CH720366A2 - Watch dial comprising a device for detecting a water-tightness defect - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a dial (2a, 2b) of a watch (1) comprising an autonomous device for determining an event relating to a watertightness defect of this watch (1), such a dial (2a, 2b) comprises a visible face (20a) and a hidden face, said dial (2a, 2b) being formed by a stack of thin layers of material extending between these two faces, each of said layers comprising one or more of the functional elements included in said device: – a module (23) for controlling the water resistance of the watch (1); – a module for reporting the event relating to a sealing defect (4), – an independent power supply unit; and – a control unit for managing the operation of said signaling module (4) and said control module (23).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a watch comprising a dial including a device for determining an event relating to a watertightness defect in this watch, the device being completely autonomous.

Technology background

[0002] The water resistance of a watch is measured in bars (the bar is a unit of pressure, 1 bar equivalent to 1 atmosphere (atm). The degree of water resistance of a watch is often indicated in meters (m) Watches designated as waterproof are intended for everyday use which must guarantee water resistance, in activities such as swimming, or more simply in the shower. So-called diving watches must meet higher standards. strict, and guarantee, according to the current standard, watertightness to a minimum depth of 100 m. This dial 2a, 2b is also called “autonomous dial” because it is not electrically connected to the movement of the watch 1. This dial 2a. , 2b can be considered as a part attached to watch 1.

[0003] To guarantee watertightness, watches are generally provided with a set of seals positioned in the assembly points of certain parts of the watch, such as the crystal, the bezel and the back of the watch. watch, as well as moving elements such as the crown and push buttons. With time and use, the mechanical properties of the seals change and the water resistance of the watch can sometimes deteriorate. The watch then becomes more permeable to water or water vapor. The consequences can be condensation phenomena on the inside of the watch crystal, or worse, oxidation of certain metal components or degradation of certain polymer components. There is thus a need to be able to monitor the degree of relative humidity in the watch from time to time without necessarily having to open it, opening the watch case requiring a systematic change of the seals and involving a watchmaker, which is costly. Excess water vapor in the watch may indeed indicate that one or more seals must be replaced in the short or medium term.

[0004] In this context, we understand that there is a need to find a solution which does not present the disadvantages of the prior art.

Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a dial fitted to a watch comprising a device for determining an event relating to a watertightness defect in this watch thus making it possible to detect a loss of watertightness in the case of this watch and this, from monitoring the degree of humidity in this case without having to open it. Such a dial provided with this determination device is economical, simple to implement, and allows reliable and rapid measurement of the degree of relative humidity inside the watch case.

[0006] One aspect of the invention relates to a watch dial comprising an autonomous device for determining an event relating to a watertightness defect in this watch, such a dial comprises a visible face and a hidden face, said dial being formed by a stack of thin layers of material extending between these two faces, each of said layers comprising one or more of the functional elements included in said device: – a module for controlling the water resistance of the watch; – a module for reporting the event relating to a sealing defect, – an independent electrical power supply unit; and – a control unit for managing the operation of said signaling module and said control module.

[0007] In other embodiments. – said control module comprises at least one humidity sensor and/or at least one pressure sensor; – the signaling module comprises at least one element capable of generating a light signal; – the signaling module comprises at least one element capable of generating a vibration signal; – the signaling module comprises at least one element capable of generating a sound signal; – the stack of thin layers of material comprises a first layer provided with the visible face of the dial and comprising said control module and said signaling module; – said control module is arranged in a cavity provided in the hidden face of this dial; – said first layer is configured to be traversed in whole or in part by light radiation, in particular by solar radiation; – said first layer is entirely or partly transparent or translucent; – which the stack of thin layers of material comprises a second layer comprising a photovoltaic module constituting the autonomous electrical power supply unit; – the second layer comprises a substrate on which the photovoltaic module is printed; – said photovoltaic module is arranged on an active zone of said second layer, said zone being configured to receive light radiation coming from the first layer of the stack of thin layers of material; – the stack comprises a third layer comprising an electrical energy accumulator constituting the autonomous electrical power supply unit; – the third layer comprises a substrate on which the electrical energy accumulator is printed; – the stack includes a fourth layer forming the hidden face of the dial comprising the control unit; – the stack comprises a third layer comprising the hidden face of the dial comprising the control unit and an electrical energy accumulator constituting the autonomous electrical power supply unit; – the first layer is rigid relative to the other layers included in the stack of thin layers of material which are flexible; – the gaseous fluid is air comprising water vapor; – said visible faces and. hidden are flat or convex.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a watch comprising such a dial.

[0009] Advantageously, the watch comprises a mechanical, electronic or electromechanical watch movement.

Brief description of the figures

[0010] The aims, advantages and characteristics of the watch according to the invention will appear better in the following description on the basis of at least one non-limiting embodiment illustrated by the drawings in which: – Figure 1 represents a view in perspective of a watch comprising a dial provided with a device for determining an event relating to a watertightness defect of a watch which is autonomous and included in the watch, according to embodiments of the invention; – Figure 2 represents an exploded view of a first variant of the dial formed from a stack of four superimposed layers, said layers each comprising one or more elements constituting the device for determining an event relating to a watertightness defect of the watch, according to a first embodiment of the invention; – Figure 3 represents a schematic view of this first variant of the dial provided with the device for determining an event relating to a watertightness defect of the watch, according to the first embodiment of the invention; – Figure 4 represents an exploded view of a second variant of the dial formed from a stack of three superimposed layers, said layers each comprising one or more elements constituting the device for determining an event relating to a watertightness defect of the watch, according to a second embodiment of the invention; and – Figure 5 represents a schematic view of this second variant of the dial provided with the device for determining an event relating to a watertightness defect of the watch, according to the second embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a watch 1 comprising a case 19 provided with a middle to which are fixed a back and a crystal 22, a set of components forming a watch movement, and a dial 2a, 2b placed between the watch movement and the crystal 22.

[0012] The watch movement drives, in a manner known to those skilled in the art, a switch comprising an hour hand, a minute hand and possibly a second hand. For this purpose, the dial 2a, 2b has a through hole receiving the axis of the hands. This dial 2a, 2b also includes two faces 20a, 20b including: – a so-called visible face 20a from the outside of the watch 1 also called “visible part” or “visible upper part” of this dial 2a, 2b; and – a so-called hidden face 20b arranged opposite the watch movement in an enclosure of the case 19 of the watch 1, this face 20b being otherwise called “hidden part” or “hidden lower part” of this dial 2a, 2b.

[0013] Such a visible face 20a may comprise in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner at least one graphic representation such as: - a reference (or display) element such as for example a number, an index, a line or even a point contributing to participating with/without the hands in the display of horological information/quantity or physical information/quantity measured by a sensor or similar included in the movement; – an inscription, a pattern, a text, a logo, etc.

[0014] These visible faces 20a and hidden faces 20b are substantially plane and/or parallel and/or opposite each other. It will be noted in other variants that the dial 2a, 2b can include a visible curved face and a hidden face which can be curved or flat. These faces 20a, 20b are also connected to each other by a peripheral wall of this dial 2a, 2b.

[0015] It will also be noted that in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the dial 2a, 2b preferably has a circular shape. It is understood that the invention can also be implemented for dials 2a, 2b having other shapes such as for example a triangular shape or even a shape similar to that of a quadrilateral.

[0016] In the embodiments of the invention, the watch movement is a mechanical movement. Alternatively, this movement can be an electromechanical or electronic movement. We will subsequently speak of a mechanical watch when its movement is mechanical, of an electronic watch when it includes an electronic movement and of an electromechanical watch when it includes an electromechanical movement.

[0017] With reference to Figures 2 and 4, such a dial 2a, 2b comprises a device for determining an event relating to a watertightness defect of the watch, the device 3 being autonomous. This determination device 3 includes its own electrical power supply means as we will see later. This device 3 is autonomous in particular with respect to the movement of the watch 1 and in particular the energy source of this movement, for example when this source is an electrical supply as in an electromechanical movement. Under these conditions, we understand that the energy used by this determination device 3 is not to the detriment of the autonomy of the movement.

[0018] In this context, the dial 2a, 2b can be mounted removably in the watch 1 whatever the type of watch 1. The only condition to be respected is that the dial 2a, 2b includes this determination device 3 which is therefore autonomous in relation to the movement of watch 1.

This determination device 3 included in this dial 2a, 2b, comprises a module for reporting the event relating to a sealing defect 4, an independent electrical power supply unit 21, a control module 23 of the water resistance of the watch, and a control unit 7.

[0020] In this device 3, the signaling module comprises: – at least one element capable of generating a light signal 4, such as a light source 4 also called a light source, allowing the device 3 to broadcast a visual message in relation to the event relating to a determined sealing defect; – at least one element capable of generating a vibration signal such as a piezoelectric vibrator, a vibrator comprising an ERM motor (for eccentric rotating mass vibration motor) or LRA motor (for linear vibration motor), allowing the device 3 to broadcast a message in the form of vibrations in relation to the event relating to a determined sealing defect; and/or – at least one element capable of generating a sound signal such as a loudspeaker allowing the device 3 to broadcast a sound message relating to the event relating to a determined sealing defect.

As we have mentioned, said at least one light source 4 is used in particular to participate in the display of a visual message relating to the event relating to a determined sealing defect. Each light source 4 can correspond to any electroluminescent element selected from a list comprising in a non-exhaustive and non-limiting manner: – an electroluminescent capacitor better known by the acronym LEC for “Light-Emitting Capacitor”; – a light-emitting diode such as LED (acronym for “Light-Emitting Diode”), OLED (acronym for “Organic Light-Emitting Diode”), AMOLED (acronym for “Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode”) or even QLED ( acronym for “Quantum Light-emitting diode”; – any electroluminescent material activated by a local electric field; – any electroluminescent material activated by an electric current;

[0022] It will be noted that this light source 4 can, in certain embodiments of the invention, be a light source 4 capable of forming an extended light source. This makes it possible to give a predetermined shape to the extended light source, typically, without this being exhaustive or limiting, a shape relating to a graphic representation of a number, letter, logo or even text. It will also be noted that this light source 4 can produce light in any color and/or in any direction.

[0023] In this determination device 3, the control module 23 is configured to participate in measuring the humidity and/or measuring the pressure present(s) in the enclosure of the case 19 of the watch 1 This control module 23 is capable of converting the measured humidity and/or pressure into an electrical signal.

This control module 23 includes a humidity sensor. This sensor may be a capacitive sensor preferably consisting of a substrate, generally made of glass, silicon or ceramic, on which a thin film of hygroscopic polymer, or metal oxide (e.g. aluminum oxide), is deposited between two conductive electrodes. The electrode opposite the substrate is made porous so as to allow the passage of ambient humidity towards the dielectric, and vice versa. In a variant, this sensor can be a resistive humidity sensor using for example the resistive properties of a hygroscopic polymer. Note that in another variant, this humidity sensor can be a combination of at least two of these sensors.

This control module 23 includes a pressure sensor. This sensor may be a piezoelectric sensor which is capable of converting physical pressure into an electrical signal. This pressure sensor can be a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor or even an optical sensor. Note that in another variant, this pressure sensor can be a combination of at least two of these sensors.

[0026] In this determination device 3, the autonomous electrical power supply unit 21 comprises an electrical energy accumulator 6 and a photovoltaic module 5 comprising at least one photovoltaic cell also called solar cell. This photovoltaic module 5 is connected to the electrical energy accumulator 6 via connection elements referenced 17b and 18 in Figures 3 and 5. This photovoltaic module 5 may comprise one or more elementary cells of the heterojunction or multijunction type, connected in parallel or in series. Each photovoltaic cell of this module 5 can be produced, in a manner known to those skilled in the art, from semiconductor materials based on copper, indium, gallium and selenium, based on cadmium telluride, at based on monocrystalline gallium arsenide or based on monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon, or with perovskites. It should be noted that these examples are non-limiting and that those skilled in the art will be able to find the type of photovoltaic cell suitable for the invention.

[0027] In this determination device 3, the control unit 7 also called microcontroller, comprises an electronic circuit 8 comprising hardware resources in particular at least one processor cooperating with memory elements as well as address buses, data and control. This control unit 7 is connected to the signaling module 4, to the control module 23 and to the independent power supply unit 21.

Such a control unit 7 comprises in its memory elements 4 an algorithm for determining an event relating to a watertightness defect in the watch.

[0029] It will be noted that such an algorithm which is executed by the processor of this control unit 7 can also take into account other types of events in order to improve the determination of the event relating to this fault of watertightness and this, from data coming from event sensors included in this determination device 3. These events may include in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner: the detection of a particular level of brightness in the environment of the watch 1, the detection of a particular visual object, the detection of a temperature in the enclosure of the watch 1, etc. In this context, the event sensor of this determination device 3, comprises in particular and in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner: – a brightness sensor making it possible to detect the ambient brightness level; – a temperature sensor; and/or – an optical sensor of the photographic sensor type.

Furthermore, when the signaling module 4 comprises several light sources 4, the operation of the latter can then be managed/controlled by the control unit 7 simultaneously and/or in sequence. In addition, each light source 4 is managed/controlled by this control unit 7 in a separate manner. In this context, the management of the operation of each light source 4 can consist in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner of carrying out the following operations: a sequential switching on or off (the), a simultaneous switching on or off (e) of two or more light sources 4, a flashing of one or more light sources 4, a definition of a flashing frequency for each light source 4, a flashing duration for each light source 4, an on or off duration extinction for each light source 4, etc.

[0031] Such a control unit 7 can also include in its memory elements an algorithm for managing the electrical energy accumulator 6, in particular the management of its recharging by the photovoltaic module 5 and the management of electrical consumption by the control module 23 and the signaling module.

As we have mentioned, the determination device 3 is therefore included in the dial 2a, 2b. In this configuration, the constituent elements of this determination device 3, namely the signaling module 4, the electrical energy accumulator 6, the photovoltaic module 5, said control module 23 and the control unit 7, are included in one or more layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 forming this dial 2a, 2b.

[0033] With reference to Figures 2 to 5, this dial 2a, 2b is formed consisting of a stack 9a, 9b of a plurality of thin/thin layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, these layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 are interconnected by a connecting element such as an adhesive substance so as to unify them in order to obtain a stack 9a, 9b of monolithic thin layers thus forming a one-piece dial 2a, 2b. This connecting element can also be a clip or even a screw. Such layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 are superimposed in the stack 9a, 9b of layers, that is to say they are arranged one above the other in this dial 2a, 2b according to a defined order. Note that such a stack 9a, 9b of layers can also be called an assembly of layers. In this stack 9a, 9b, the layers are substantially similar in having upper and lower surfaces of substantially the same areas/surfaces thus participating in forming the peripheral wall of the dial 2a, 2b which is devoid of relief.

It will be noted that these thin or thin layers are layers which each have a micrometric thickness. Indeed, each layer can have a thickness of between 1 and 100 µm, preferably 2 µm, or preferably 3 µm. Concerning the thickness of the dial 2a, 2b, it can be between 8 and 400 µm, preferably 6 µm or preferably 12 µm or preferably 100 µm or preferably 200 µm or preferably 300 µm.

[0035] Thus such a one-piece dial 2a, 2b also has the advantage of being able to be mounted removably in the case 19 of the watch 1 in addition to facilitating its integration into this case 19.

[0036] In a first variant of this stack 9a of layers illustrated in Figure 3, the latter is made up of four following successive thin/thin layers 10, 11, 12, 13: – a first layer 10 forming/constituting the visible face 20a of dial 2a including said control module 23 and/or the signaling module 4; – a second layer 11 including the photovoltaic module 5', – a third layer 12 including an electrical energy accumulator 6 also called a rechargeable battery; and – a fourth layer 13 forming the hidden face 20b of the dial 2a including said control module 23 and/or the control unit 7.

The first layer 10 of this stack 9a is preferably rigid or semi-rigid in comparison with the second, third and fourth thin/thin layers 11, 12, 13 which are preferably soft or flexible. We understand here that such a first layer 10 contributes to structurally stiffening the stack 9a of thin layers and therefore the dial 2a.

[0038] In this stack 9a, the first, second, third and fourth layers 10, 11, 12, 13 each comprise an upper surface and a lower surface.

With regard to the first layer 10, it is formed by a transparent or translucent or at least partially transparent or at least partially translucent substrate which is rigid or semi-rigid. Such a substrate is made of a material having a transmittance to solar radiation, in particular to ultraviolet radiation, also called UVT (for “Ultra-Violet Transmission”) which is between 65 and 95 percent. This transmittance is preferably 85 percent. Such a material can be transparent or translucent. This material can be, in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner, a polymer, glass or even ceramic.

[0040] In this context, we understand that this substrate is configured so that: – the light produced by said at least one light source can escape towards the outside of the dial 2a, 2b and therefore of the watch 1; and – the light coming from the environment of the watch 1 can penetrate the dial 2a, 2b towards the photovoltaic module 5 of the determination device 3, this light comprising solar radiation when it is of natural origin.

In other words, this transparent or translucent substrate is configured to be passed through by light, in particular solar radiation, capable of powering the photovoltaic module 5 so that the latter can convert the solar energy coming from this radiation into electrical energy .

This first layer 10 also includes the signaling module 4 which is arranged in the body of the substrate. In this configuration, the arrangement of the light source of this module 4 in this substrate is configured to ensure illumination of all or part of the visible face 20a of the dial 2a. For example, lighting of a graphic representation such as a reference element (or display) such as a number, an index, a line, a point or lighting of one or more hands, or even lighting of any or part of the surface of the visible face of dial 2a. In a variant, this light source 4 can have a predetermined shape such as the shape of a number, a letter, an index, a line, a point, a logo or even a a text.

This lighting can be backlighting or semi-direct type lighting when the light source 4 is arranged in a cavity defined in the substrate. More precisely, this cavity can be a blind opening made in the lower surface of this substrate. In this configuration, when the bottom of this cavity includes a graphic representation, the light radiation, or the light, produced by this light source 4 can escape towards the outside of the dial 2a via the visible face 20a of this dial 2a, thus allowing the visualization of at least one graphic representation in the dark. In particular, the light radiation thus escaping from the visible face 20a, draws the outline of this graphic representation. In this context, this graphic representation included in or on the upper surface or even on the lower surface of the substrate forming the first layer 10, is preferably opaque or non-translucent or non-transparent.

This lighting can be direct lighting when the light source 4 is arranged in a cavity defined in the substrate. This cavity can be a blind opening made in the lower surface of this substrate and the bottom of which is devoid of any graphic representation. In this configuration, the light radiation, or light, produced by this light source 4 can escape through the bottom of this cavity towards the outside of the dial 2a and therefore through the visible face 20a of this dial 2a.

This lighting can also be direct lighting when the light source 4 is arranged in a through opening extending into the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10, opening at its two ends respectively into the upper and lower surfaces of this substrate. In this configuration, all or part of the light source 4 can project from the upper surface of this substrate and therefore from the first layer 10 or from the visible face 20a of the dial 2a to form a graphic representation such as an index, a number, point, line, etc.

Such lighting can also be offset lighting when said at least one light source 4 is coupled to at least one waveguide. This wave guide, also called a light guide, makes it possible to bring the light from the point where it is injected into the guide into the substrate or to a zone of the substrate (e.g.: cavity, through opening) near of the upper surface of this substrate. Such a light guide can be an optical fiber which makes it possible to bypass any obstacles which may arise in the substrate, for example between the electroluminescent element and the zone of the substrate close to the upper surface of this substrate, through which the light goes. escape. In this alternative embodiment, it is therefore the light which is brought, via the waveguide, from the electroluminescent element to this zone of the substrate to be illuminated.

[0047] In such a configuration, a first end of the waveguide is coupled with the light source 4 and a second end of this guide can be arranged in. – a cavity which may be a blind opening made in the lower surface of the substrate of this first layer 10; or – a through opening extending into the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10, opening at its two ends respectively into the upper and lower surfaces of this substrate and therefore of the first layer 10. Thus this second end can project of the upper surface of the substrate or of this first layer 10 or of the visible face 20a of the dial 2a in order for example to form a graphic representation of this dial 2a such as for example a reference element such as an index, a number, a point, line, etc.

[0048] In this context, indirect lighting can be achieved by a single light source 4 included on the lower surface of the substrate of this first layer 10 while being coupled to several waveguides whose second ends are arranged in: – cavities each emitting light radiation, coming from this light source 4, this radiation escaping towards the outside of the dial 2a via the visible face 20a, thus authorizing the visualization of at least one graphic representation in the dark. In this context, this graphic representation included in or on the visible face 20a of the dial 2a, or the upper surface of the substrate, is preferably opaque; and/or – through openings projecting or not from the upper surface of this substrate in order to form marker elements such as an index, line or even a point, and each emitting light radiation, coming from this light source 4.

[0049] In this first layer 10, the signaling module 4 is applied/fixed to the lower or upper surface of the substrate of this first layer 10, in a cavity or on an internal wall of a through opening mentioned above, and this, by printing or evaporation. In other words, the light source of this module 4 is applied/fixed on the lower or upper surface of the substrate of this first layer 10, in a cavity or on an internal wall of a through opening mentioned above, by printing or evaporation .

[0050] In this first layer 10, the control module 23 is arranged in/on this substrate in order to be able to be in contact with the gaseous fluid, here air, included in the enclosure of the watch case 19 1. This control module 23 can be arranged on or in the upper surface of this substrate forming the first layer 10. When it is arranged in the substrate, this control module 23 is positioned in a blind cavity formed in this upper surface, this cavity therefore opening into this surface. Alternatively, it can be arranged in a through hole connecting the upper and lower surfaces of this substrate.

[0051] Furthermore, it will be noted that the lower surface of this first layer 10 can be self-adhesive in order to participate in its assembly with the second layer 11.

[0052] In this stack 9a, the second layer 11 comprises a substrate comprising the photovoltaic module 5. Such a substrate is preferably flexible or flexible. This substrate of the second layer 11 can be a film on which the photovoltaic module 5 is placed. Finally, this substrate can be made of a material belonging to the polymer family.

[0053] In this second layer 11, the photovoltaic module 5 preferably extends over the entire so-called active zone of the upper surface of this substrate. This active zone is a portion of the upper surface of the substrate which is able to receive the light coming from the lower surface of the first layer 10 of the dial 2a. This light which has passed through all or part of the first layer 10, comes from the external environment of the dial 2a, and therefore from the watch 1, here mainly from solar radiation when it is of natural origin.

[0054] It will be noted that the photovoltaic module 5 is applied to the upper surface of this substrate using inkjet printing processes or even by screen printing or using thermal evaporation printing processes. We will also speak here of a second layer 11 comprising a printed photovoltaic module 5. In particular, a photovoltaic module 5 printed on the substrate of the second layer 11.

It will be noted that once the photovoltaic module 5 has been applied to the substrate, a layer of a self-adhesive substance can be deposited on all or part of the upper surface and/or the lower surface of the substrate. Under these conditions, the second layer 11 can be a self-adhesive layer which helps to facilitate its assembly with the other layers in particular with the first layer 10 and/or the third layer 12 of this stack 9a.

[0056] In the stack 9a, this third layer 12 also comprises a substrate, preferably flexible or flexible, comprising the electrical energy accumulator 6 of the autonomous determination device 3. This substrate of the third layer 12 can be a film on which the accumulator 6 is included. Such a substrate can be made of a material belonging to the polymer family.

This accumulator 6 can be a lithium battery or even a semiconductor battery. Such an accumulator 6 is applied to the upper surface of this substrate using processes known from the state of the art such as: – printing processes on a flexible polymer substrate when it is, for example, a battery lithium; or – three-dimensional printing processes when it concerns, for example, a semi-conductor battery such as a semi-conductor lithium-metal battery.

[0058] We will also speak here of a third layer 12 comprising a printed electrical energy accumulator 6. In particular, an electrical energy accumulator 6 printed on the substrate of the third layer 12.

[0059] Thus, such methods make it possible to obtain a third layer 12 comprising this accumulator 6 which is flexible and ultrathin.

[0060] Furthermore, it will be noted that once the accumulator 6 is applied to the substrate, a layer of a self-adhesive substance can be deposited on all or part of the upper surface and/or the lower surface of this substrate. Under these conditions, the third layer 12 can be a self-adhesive layer which helps to facilitate its assembly with the other layers in particular with the second layer 11 and/or the fourth layer 13 of this stack 9a.

[0061] It will be noted that this accumulator 6 serves to store the electrical energy produced by the photovoltaic module 5 and to restore it on demand to power the determination device 3, the signaling module 4 and said control module 23.

[0062] In this stack 9a, this fourth and last layer 13 forms the hidden face of the dial 2a. Such a fourth layer 13 is formed by a preferably flexible or flexible substrate, comprising the control unit 7. Such a substrate of the fourth layer 13 can for example be a flexible PCB on which this control unit 7 is arranged in particularly on the upper surface of this PCB and therefore of the substrate. In this context, the construction of the control unit 7 on this upper surface of the substrate can be carried out using three-dimensional printing processes or even polymer printing processes.

[0063] In this last and fourth layer 13, the control module 23 is arranged in/on this substrate in order to be able to be in contact with the gaseous fluid, here air, included in the enclosure of the watch case 19 1 This control module 23 can be arranged on or in the lower surface of this substrate forming the fourth layer 13. When it is arranged in the substrate, this control module 23 is positioned in a blind cavity formed in this lower surface. this cavity therefore opening into this surface. Alternatively, it can be arranged in a through hole connecting the upper and lower surfaces of this substrate.

[0064] In the second variant, the stack 9b forming the dial 2b, comprises three thin/thin layers 10, 11, 14, connected together. It will be noted that this second variant differs from the first variant in that it therefore comprises three layers 10, 11, 14 instead of four layers 10, 11, 12, 13, as in the first variant. In this second variant, the electrical energy accumulator 6 of the determination device 3 is now included in the third and last layer 14 of this stack 9b with the control unit 7.

Such a third and final layer 14 of this stack 9b, forming the hidden face of the dial 2b, is made up of a preferably flexible or flexible substrate, on which are built, preferably on the upper surface of this substrate, the accumulator 6 and the electronic circuit 8 constituting the control unit 7. Such construction of the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7 on this upper surface of the substrate can be carried out using printing processes three-dimensional or even polymer printing processes. It will be noted that such a substrate can be, for example, a flexible PCB.

[0066] In this last and third layer 14 of this second variant, the control module 23 is arranged in/on this substrate in order to be able to be in contact with the gaseous fluid, here air, included in the enclosure of the housing 19 of watch 1. This control module 23 can be arranged on or in the lower surface of this substrate forming the last layer 14. When it is arranged in the substrate, this control module 23 is positioned in a blind cavity formed in this lower surface, this cavity therefore opening into this surface. Alternatively, it can be arranged in a through hole connecting the upper and lower surfaces of this substrate.

[0067] In summary, in this second variant, the stack 9b then comprises. – a first layer 10 forming the visible face 20a of the dial 2b including said at least one control module 23 and/or the signaling module 4; – a second layer 11 including the photovoltaic module 5; and – the third layer 14 forming the hidden face 20b of the dial 2b including said control module 23 and/or the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7.

It will be noted that in this second variant, the first and second layers 10, 11 are similar to those of the first variant of the stack 9a.

[0069] Furthermore, with reference to Figures 3 and 5, the electronic circuit 8 of the control unit 7 comprises first connection elements 15a which are connected to connection elements 16: – of the signaling module 4 for the management of the operation of this module 4 in particular for the broadcast of a message relating to the event relating to a determined sealing defect; and – to the control module 23 to participate in determining the event relating to a sealing defect.

This electronic circuit 8 also comprises second connection elements 15b connected to first connection elements 17a of the accumulator 6.

[0071] Furthermore, it will be noted that the event sensors of the determination device 3, mentioned previously, are preferably arranged in the first layer 10 and/or the last layer 13, 14 of the stack 9a, 9b of layers in being connected to the control unit 7 of this device 3.

[0072] In a third variant not shown, the stack of thin/thin layers forming the dial comprises two layers connected together. It will be noted that this third variant differs from the second variant in that it therefore comprises two layers instead of three layers 10, 11, 14, as in this second variant. In this third variant, the photovoltaic module 5 of the autonomous determination device 3 is now included in the first layer and in particular on the lower surface of the substrate forming this first layer. This photovoltaic module 5 can be applied to this lower surface of the substrate of this first layer using inkjet printing processes or even by screen printing or using thermal evaporation printing processes. It will therefore be noted that this first layer is then similar to the first layers 11 of the first and second variants, with the exception of the fact that in this third variant, the first layer additionally comprises the photovoltaic module.

[0073] Furthermore, in the third variant, and similarly to the second variant, the electrical energy accumulator 6 of the autonomous determination device 3 is included in the second and last layer of this stack with the control unit. 7. Such a second layer forming the hidden face of the dial, consists of a preferably flexible or flexible substrate, on which are built, preferably on the upper surface of this substrate, the accumulator 6 and the electronic circuit 8 constituting the control unit 7. This construction of the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7 on the upper surface of the substrate can be carried out using three-dimensional printing processes or even polymer printing processes. It will be noted that such a substrate can be, for example, a flexible PCB.

[0074] In summary, in this third variant, the stack of layers then comprises: – a first layer forming the visible face 20a of the dial including said control module 23 and/or the signaling module 4 and the photovoltaic module 5; and – a second layer forming the hidden face 20b of the dial including said control module 23 and/or the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7.

[0075] In the last layers 13, 14 of the different variants, the control module 23 is applied/fixed to the lower or upper surface of the substrate of these layers, in a cavity or on an internal wall of a through opening mentioned above , by printing or evaporation

[0076] Thus in this dial 2a, 2b, the determination device 3 comprises the control module 23 which carries out at least one measurement of the humidity present in the gaseous fluid included in the enclosure of the case 19 of the watch 1. This said at least one measurement is transmitted by the control module 23 in the form of data to the control unit 7. This control unit 7 carries out processing of this data on the basis of the algorithm for determining an event relating to a water-resistance defect in the watch. Such processing makes it possible to identify the event relating to a sealing defect by carrying out a comparison: – of said at least one measurement of humidity or of an average of a sample of measurements of humidity, at a humidity threshold value; and/or – a variation of humidity measurements carried out over a given period with a threshold variation value.

[0077] In this context, as soon as an event linked to a sealing defect is determined, the control unit 7 generates a visual, vibrating and/or audible message by controlling/controlling the signaling module 4.

[0078] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described and that various simple modifications and variants can be envisaged by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (19)

1. Dial (2a, 2b) of a watch (1) comprising an autonomous device for determining an event relating to a watertightness defect (3) of this watch (1), such a dial (2a, 2b) comprises a visible face (20a) and a hidden face (20b), said dial (2a, 2b) being formed by a stack (9a, 9b) of thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of material extending between these two faces (20a, 20b), each of said layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) comprising one or more of the functional elements included in said device (3): – a module (23) for controlling the water resistance of the watch (1); – a module for reporting the event relating to a sealing defect (4); – an independent power supply unit (21); And – a control unit (7) for managing the operation of said signaling module (4) and said control module (23). 2. Dial (2a, 2b) according to the preceding claim, wherein said control module (23) comprises at least one humidity sensor and/or at least one pressure sensor. 3. Dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the signaling module comprises: – at least one element capable of generating a light signal (4); – at least one element capable of generating a vibration signal; and or – at least one element capable of generating a sound signal. 4. Dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the stack (9a, 9b) of thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of material comprises a first layer (10) provided with the visible face (20a) of the dial (2a, 2b) and the first layer (10) comprising said control module (23) and said signaling module (4). 5. Dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control module (23) is arranged in a cavity formed in the hidden face of this dial (2a, 2b). 6. Dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first layer (10) is configured to be traversed in whole or in part by light radiation, in particular by solar radiation. 7. Dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first layer (10) is entirely or partly transparent or translucent. 8. Dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the stack (9a, 9b) of thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of material comprises a second layer (11) comprising a photovoltaic module (5) constituting the autonomous power supply unit (21). 9. Dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second layer (11) comprises a substrate on which the photovoltaic module (5) is printed. 10. Dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein said photovoltaic module (5) is arranged on an active zone of said second layer (11), said zone being configured to receive light radiation coming from the first layer (10) of the stack (9a, 9b) of thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of material. 11. Dial (2a) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stack (9a) comprises a third layer (12) comprising an electrical energy accumulator (6) constituting the electrical power unit (21). ) autonomous. 12. Dial (2a) according to the preceding claim, wherein the third layer (12) comprises a substrate on which the electrical energy accumulator (6) is printed. 13. Dial (2a) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the stack (9a) comprises a fourth layer (13) forming the hidden face (20b) of the dial (2a) comprising the control unit (7). ). 14. Dial (2b) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the stack (9b) comprises a third layer (14) comprising the hidden face (20b) of the dial (2a) comprising the control unit (7) and an electrical energy accumulator (6) constituting the autonomous electrical power supply unit (21). 15. Dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first layer (10) is rigid relative to the other layers (11, 12, 13, 14) included in the stack (9a, 9b) thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of material which are flexible. 16. Dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the gaseous fluid is air comprising water vapor. 17. Dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said visible faces and. hidden (20a, 20b) are flat or convex. 18. Watch (1) comprising a dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of the preceding claims. 19. Watch (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a mechanical, electronic or electromechanical watch movement.