bezel can be screwed to the main part of the housing from an underside of the housing, optionally together with a base part. For example, the screw connection can be made from the same side as the lugs, making it easy and intuitive to swap out different parts. The through openings may be arranged such that their longitudinal axis does not intersect the lug portions. For example, the through openings are arranged between the lug parts. Thus, the attachment of the bezel can be free from interaction with the lugs. The passage opening of one of the two flanges, in particular the lower flange, can have a partial area which is designed to accommodate a screw head. For example, the screw head of a screw connection can be arranged essentially flush with the adjacent housing or countersunk.

In one embodiment of the wristwatch system, it is provided that the wristwatch system has the wristband, which is detachably attached to the housing. The bracelet may be configured to hold the watch on a wearer's wrist. The wristwatch system may include at least a first type of wristband and a second type of wristband that are interchangeable to change the wristwatch. This allows the watch to be further customized. The bracelet can have a band. The bracelet may have a spring bar at each end for attachment to the lugs. The bracelet can have a clasp. The band of the bracelet can be formed from two bracelet parts. For example, a bracelet part can have a strap section and the clasp attached to it. Another strap part may have a strap portion with holes for connection to the clasp. One type of bracelet can also have only one bracelet part, for example, which can then be exchanged. As a result, the bracelet can be further individualized at low cost and material expense, for example by only replacing the bracelet part with the strap section with holes on one side of the housing. The bracelet can be releasably attached to the lugs attached to the Housing main part are attached, for example by each bracelet part is held in each case on both lug parts. For example, a spring bar of the respective bracelet can be clamped in the receiving area for its attachment and/or be received in two blind holes.

In one embodiment of the wristwatch system, it is provided that the housing has a base part, in particular a base part designed as a ring, the base part being detachably fastened to the main part of the housing. The base part can be fastened, for example, to an underside of the main housing part. The bottom part can protect the case main part from scratches and can be easily replaced. The bottom part can function as a washer for screwing the bezel to the case body and/or respective lug parts. The housing main part can also be protected in this way and the fastening can also be improved. For example, the base part can be designed in one piece. If the bottom part is designed as a ring, the clockwork can be visible from below and/or easily accessible, for example for changing the battery. The movement may form part of the bottom of the case. The base part can also have a ring and a glass base part enclosed therein. The base part can be attached to a side facing away from the dial and/or to an underside. The base part can be fastened to the main housing part, for example by means of a screw connection. The wristwatch system may have at least a first type of case back and a second type of case back which are interchangeable to change the case. This allows further customization of the wristwatch.

In one embodiment of the wristwatch system, it is provided that the base part has at least one through-opening, in particular a through-opening running from an underside of the base part to an upper side of the base part. The through-opening can be designed for fastening the bottom part to the housing main part. The base part can be detachably fastened to the main part of the housing by screwing the respective strap attachment parts and/or the bezel. An additional screw connection for attaching the base part is therefore not necessary. If the bottom part by screwing at least two parts, for example both lug parts or one of the lug parts and the bezel, these parts can be exchanged without loosening the bottom part. For example, the screw connection of one of the strap attachment parts can be loosened in order to replace it, while the base part is still held on the housing by the screw connection of the second base attachment part. This facilitates the replacement of parts while at the same time only a small number of screw connections are required. For example, an axis of the through hole does not intersect the receiving space of the housing. The through-opening can be in the form of a through-bore, for example with the diameter matching the screws. The through opening can be free of an internal thread. At least one associated passage opening can be provided for each screw connection with which the base part can be fastened to the main housing part.

In one embodiment of the wristwatch system, it is provided that the case is designed so that the first lug part can be replaced without completely loosening the attachment of the second lug part, the bezel and/or the base part to the main case part. Alternatively or additionally, the case may be configured so that the second lug part is interchangeable without completely loosening the attachment of the first lug part, the bezel and/or the base part to the case body. Alternatively or additionally, the case may be configured so that the bezel is interchangeable without completely detaching the attachment of the first lug part, the second lug part and/or the base part to the case main part. As a result, the replacement of respective parts is particularly simple and convenient, since respective parts whose replacement is not desired can remain securely fastened to the housing main part when other parts are replaced. In the case of the base part, for example, only part of the screw connection is loosened in order to replace other parts. In the case of the other parts, on the other hand, for example, no part of the screw connection is loosened. The case may be configured so that the bottom part is interchangeable only by completely releasing the attachment of the first lug part, the second lug part and the bezel to the case main part.

In one embodiment of the wristwatch system, it is provided that the housing is designed so that the lugs without removing a Crown are interchangeable. For example, a lug-on part can have a groove on a side of the case on which the crown is arranged, through which the crown and/or the stem to which the crown is fastened is guided. Despite a recess with a smaller diameter than a diameter of the crown, the crown can remain mounted when changing this lug part. The lug-on part can, for example, be at least partially pulled upwards during dismantling. The groove can end, for example, with an opening in the direction of the underside of the housing.

In one embodiment of the wristwatch system, it is provided that the first type of lug part differs from the second type of lug part in terms of shape, color and/or material. Different types can be provided for each of the two lug parts. Alternatively or additionally, the first type of bezel can differ from the second type of bezel in terms of shape, color and/or material. Alternatively or additionally, the first type of bracelet can differ from the second type of bracelet in terms of shape, color, material and/or parts of the bracelet. Alternatively or additionally, the first type of base part can differ from the second type of base part in terms of shape, color and/or material. For example, the shape can be the external geometry. On the other hand, respective fastening areas can be designed identically for each type. The color can change a reflection of light. The color can be a property of the material or can also be specified by painting or printing. The material can be changed by different materials. For example, materials such as aluminum, titanium, gold, platinum or wood can be used. In addition or as an alternative, shape and color can be varied.

In one embodiment of the wristwatch system, it is provided that the respective fastenings of parts that can be exchanged to change the housing are designed to be proprietary. Proprietary can mean that the attachment, for example, does not correspond to a standardized attachment, in particular standardized screws. For example, respective screws can have a diameter which does not correspond to a DIN standard for screws. For example, a screw of the attachment can have a special shape, mechanism or a special type of thread. For example, respective Screws have a non-standard screw head and can only be loosened with a special tool, which can be part of the watch system. This can prevent parts that are not manufactured according to the standards of the manufacturer of the wristwatch system from being attachable to the case main part. For example, strap lugs that are not sufficiently strong can break, resulting in loss of the wristwatch and/or injury to a wearer. The use of such parts can be complicated by the proprietary attachment. In general, the production of imitations can also be difficult.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a first type of lug portion adapted to be releasably attached to the case body of the wristwatch system according to any one of the preceding claims. A third aspect of the invention relates to a second type of lug part adapted to be detachably attached to the case main part of the wristwatch system according to any one of the preceding claims. A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a first type of bezel adapted to be detachably attached to the case main body of the wristwatch system according to any one of the preceding claims. A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a second type of bezel which is adapted to be detachably attached to the case main part of the wristwatch system according to any one of the preceding claims. A sixth aspect of the invention relates to a first type of wristband which is adapted to be detachably attached to the case main part of the wristwatch system according to any one of the preceding claims. A seventh aspect of the invention relates to a second type of wristband which is adapted to be detachably attached to the case main part of the wristwatch system according to any one of the preceding claims. An eighth aspect of the invention relates to a first type of caseback adapted to be detachably attached to the case main body of the wristwatch system according to any one of the preceding claims. A ninth aspect of the invention relates to a second type of case back adapted to be detachably attached to the case body of the wristwatch system according to any one of the preceding claims. Additional features, embodiments and advantages can be found in the descriptions of the first aspect.

Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description and the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the exemplary embodiments can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations, without departing from the scope of the invention. The features and advantages resulting from the respective aspects also represent the respective features and advantages of other aspects.

Short description of the figures

• 1 Figure 12 shows a wristwatch in a first configuration in plan view formed with a modular wristwatch system.
• 2 illustrates a case of the wristwatch of FIG 1 in an exploded perspective view from above.
• 3 shows the housing according to 2 in a perspective view from above.
• 4 shows the housing according to 2 in a side view.
• figure 5 shows the housing according to 2 in another side view.
• 6 shows the housing according to 2 in yet another side view.
• 7 shows the housing according to 2 in a bottom view.
• 8 FIG. 12 shows a left lug part of the case according to FIG 2 in a perspective view from above.
• 9 shows the left lug part according to 8 in a side view seen from a case main part direction.
• 10 shows the left lug part according to 8 in a bottom view.
• 11 12 shows a right lug portion of the case of FIG 2 in a perspective view from above.
• 12 shows the right lug part according to 11 in a side view seen from a case main part direction.
• 13 shows the right lug part according to 11 in a bottom view.
• 14 FIG. 12 shows the main body of the case according to FIG 2 in a perspective view from above.
• 15 shows the main part of the housing according to 14 in a side view.
• 16 shows the main part of the housing according to 14 in a bottom view.
• 17 shows the main part of the housing according to 14 in a top view.
• 18 shows a bezel according to the case 2 in a perspective view from above.
• 19 shows the bezel according to 18 in a bottom view.
• 20 shows a bottom part of the housing according to FIG 2 in a perspective view from above.
• 21 shows the bottom part according to 20 in a bottom view.
• 22 12 shows the wristwatch in a second configuration in plan view formed with the modular wristwatch system and in comparison to the first configuration according to FIG 1 the lugs have been replaced.
• 23 Figure 12 shows the wristwatch in a third configuration in plan view formed with the modular wristwatch system and in comparison to the first configuration according to Fig 1 the bezel was replaced.
• 24 12 shows the wristwatch in a fourth configuration in plan view formed with the modular wristwatch system and in comparison to the first configuration according to FIG 1 and third configuration according to 23 the bezel was replaced.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

1 12 illustrates, in plan view, a wristwatch 10 in a first configuration formed with a modular wristwatch system. The wristwatch 10 includes a case 12, a movement 14 received therein, and a bracelet 16. As shown in FIG. From the bracelet 16 are in 1 only the strap end portions 18, 20 attached to the case 12 are shown. The movement 14 has a dial 22, a minute hand 24 and an hour hand 26, which are supported by a watch glass 28 (in Fig.2 shown) of the housing 10 for reading the time can be seen. The side with the dial 22 forms a top. A side opposite thereto forms an underside, which faces a wrist of a wearer when the wristwatch 10 is worn.

The components of the housing 12 are shown in an exploded perspective view in FIG 2 shown. The housing 12 has a housing main part 30, which at least partially delimits a receiving space 32 for the movement 14, here radially outwards by a laterally circumferential wall. The watch glass 28 is arranged on the upper side of the main housing part 30 and also delimits the receiving space 32 . A bezel 34 is arranged above the watch glass 28 and is detachably fastened to the main housing part 30 by means of the long screws 36 . The long screws 36 are arranged outside of the receiving space 32 when the wristwatch 10 is assembled.

A left strap attachment part 38 is detachably fastened to the housing main part 30 on a lateral flank symmetrically to a 9 o'clock position. On the side Flank is right symmetrically to a 3 o'clock position, a right strap attachment part 40 is releasably attached to the housing main part 30. Releasable attachment of the two lug portions 38, 40 to the housing body 30 is provided by the short screws 42, not all of which are shown in FIG 2 you can see. The short screws 42 are arranged outside of the receiving space 32 when the wristwatch 10 is assembled.

The housing 12 also has a base part 44 which is detachably fastened to the main housing part 30 on the underside. The base part 44 is screwed together with the two lug parts 38, 40 and the bezel 34 to the main housing part 30 with the long screws 36 and the short screws 42. In the example shown, the screws 36, 42 can each be loosened and tightened again by an end customer using a slotted screwdriver. The bottom part 44 can provide a function of a washer, for example. The housing main part 30 can thus easily be formed from a comparatively soft material such as wood.

In addition, the case 12 has a tube 46 in the form of a tube and a crown 48 , it being possible for the tube 46 and the crown 48 to also be part of the movement 14 . The tube 46 supports a shaft which protrudes from the clockwork 14 out of the receiving space 32 . The crown 48 is attached to this shaft so that the wristwatch 10 can be adjusted.

the figs 3 to 7 show the assembled housing 12 in different views. In 3 it can be seen that the two strap attachment parts 38, 40 form a fastening for the bracelet 16, in that protruding horns 50 are formed in the area of a 6 o'clock position and in the area of a 12 o'clock position. A non-threaded blind hole 52 is formed on the mutually facing side faces of these horns 50 . A spring bar of the bracelet 16 is engageable in each opposing pair of blind holes 52 to hold one of the bracelet end portions 18, 20 of the bracelet 16 between the left lug portion 38 and the right lug portion 40, respectively. In 4 and 5 is easy to see that the short screws 42 and the long screws 36 in Complete essentially flush with the base part 44 . Despite a curvature of the bottom of the housing 12, the screws 36, 42 do not protrude from the bottom part 44. In 6 It can be seen that the crown 48 is received in a groove 62 of the right lug portion 40 which opens to an underside of the wristwatch 10 . In 7 It can be seen that a pair of long screws 36 are spaced apart from each other in the area of the 12 o'clock position and the 6 o'clock position on the circumference of the housing main part 30 and the base part 44 . The bezel 34 is held with four long screws 36. In 7 It can be seen that a pair of short screws 42 are spaced apart between the 12 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions, between the 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions, between the 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions and Position and between the 9 o'clock position and the 12 o'clock position on the circumference of the housing main part 30 and the bottom part 44 are arranged. Each strap attachment part 38, 40 is thus held with four short screws 42.

figs 8 to 11 again show the left lug-on part 38 in detail in different views. In 8 a curved outer side facing away from the main housing part 30 can be seen. A side of the strap attachment part 38 that faces the housing main part 30 is shaped to correspond to its outer shape, so that the left strap attachment part 38 can lie flush against the housing main part 30 . In 9 the two blind holes 52 can be seen, one of which is arranged in each horn 50 formed by the left lug-on part 38 . The inside of the horns 50 with the blind holes 52 are flat. In 10 blind holes 54 can be seen in a view from below, which, in contrast to the blind holes 52, have an internal thread. The short screws 42 for fastening the left-hand strap attachment part 38 to the housing main part 30 are screwed into these lower blind holes 54 . An underside portion of the left lug portion 38 having the lower blind holes 54 is flat. With this underside portion, the left lug portion 38 rests on a lower flange 56 of the housing body 30, as will be described in more detail below. This planar underside section is set back upwards as in 9 can be seen. A downwardly protruding projection 58 is formed radially on the outside of this, by means of which a gap between the lower flange 56 and the left strap attachment part 38 is concealed radially outwards. In addition, it helps Protrusion 58 in the correct positioning of the left lug portion 38 on the case body 30.

In figs 11 to 13 the right lug-on part 40 is shown, which has a similar but mirrored basic shape as the left lug-on part 38. Specifically, respective attachment surfaces and blind holes 54, 52 for attaching the right lug 40 to the case body 30 and the wristband 16 to the right lug 40 are formed identically to the left lug 38, so that a duplicate description is omitted. This is especially good by comparing the 9 with the 12 as well as the 10 with the 13 to recognize.

The right-hand lug-on part 40 differs from the left-hand lug-on part 38 by two indentations 60 in an outside facing away from the main housing part 30, which in 11 are recognizable. These indentations 60 can reduce a weight of the right lug portion 40 and also be provided to design the external appearance of the wristwatch 10. In addition, 11 and 12 good to recognize the groove 62 in which the crown 48 is received. With its opening in the direction of the underside, this groove 62 interrupts the underside section of the right strap abutment part 40, which has the lower blind holes 54, is flat and rests on the lower flange 56 of the housing main part 30. However, this does not affect the system and attachment of the right lug-on part 40 . In order to be able to easily produce a planar underside section despite an interruption, this is milled or otherwise produced before the groove 62 is made, for example.

In the figs 14 to 17 the main housing part 30 is shown in detail in various views. The case main body 30 has the lower flange 56 at a lower-side end portion of the case body 30 . The housing body 30 has an upper flange 64 at a top end portion. In between there extends a wall 66 which runs in the circumferential direction and between the top end area and the bottom end area and delimits the receiving space 32 for the movement 14 . The housing main part 30 is formed in one piece. A projection 68 is formed above the upper flange 64, which has a radially inner groove 70 facing the receiving space 32 in the radial direction trains. In the example shown, the watch glass 28 is framed in the groove 70 so that the bezel 34 can be detached without the watch glass 28 being detached.

The housing main part 30 has a circular basic shape, which is good in the figs 16 and 17 can be seen. In the area of attachment of the bracelet 16, ie between the lugs 50, the lower flange 56 is recessed. This increases the mobility of the bracelet 16, making the watch more comfortable to wear. The outer contour of the main housing part 30 is straight in this area when viewed from above, since the lower flange 56 has a larger diameter than the upper flange 64. In addition, the lower flange 56 has a recess 72 for the crown 48. A through opening 74 is formed in the wall 66, which is unthreaded and in which the tube 46 and the shaft of the movement 14 are arranged.

In the lower flange 56 spaced through openings 76 are arranged. These through openings 76 correspond to the blind holes 54 of the two strap attachment parts 38, 40 and are unthreaded. A lateral recess 78 is formed between the upper flange 64 and the lower flange 56 in a flank of the housing main part 30 for at least partially receiving the left and right lug parts 38, 40, respectively. To fasten them, the strap attachment parts 38, 40 are arranged in this recess 78 in such a way that the respective through-openings 76 are aligned coaxially with the blind holes 54. Then the strap lugs 38, 40 can be screwed against the lower flange 56 with the short screws 42 at the through openings 76. The recesses 78 each have a curvature 80 at their ends in the circumferential direction, which is formed by the wall 66 . These bends 80 provide centering features for the strap lugs 38,40, thereby facilitating the correct coaxial alignment of the blind holes 54 and through openings 76. This facilitates attachment of the strap lugs 38,40.

In the upper flange 64 spaced through openings 82 are arranged. These through openings 82 correspond to blind holes 84 of the bezel 34 and are unthreaded. To fasten the bezel 34 , the bezel 34 is arranged on the main housing part 30 in such a way that the respective through-openings 82 are aligned coaxially with the blind holes 84 . Then can the steady rest 34 can be screwed against the upper flange 64 with the long screws 36 at the through openings 82. The through openings 82 can be arranged such that their longitudinal axis does not intersect the lower flange 56 . For example, in 14 an embodiment is shown in which the long screws 36 are guided past the lower flange 56 in the region of the recess for increasing the mobility of the bracelet 16 on the lower flange 56. Thus, there is no need for coaxial through-openings in the lower flange 56 and the upper flange 64, which simplifies production. In 16 For example, a different embodiment is shown as an example, in which the lower flange 56 has through-openings 86 that are coaxial with the through-openings 82 . The screw connection can thus be made jointly on the upper flange 64 and the lower flange 56 . As a result, the attachment of the long screws 36 and the bezel 34 can be particularly stable.

18 and 19 show the bezel 34 in different views. The bezel 34 is in 18 designed as a round ring. On the upper side, the bezel 34 has several elevations to design the wristwatch 10 . On its underside, the bezel 34 has a planar ring section, with which the bezel 34 rests on the upper flange 64 on the main housing part 30 . The blind holes 84 , which have an internal thread for screwing in the long screws 36 , are arranged in this ring section. Radially on the inside of this annular section, the bezel 34 has an upwardly protruding projection 96, which is also annular. This projection 96 abuts the projection 68 of the housing body 30, whereby the bezel 34 on the housing body 30 is centered. This facilitates the correct positioning and thus fastening of the bezel 34 to the main housing part 30 .

In 20 and 21 the base part 44 is shown in detail. The base part 44 can be designed to hold the movement 14 in the receiving space 32 . The base part 44 corresponds in its basic shape to the lower flange 56 of the main housing part 30. The base part 44 also has a recess in the area where the bracelet 16 is fastened and a recess 88 for the crown 48. In addition, the base part 44 has respective through-openings 76 corresponding through openings 90 on. So the bottom part 44 together with the two lug parts 38, 40 are screwed against the lower flange 56 and are thus detachably fastened to the housing main part 30. In addition, the bottom part 44 has respective through-openings 92 corresponding to the through-openings 82 and optionally to the through-openings 86 . In this way, the base part 44 can be detachably fastened to the main housing part 30 together with the bezel 34, with the base part 44 bearing against the lower flange 56 and the bezel 34 bearing against the upper flange 64.

The upper side of the base part 44 facing the main housing part 30, which can be seen in 20 , has a planar, radially outer annular section with which the bottom part 44 bears against the lower flange 56 . This is adjoined radially on the inside by an annular projection 94 protruding upwards. This projection 94 rests radially on the inside against the lower flange 56 and/or the wall 66 of the housing main part 30 and thus centers the bottom part 44 on the housing main part. This facilitates the correct positioning and thus the fastening of the bottom part 44 to the main housing part 30 .

In the bottom view according to 21 it can be seen that an axial lower section of the through-openings 90 and the through-openings 92 has a larger diameter than an adjoining axial upper section. The axial lower section of the through openings 90, 92 is designed to receive respective screw heads of the screws 36, 42, with which they can be countersunk.

By screwing the two lug parts 38, 40 and the bezel 34 to the main case part 30 and the base part 44, each of the lug parts 38, 40 and the bezel 34 can be exchanged without dismantling other parts and in particular without enclosing the movement 14 in the receiving space 32 cancel. The base part 44 can remain attached to the main housing part 30, for example, provided that at least one of the two base abutment parts 38, 40 or the bezel 34 remains screwed to the main housing part 30. In addition, each lug 38, 40 and bezel 34 can be independently detached and attached. In this way, these parts can be easily replaced without the risk of the wristwatch 10 being damaged by an end user.

The modular wristwatch system includes several styles of lugs 38, 40 and bezel 34 for personalization of wristwatch 10. In 22 A second configuration of wristwatch 10 is shown. This configuration of wristwatch 10 differs from that shown in FIG 1 by the lugs 38, 40. These are shown in FIG 22 configuration shown has been replaced by lugs 38, 40, which have a more angular outer contour. Additionally or alternatively, the types of strap attachment parts 38, 40 can also differ in terms of their color and/or material. However, the attachment to the housing main part 30 can remain the same for any type of lug part 38, 40.

In 23 A third configuration of wristwatch 10 is shown. This configuration of wristwatch 10 differs from that shown in FIG 1 through the bezel 34. This is in the in 23 Configuration shown has been replaced by a bezel 34, which has an angular outer contour. In 24 A fourth configuration of wristwatch 10 is shown. This configuration of wristwatch 10 differs from that shown in FIG 1 and 23 by another variation of the bezel 34. This is in the in 24 configuration shown has been replaced by a bezel 34 which has a flattened or approximately oval outer contour. In addition, both the bezel 34 according to 23 as well as the bezel 34 according to 24 on the top of each no elevations and depressions as the bezel 34 according to 1 . Additionally or alternatively, the types of bezels 34 can also differ in their color and/or material. In contrast, the attachment to the housing main part 30 can remain the same for any type of bezel 34 .

reference sign

10

wristwatch

12

Housing

14

clockwork

16

bracelet

18.20

bracelet end area

22

dial

24

minute hand

26

hour hand

28

watch glass

30

body part

32

recording room

34

bezel

36

long screw

38

left lug part

40

right lug part

42

short screw

44

bottom part

46

tube

48

Crown

50

horn

52

Blind hole without thread

54, 84

Blind hole with internal thread

56

lower flange

58, 68, 94, 96

protruding protrusion

60

deepening

62, 70

groove

64

top flange

66

Wall

72; 88

recess

74, 76, 82, 86, 90, 92

passage opening

78

lateral recess

80

curvature

Claims (15)

Modular watch system with a case (12), said housing (12) having a housing body (30) and a first lug part (38, 40) removably attached to said housing body (30) and a second lug part (38, 40) releasably attached to said housing body (30) adapted thereto to attach a bracelet to it, whereby the wristwatch system comprises, for at least one of the first lug (38, 40) and the second lug (38, 40), a first type of lug and a second type of lug which are interchangeable to change the case (12). The wristwatch system of claim 1, wherein the strap attachment parts (38, 40) are each designed to be releasably attached to a flank of the housing main part (30), and or the main housing part (30) for the first strap attachment part (38, 40) and/or the second strap attachment part (38, 40) has a lateral recess (78) in which the strap attachment part (38, 40) attached to the housing main part (30) fits at least is partially arranged. Wristwatch system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
the lugs (38, 40) each having a first attachment area for a first end of the strap (16) and a second attachment area for an opposite second end of the strap (16). Wristwatch system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein
the strap attachment parts (38, 40) have at least one blind hole (52, 54), in particular a blind hole (54) on the underside, and the strap attachment parts (38, 40) can be detachably fastened to the main housing part (30) by means of a screw connection. The wristwatch system of claim 4, wherein the main housing part (30) has a flange (56, 64), in particular arranged on a lower end area of the main housing part (30), wherein the flange (56) has at least one through opening (76) at which the strap abutment parts (38, 40) can be screwed to the main housing part (30). Wristwatch system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (12) has a bezel (34) detachably attached to the housing main part (30), the wristwatch system having at least a first type of bezel (34) and a second type of bezel (34) which are interchangeable to alter the case (12). The wristwatch system of claim 6, wherein
the bezel (34) has at least one blind hole (84), in particular a blind hole (84) on the underside, and the bezels (34) can each be detachably fastened to the main housing part (30) by means of a screw connection. The wristwatch system of claim 7, wherein the main housing part (30) has a flange (56, 64), in particular a first flange (56) arranged on a lower end area of the main housing part (30) and a second flange (64) arranged on an upper end area of the main housing part (30), wherein the flange (56; 64) has at least one through opening (86; 82) at which the bezel (34) can be screwed to the main housing part (30), in particular wherein the first flange (56) and the second flange (64) each have a coaxial through opening (86, 82) at which the bezel (34) can be screwed to the main housing part (30). Wristwatch system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wristwatch system comprises the bracelet (16) which is releasably attached to the housing (12),
the wristwatch system having at least a first type of wristband (16) and a second type of wristband (16) which are interchangeable to alter the wristwatch (10). Wristwatch system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein
the housing (12) has a base part (44), in particular a base part (44) designed as a ring, the base part (44) being detachably fastened to the main housing part (30). The wristwatch system of claim 10, wherein
the base part (44) has at least one through-opening (90, 92), in particular a through-opening (90, 92) running from an underside of the base part (44) to an upper side of the base part (44), and the base part (44) by means of the screw connection respective lug parts (38, 40) and/or the bezel (34) can be detachably fastened to the main housing part (30). Wristwatch system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (12) is designed so that the first lug part (38, 40) being replaceable without completely detaching the attachment of the second lug part (38, 40), the bezel (34) and/or the base part (44) to the case body (30). and or the second lug part (38, 40) being replaceable without completely detaching the attachment of the first lug part (38, 40), the bezel (34) and/or the base part (44) to the case body (30). and or the bezel (34) being replaceable without completely detaching the attachment of the first lug part (38, 40), the second lug part (38, 40) and/or the base part (44) to the case body part (30). Wristwatch system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein
the case (12) is configured so that the lugs (38, 40) are interchangeable without removing a crown (48). Wristwatch system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first type of lugging portion (38, 40) differs from the second type of lugging portion (38, 40) in shape, color and/or material and or the first type of bezel (34) differs from the second type of bezel (34) in shape, color and/or material and or the first type of bracelet (16) differs from the second type of bracelet (16) in shape, colour, material and/or parts of the bracelet (16). and or respective attachments of parts which are interchangeable to change the housing (12) are proprietary. A first type of lug part (38, 40) adapted to be releasably attached to the case body (30) of the wristwatch system according to any one of the preceding claims, and or A second type of lug portion (38, 40) adapted to be releasably attached to the case body (30) of the wristwatch system of any preceding claim, and or first type of bezel (34) adapted to be releasably attached to the case body (30) of the wristwatch system according to any one of the preceding claims, and or A second type of bezel (34) adapted to be releasably attached to the case body (30) of the wristwatch system of any preceding claim and or first type of wristband (16) adapted to be releasably attached to the case body (30) of the wristwatch system according to any one of the preceding claims, and or A second type of wristband (16) adapted to be releasably attached to the case body (30) of the wristwatch system according to any one of the preceding claims.

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