EP0383179B1 - Watch case provided with a cap made of a hard material - Google Patents

Watch case provided with a cap made of a hard material Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0383179B1
EP0383179B1 EP90102396A EP90102396A EP0383179B1 EP 0383179 B1 EP0383179 B1 EP 0383179B1 EP 90102396 A EP90102396 A EP 90102396A EP 90102396 A EP90102396 A EP 90102396A EP 0383179 B1 EP0383179 B1 EP 0383179B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cap
watch case
frusto
case according
inner middle
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EP90102396A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0383179A1 (en
Inventor
Paul Gogniat
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Rado Uhren AG
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Rado Uhren AG
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/08—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits
    • G04B37/084—Complete encasings for wrist or pocket watches without means for hermetic sealing of winding stem or crown
    • G04B37/086—Complete encasings for wrist or pocket watches without means for hermetic sealing of winding stem or crown for shaped watches
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/22—Materials or processes of manufacturing pocket watch or wrist watch cases

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to watch cases whose visible parts are made of a hard material so as not to risk being scratched when they are worn on the wrist.
  • the cap described in the booklet CH 517 963 has an outer face which may have the shape of a truncated cone and on its inner side two annular shoulders stepped and between them cylindrical connecting surfaces. It is forcibly engaged on a corresponding profile part of the interior middle part and glued.
  • the cap is removably mounted by means of an elastic ring on the inner middle part.
  • the cap has an internal groove.
  • the Japanese utility model no. 1046157 also filed in 1969, proposes, for the fixing of two distinct constituents of a box body, a malleable metal part, of annular shape, which is interposed between them.
  • Document CH 17664/68 also discloses a watch case provided with a hard material cap, which is fixed to a middle part by interposition of an annular fixing member and which rests, by a planar annular edge formed on a massive part, on a plane annular radial shoulder formed on the middle part.
  • the object of the present invention is to improve watch cases comprising a cap made of a hard material, and more particularly to reduce their cost price while increasing their reliability.
  • the watch case according to the invention has the characteristics set out in claim 1.
  • the watch case shown in Figure 3 has four main parts: an inner middle 1, a cap 2, a glass 3 and a bottom 4. While the glass 3 and the bottom 4 are conventional parts which it is not necessary to describe the structure in detail, the inner middle part 1 and the cover 2 have shapes which are determined so that the manufacturing operations are simplified and those of assembly facilitated.
  • the inner middle part 1 is made of an easily machinable metal, for example stainless steel. It could also be made of another material, for example plastic.
  • the setting technique shape will be adapted to the material used: bar turning or stamping and final machining, molding, etc.
  • the inner middle part 1 is intended to contain a movement 5, advantageously of the analog type. It comprises a lower part 6 and an upper part 7.
  • the lower part 6 is integral with the base 4. It surrounds and carries the movement 5, in a conventional manner which will therefore not be described in more detail.
  • the upper part 7 is in the form of a circular ring with a flat upper face 8, a cylindrical external lateral face 9 and a slightly frustoconical internal lateral face 10. This latter surface is limited downwards by a shoulder 11 intended to form a flange and therefore to maintain the outer edge of the dial carried by the movement 5.
  • a flat shoulder 13 At the limit between the parts 6 and 7 and at the foot of the surface 9 extends a flat shoulder 13 whose circular outer edge limits an external frustoconical surface 14 which forms a support surface for the cover 2.
  • the plan shape of the inner middle part 1 is the same as that of the cap 2 and the frustoconical surface 14 extends outward to the line which determines the outline of these parts. However, the notches 15 located between the horns 16 and the notch 17 provided at 3 o'clock for the crown are covered by the edge of the cap 2.
  • the cap 2 is a piece of sintered hard metal. It has a massive outer part 18 of annular shape and a thin inner part 19 which forms an annular rim at the top of the part 18. The latter is limited inwards by a circular cylindrical surface 20, downwards by a internal frustoconical surface 21 of the same inclination as the surface 14 and upwards by a frustoconical surface 22, truncated at the level of the upper surface 23 of the flange 19.
  • the side faces of the cap comprises two longitudinal surfaces 24 and 25 for generating parallel to the common axis has surfaces 14, 20, 21, 22 and two surface portions 26 and 27 circular cylindrical and coaxial, the axes of which coincide with the 'common axis a .
  • the surfaces 24 to 27 thus define the periphery of the watch, which is rectangular in shape with rounded sides, the long sides of the rectangle being oriented in a direction roughly parallel to the 12h-6h axis of the watch.
  • two flat faces 28, adjacent to the notches 15, provide a passage for a bracelet, not shown, intended to be fixed to the horns 16.
  • the two components 1 and 2 of the box body are fixed to each other permanently by a ring 31 of deformable material, for example an elastomer, engaged in the radial clearance which is provided between the coaxial surfaces 20 and 9.
  • the height positioning is ensured by contacting the surfaces 14 and 21.
  • the lining 31 can be glued.
  • the manufacture of the cap is simplified by the fact that the only surfaces which must be machined to precise dimensions are the surfaces 20 and 21. They can be corrected by means automatically driven and allowing mass production. Surfaces 22 to 27 must be ground and polished. However, these are flat, frustoconical or cylindrical surfaces which are situated outside the box and whose dimensions are therefore not critical. Moreover, even the thickness of the radial clearance between the surfaces 9 and 20 can withstand large machining tolerances, allowed by the deformation of the ring 31.
  • the frustoconical surfaces, respectively internal 21 and external 22 of the massive part 18 of the cap have substantially the same inclination so that this massive part 18 has all its periphery a substantially constant thickness.
  • the massive part 18 of the cover 2 has in longitudinal section (along the common axis a ) a profile in the form of parallelogram.
  • the glass 3 can be fixed in the opening of the internal rim 19 by means of an intermediate seal 32 and is supported on the upper face 8.
  • the box thus described has an aesthetic effect giving the watch an impression of thinness, compared to the box described in patent CH 517,963.
  • the lower edges 24a and 25a of the large ones sides 24 and 25 respectively of the cap 2 are curved, that is to say that with respect to the cap they have a concave shape.
  • These lower edges 24a, 25a and the corresponding upper edge 24b, 25b delimit the surface of the long sides 24 and 25 which define bands called bands of middle.
  • each longitudinal sideband 24 and 25 has a constant width and a curved appearance open towards the bottom of the cap which corresponds to the region closest to the wrist.
  • edges and of the middle bands is due to the geometric combination of the long sides of the cap which are circular and of the frustoconical shape of the internal 21 and external 22 surfaces of the massive part 18 of the cap.
  • the internal frustoconical surface 21 extends to the long sides 24 and 25 of the middle part, and opens out from the latter.
  • the frustoconical 21 and circular 24, 25 surfaces are contiguous and form common edges which are the lower edges 24a and 25a.
  • the outer frustoconical surface 22 is contiguous to the lateral circular surfaces 24 and 25 and defines therewith the upper edges 24b and 25b.
  • the curvature of the upper edges 24b, 25b and lower 24a, 25a is defined by the taper of the surfaces 21 and 22 and by the radius of the long sides 24 and 25.
  • each upper edge 24b, 25b is substantially parallel to the lower edge 24a, 25a which corresponds to it.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Joining Of Glass To Other Materials (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
  • Walking Sticks, Umbrellas, And Fans (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne les boîtes de montre dont les parties apparentes sont en un matériau dur de manière à ne pas risquer d'être rayées lorsqu'elles sont portées au poignet.The present invention relates to watch cases whose visible parts are made of a hard material so as not to risk being scratched when they are worn on the wrist.

On sait qu'une première réalisation d'une boîte de montre de ce genre a été commercialisée avec un succès constant depuis 1959. Cette réalisation est décrite notamment dans le fascicule de brevet CH 517 963. Le succès constant de ce type de montre est dû pour une part non négligeable à la forme particulière de la coiffe qui est visible aux figures 1 à 4 du document susmentionné et qui protège la montre de manière particulièrement efficace.We know that a first production of a watch case of this kind has been marketed with constant success since 1959. This production is described in particular in patent specification CH 517 963. The constant success of this type of watch is due for a significant part to the particular shape of the cap which is visible in Figures 1 to 4 of the aforementioned document and which protects the watch in a particularly effective way.

Toutefois, la fabrication de ces coiffes et leur fixation sur la carrure intérieure qui les porte se sont toujours heurtées à des difficultés d'ordre technique et de nombreuses constructions différentes ont été proposées pour les surmonter.However, the manufacture of these caps and their attachment to the interior middle part which wears them have always encountered technical difficulties and many different constructions have been proposed to overcome them.

La coiffe décrite dans le fascicule CH 517 963 présente une face extérieure qui peut avoir la forme d'un tronc de cône et sur son côté intérieur deux épaulements annulaires étagés et entre eux des surfaces de liaison cylindriques. Elle est engagée à force sur une partie de profil correspondant de la carrure intérieure et collée.The cap described in the booklet CH 517 963 has an outer face which may have the shape of a truncated cone and on its inner side two annular shoulders stepped and between them cylindrical connecting surfaces. It is forcibly engaged on a corresponding profile part of the interior middle part and glued.

Selon le document CH 508 925, déposé en 1969, la coiffe est montée de manière amovible au moyen d'un anneau élastique sur la carrure intérieure. Elle présente dans ce but, une rainure intérieure.According to document CH 508 925, filed in 1969, the cap is removably mounted by means of an elastic ring on the inner middle part. For this purpose, it has an internal groove.

Le modèle d'utilité japonais no 1046157, déposé également en 1969, propose, pour la fixation de deux constituants distincts d'un corps de boîte, une pièce métallique malléable, de forme annulaire, qui est intercalée entre eux.The Japanese utility model no. 1046157, also filed in 1969, proposes, for the fixing of two distinct constituents of a box body, a malleable metal part, of annular shape, which is interposed between them.

Le document CH 558 040, déposé en 1971, propose encore une autre solution en réalisant une coiffe pourvue d'une face inférieure plane dans laquelle sont noyés des plots taraudés. Ceux-ci permettent de fixer la coiffe sur un épaulement de la carrure intérieure au moyen de vis.The document CH 558 040, filed in 1971, proposes yet another solution by making a cap provided with a flat lower face in which are tapped studs. These allow the cap to be fixed to a shoulder of the inner middle by means of screws.

En fait, seule la solution exposée dans le premier document cité a été exploitée de manière constante, et cela bien qu'il ait été de tout temps difficile d'obtenir une qualité régulière en fabrication.In fact, only the solution exposed in the first cited document has been used constantly, and this although it has always been difficult to obtain regular quality in manufacturing.

On connaît par ailleurs du document CH 17664/68 une boîte de montre munie d'une coiffe en matériau dure, qui est fixée sur une carrure par interposition d'un organe annulaire de fixation et qui repose, par un bord annulaire plan ménagé sur une partie massive, sur un épaulement radial annulaire plan ménagé sur la carrure.Document CH 17664/68 also discloses a watch case provided with a hard material cap, which is fixed to a middle part by interposition of an annular fixing member and which rests, by a planar annular edge formed on a massive part, on a plane annular radial shoulder formed on the middle part.

Récemment la requérante a toutefois constaté qu'en donnant à une telle coiffe une forme nouvelle, la fabrication ainsi que le montage de la coiffe sur la carrure intérieure étaient simplifiés dans une large mesure. En outre, une forte réduction des tensions internes de la coiffe avait pour effet de diminuer le risque d'apparition de fissures, tant lors du frittage que lorsque la montre est portée.Recently, however, the applicant has found that by giving such a cap a new shape, the manufacture as well as the mounting of the cap on the inner middle part were greatly simplified. In addition, a strong reduction in the internal tensions of the cap had the effect of reducing the risk of the appearance of cracks, both during sintering and when the watch is worn.

Le but de la présente invention est de perfectionner les boîtes de montre comportant une coiffe en un matériau dur, et plus particulièrement de réduire leur prix de revient tout en augmentant leur fiabilité.The object of the present invention is to improve watch cases comprising a cap made of a hard material, and more particularly to reduce their cost price while increasing their reliability.

A cet effet, la boîte de montre selon l'invention présente les caractéristiques énoncées dans la revendication 1.To this end, the watch case according to the invention has the characteristics set out in claim 1.

On va décrire ci-après à titre d'exemple une forme d'exécution de l'objet de l'invention en se référant aux dessins annexés dont :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée et coupée des constituants principaux de la boîte ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue partielle en plan de dessus de la boîte ;
  • les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues en coupe partielle selon les axes 6H - 12H et 3H - 9H respectivement, d'une montre-bracelet équipée de la boîte des figures 1 et 2 ; et
  • la figure 5 est une vue de côté de la coiffe seule, faite selon la flèche V des figures 1 et 4.
An embodiment of the subject of the invention will be described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • Figure 1 is an exploded and cut perspective view of the main components of the box;
  • Figure 2 is a partial top plan view of the box;
  • Figures 3 and 4 are views in partial section along the axes 6H - 12H and 3H - 9H respectively, of a wristwatch equipped with the box of Figures 1 and 2; and
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of the cap alone, made according to arrow V in FIGS. 1 and 4.

La boîte de montre représentée à la figure 3 comporte quatre pièces principales : une carrure intérieure 1, une coiffe 2, un verre 3 et un fond 4. Alors que le verre 3 et le fond 4 sont des pièces conventionnelles dont il n'est pas nécessaire de décrire la structure en détail, la carrure intérieure 1 et la coiffe 2 présentent des formes qui sont déterminées de manière que les opérations de fabrication soient simplifiées et celles d'assemblage facilitées.The watch case shown in Figure 3 has four main parts: an inner middle 1, a cap 2, a glass 3 and a bottom 4. While the glass 3 and the bottom 4 are conventional parts which it is not necessary to describe the structure in detail, the inner middle part 1 and the cover 2 have shapes which are determined so that the manufacturing operations are simplified and those of assembly facilitated.

La carrure intérieure 1 est en un métal facilement usinable, par exemple l'axier inoxydable. Elle pourrait aussi être en une autre matière, par exemple en matière plastique. La technique de mise en forme sera adaptée à la matière utilisée : décolletage ou emboutissage et usinage final, moulage, etc.The inner middle part 1 is made of an easily machinable metal, for example stainless steel. It could also be made of another material, for example plastic. The setting technique shape will be adapted to the material used: bar turning or stamping and final machining, molding, etc.

La carrure intérieure 1 est destinée à contenir un mouvement 5, avantageusement de type analogique. Elle comporte une partie inférieure 6 et une partie supérieure 7. La partie inférieure 6 est solidaire du fond 4. Elle entoure et porte le mouvement 5, d'une manière classique qui ne sera donc pas décrite plus en détail. La partie supérieure 7 est en forme de bague circulaire avec une face supérieure plane 8, une face latérale externe cylindrique 9 et une face latérale interne légèrement tronconique 10. Cette dernière surface est limitée vers le bas par un épaulement 11 destiné à former réhaut et donc à maintenir le bord externe du cadran que porte le mouvement 5. A la limite entre les parties 6 et 7 et au pied de la surface 9 s'étend un épaulement plan 13 dont l'arête extérieure circulaire limite une surface tronconique externe 14 qui forme une surface d'appui pour la coiffe 2.The inner middle part 1 is intended to contain a movement 5, advantageously of the analog type. It comprises a lower part 6 and an upper part 7. The lower part 6 is integral with the base 4. It surrounds and carries the movement 5, in a conventional manner which will therefore not be described in more detail. The upper part 7 is in the form of a circular ring with a flat upper face 8, a cylindrical external lateral face 9 and a slightly frustoconical internal lateral face 10. This latter surface is limited downwards by a shoulder 11 intended to form a flange and therefore to maintain the outer edge of the dial carried by the movement 5. At the limit between the parts 6 and 7 and at the foot of the surface 9 extends a flat shoulder 13 whose circular outer edge limits an external frustoconical surface 14 which forms a support surface for the cover 2.

La forme en plan de la carrure intérieure 1 est la même que celle de la coiffe 2 et la surface tronconique 14 s'étend vers l'extérieur jusqu'à la ligne qui détermine le contour de ces pièces. Toutefois les échancrures 15 situées entre les cornes 16 et l'échancrure 17 prévue sur 3H pour la couronne sont recouvertes par le bord de la coiffe 2.The plan shape of the inner middle part 1 is the same as that of the cap 2 and the frustoconical surface 14 extends outward to the line which determines the outline of these parts. However, the notches 15 located between the horns 16 and the notch 17 provided at 3 o'clock for the crown are covered by the edge of the cap 2.

La coiffe 2 est une pièce en métal dur fritté. Elle comporte une partie extérieure massive 18 de forme annulaire et une partie intérieure mince 19 qui forme un rebord annulaire au niveau du haut de la partie 18. Cette dernière est limitée vers l'intérieur par une surface cylindrique circulaire 20, vers le bas par une surface tronconique interne 21 de même inclinaison que la surface 14 et vers le haut par une surface tronconique 22, tronquée au niveau de la surface supérieure 23 du rebord 19.The cap 2 is a piece of sintered hard metal. It has a massive outer part 18 of annular shape and a thin inner part 19 which forms an annular rim at the top of the part 18. The latter is limited inwards by a circular cylindrical surface 20, downwards by a internal frustoconical surface 21 of the same inclination as the surface 14 and upwards by a frustoconical surface 22, truncated at the level of the upper surface 23 of the flange 19.

Les faces latérales de la coiffe comportent deux surfaces longitudinales 24 et 25 à génératrices parallèles à l'axe commun a des surfaces 14, 20, 21, 22 et deux portions de surface 26 et 27 cylindriques circulaires et coaxiales, dont les axes coïncident avec l'axe commun a. Les surfaces 24 à 27 définissent ainsi le pourtour de la montre, qui est de forme rectangulaire à côtés arrondis, les grands côtés du rectangle étant orientés selon une direction sensiblement parallèle à l'axe 12h-6h de la montre. Enfin deux faces planes 28, adjacentes aux échancrures 15, assurent un passage pour un bracelet non représenté, destiné à être fixé aux cornes 16.The side faces of the cap comprises two longitudinal surfaces 24 and 25 for generating parallel to the common axis has surfaces 14, 20, 21, 22 and two surface portions 26 and 27 circular cylindrical and coaxial, the axes of which coincide with the 'common axis a . The surfaces 24 to 27 thus define the periphery of the watch, which is rectangular in shape with rounded sides, the long sides of the rectangle being oriented in a direction roughly parallel to the 12h-6h axis of the watch. Finally two flat faces 28, adjacent to the notches 15, provide a passage for a bracelet, not shown, intended to be fixed to the horns 16.

Comme on le voit aux figures 3 et 4, les deux constituants 1 et 2 du corps de boîte sont fixés l'un à l'autre à demeure par une bague 31 en matière déformable, par exemple en un élastomère, engagée dans le jeu radial qui est prévu entre les surfaces coaxiales 20 et 9. Le positionnement en hauteur est assuré par contact des surfaces 14 et 21. La garniture 31 peut être collée.As seen in Figures 3 and 4, the two components 1 and 2 of the box body are fixed to each other permanently by a ring 31 of deformable material, for example an elastomer, engaged in the radial clearance which is provided between the coaxial surfaces 20 and 9. The height positioning is ensured by contacting the surfaces 14 and 21. The lining 31 can be glued.

La fabrication de la coiffe est simplifiée par le fait que les seules surfaces qui doivent être usinées à des cotes précises sont les surfaces 20 et 21. Elle peuvent être rectifiées par des moyens conduits automatiquement et permettant une production en grande série. Les surfaces 22 à 27 doivent être rectifiées et polies. Cependant, ce sont des surfaces planes, tronconiques ou cylindriques qui sont situées à l'extérieur de la boîte et dont les cotes ne sont en conséquence pas critiques. D'ailleurs même l'épaisseur du jeu radial entre les surfaces 9 et 20 peut supporter des tolérances d'usinage importantes, permises par la déformation de la bague 31.The manufacture of the cap is simplified by the fact that the only surfaces which must be machined to precise dimensions are the surfaces 20 and 21. They can be corrected by means automatically driven and allowing mass production. Surfaces 22 to 27 must be ground and polished. However, these are flat, frustoconical or cylindrical surfaces which are situated outside the box and whose dimensions are therefore not critical. Moreover, even the thickness of the radial clearance between the surfaces 9 and 20 can withstand large machining tolerances, allowed by the deformation of the ring 31.

L'avantage principal de la construction décrite est sa fiabilité beaucoup plus élevée qu'avec les constructions antérieures.The main advantage of the construction described is its much higher reliability than with previous constructions.

En effet, en se référant aux figures 1, 3 et 4 on remarquera que les surfaces tronconiques respectivement interne 21 et externe 22 de la partie massive 18 de la coiffe ont sensiblement la même inclinaison si bien que cette partie massive 18 présente sur tout son pourtour une épaisseur sensiblement constante. Ainsi, grâce à cette inclinaison et à la disposition parallèle des surfaces axiales intérieure 20 et extérieures 24, 25, 26 et 27 la partie massive 18 de la coiffe 2 a en coupe longitudinale (suivant l'axe commun a) un profil en forme de parallèlogramme.In fact, with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, it will be noted that the frustoconical surfaces, respectively internal 21 and external 22 of the massive part 18 of the cap have substantially the same inclination so that this massive part 18 has all its periphery a substantially constant thickness. Thus, thanks to this inclination and to the parallel arrangement of the internal axial 20 and external 24, 25, 26 and 27 surfaces, the massive part 18 of the cover 2 has in longitudinal section (along the common axis a ) a profile in the form of parallelogram.

Cette forme s'est révélée propre à éviter, dans une mesure exceptionnelle, les contraintes internes lors du frittage, et par conséquent le risque d'apparition de fissures.This shape has proven to be able to avoid, to an exceptional extent, internal stresses during sintering, and consequently the risk of the appearance of cracks.

Le verre 3 peut être fixé dans l'ouverture du rebord interne 19 au moyen d'un joint d'étanchéité intercalaire 32 et est en appui sur la face supérieure 8.The glass 3 can be fixed in the opening of the internal rim 19 by means of an intermediate seal 32 and is supported on the upper face 8.

La boîte ainsi décrite présente un effet esthétique conférant à la montre une impression de minceur, comparativement à la boîte décrite dans le brevet CH 517 963. En se référant plus particulièrement à la figure 5, on remarquera que les arêtes inférieures 24a et 25a des grands côtés respectivement 24 et 25 de la coiffe 2 sont incurvées, c'est-à-dire que par rapport à la coiffe elles présentent une forme concave. Ces arêtes inférieures 24a, 25a et l'arête supérieure correspondante 24b, 25b délimitent la surface des grands côtés 24 et 25 qui définissent des bandes dites bandes de carrure.The box thus described has an aesthetic effect giving the watch an impression of thinness, compared to the box described in patent CH 517,963. Referring more particularly to FIG. 5, it will be noted that the lower edges 24a and 25a of the large ones sides 24 and 25 respectively of the cap 2 are curved, that is to say that with respect to the cap they have a concave shape. These lower edges 24a, 25a and the corresponding upper edge 24b, 25b delimit the surface of the long sides 24 and 25 which define bands called bands of middle.

Avantageusement, les deux arêtes supérieures 24b et 25b sont respectivement parallèles aux arêtes inférieures correspondantes 24a et 25a si bien que chaque bande de carrure latérale longitudinale 24 et 25 présente une largeur constante et un aspect incurvé ouvert vers le bas de la coiffe qui correspond à la région la plus proche du poignet.Advantageously, the two upper edges 24b and 25b are respectively parallel to the corresponding lower edges 24a and 25a so that each longitudinal sideband 24 and 25 has a constant width and a curved appearance open towards the bottom of the cap which corresponds to the region closest to the wrist.

La forme de ces arêtes et des bandes de carrure est due à la combinaison géométrique des grands côtés de la coiffe qui sont circulaires et de la forme tronconique des surfaces interne 21 et externe 22 de la partie massive 18 de la coiffe.The shape of these edges and of the middle bands is due to the geometric combination of the long sides of the cap which are circular and of the frustoconical shape of the internal 21 and external 22 surfaces of the massive part 18 of the cap.

En effet, on observera sur la figure 1 que la surface tronconique interne 21 s'étend jusqu'aux grands côtés 24 et 25 de la carrure, et est débouchante de celle-ci. Ainsi, les surfaces tronconique 21 et circulaires 24, 25 sont contiguës et forment des arêtes communes qui sont les arêtes inférieures 24a et 25a. De même, la surface tronconique externe 22 est contiguë aux surfaces circulaires latérales 24 et 25 et définit avec celles-ci les arêtes supérieures 24b et 25b.In fact, it will be observed in FIG. 1 that the internal frustoconical surface 21 extends to the long sides 24 and 25 of the middle part, and opens out from the latter. Thus, the frustoconical 21 and circular 24, 25 surfaces are contiguous and form common edges which are the lower edges 24a and 25a. Similarly, the outer frustoconical surface 22 is contiguous to the lateral circular surfaces 24 and 25 and defines therewith the upper edges 24b and 25b.

Ainsi, la courbure des arêtes supérieures 24b, 25b et inférieures 24a, 25a est définie par la conicité des surfaces 21 et 22 et par le rayon des grands côtés 24 et 25.Thus, the curvature of the upper edges 24b, 25b and lower 24a, 25a is defined by the taper of the surfaces 21 and 22 and by the radius of the long sides 24 and 25.

La conicité de la surface externe 22 étant sensiblement la même que celle de la surface interne 21, c'est pourquoi chaque arête supérieure 24b, 25b est sensiblement parallèle à l'arête inférieure 24a, 25a qui lui correspond.The taper of the outer surface 22 being substantially the same as that of the inner surface 21, this is why each upper edge 24b, 25b is substantially parallel to the lower edge 24a, 25a which corresponds to it.

De plus, en choisissant au moins pour la surface interne 21 un angle au sommet du cône de 120° environ et un rayon de courbure des grands côtés arrondis 24 et 25 qui est double de la distance entre ces côtés et le centre de la montre, il est possible d'obtenir une courbure des arêtes inférieures 24a et 25a qui soit voisine de celle du poignet du porteur. Cette courbure, particulièrement visible lorsque carrure et coiffe ont des couleurs contrastées, donne l'impression que l'épaisseur de la montre est égale à l'épaisseur de la coiffe uniquement.In addition, by choosing at least for the internal surface 21 an angle at the apex of the cone of approximately 120 ° and a radius of curvature of the large rounded sides 24 and 25 which is twice the distance between these sides and the center of the watch, it is possible to obtain a curvature of the lower edges 24a and 25a which is close to that of the wearer's wrist. This curvature, particularly visible when the middle and the cap have contrasting colors, gives the impression that the thickness of the watch is equal to the thickness of the cap only.

Claims (8)

  1. Watch case comprising a coaxial assembly of two constituent parts, one being an inner middle (1) made of a machinable material and the other being a cap (2) made of a hard material covering the inner middle (1) and comprising a thicker portion (18), said inner middle (1) and the cap (2) comprising a first cylindrical surface (9) and a second cylindrical surface (20) respectively, said second surface (20) having a diameter greater than that of the first surface (9), such as to provide a radial gap between said surfaces, an annular fixing element (31) made of a deformable material being interposed between said surfaces, the cylindrical surface (20) of the middle (1) being arranged on a thicker portion (18) thereof which delimits said portion internally, said watch case being characterized in that the first cylindrical surface (9) is arranged on an upper portion (7) of the inner middle (1) which comprises a lower portion (6) onto which a first frusto-conical surface (14) extending under the first cylindrical surface (9), the cap (2) further comprising a second frusto-conical surface (21) having the same inclination as the first surface (14) and delimiting the thicker portion (18) downwardly, said frusto-conical surfaces (14, 21) being in contact with each other, so that the first surface (14) constitutes, under the annular fixing element (31), a frusto-conical bearing surface of the cap (2), which provides the heightwise positioning thereof on the inner middle (1).
  2. Watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that a glass (3) is fitted to the cap (2) through an inner flange (19) having an annular shape, said flange being on the cap (2) and covering said fixing element (31), said glass (3) being engaged in an opening of said flange (19) by means of an intermediate sealing gasket (32).
  3. Watch case according to claim 2, characterized in that said upper portion (7) of the inner middle (1) extends partially beneath the peripheral edge portion of the glass (3) and directly beneath the inner flange of the cap (2).
  4. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thicker portion (18) of the cap (2) is externally limited by an outer frusto-conical surface (22) having substantially the same inclination as the inner frusto-conical surface (21).
  5. Watch case according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cap (2) further has lateral surfaces (24 to 27) having generatrices that are parallel to the common axis (a) of the constituent parts formed by the inner middle (1) and the cap (2), said lateral surfaces (24 to 27) defining in plan a rectangular outline having rounded sides.
  6. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thicker portion (18) has in longitudinal cross-section the outline of a parallelogram.
  7. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second frusto-conical surface (21) delimiting innerly the cap (2) opens laterally of this cap (2), at least along the longitudinal sides thereof that are parallel to the 12 o'clock - 6 o'clock axis of the watch.
  8. Watch case according to claim 7, characterized in that the second frusto-conical surface (21) and the surfaces (24, 25) of the longitudinal sides have common edges defining lower edges (24a, 25a) of the cap (2) which are of curved and concave shape, opening towards a wearer's wrist.
EP90102396A 1989-02-14 1990-02-07 Watch case provided with a cap made of a hard material Expired - Lifetime EP0383179B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH51589 1989-02-14
CH515/89 1989-02-14

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0383179A1 EP0383179A1 (en) 1990-08-22
EP0383179B1 true EP0383179B1 (en) 1992-11-04

Family

ID=4188771

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP90102396A Expired - Lifetime EP0383179B1 (en) 1989-02-14 1990-02-07 Watch case provided with a cap made of a hard material

Country Status (7)

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US (1) US4979157A (en)
EP (1) EP0383179B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2613806B2 (en)
KR (1) KR970001847B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69000416T2 (en)
HK (1) HK208296A (en)
MY (1) MY104828A (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH680825B5 (en) * 1991-06-27 1993-05-28 Rado Montres Sa
EP1906268A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2008-04-02 Omega SA Watch case with a composite middle
CN104407509A (en) * 2014-01-24 2015-03-11 珠海罗西尼表业有限公司 Watch and manufacturing method thereof
DE102016113744A1 (en) * 2016-07-26 2018-02-01 Porsche Lizenz- Und Handelsgesellschaft Mbh & Co.Kg Chronograph and method for operating a chronograph

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0052316A1 (en) * 1980-11-15 1982-05-26 RODI & WIENENBERGER Aktiengesellschaft Wrist-watch
EP0150746A2 (en) * 1984-01-26 1985-08-07 Montres Rado S.A. Watch case
EP0221233A1 (en) * 1985-10-07 1987-05-13 Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches Watch case made of a hard material
EP0280963A1 (en) * 1987-02-25 1988-09-07 Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches Watch fitted with a cover, and method for producing the same
US4815053A (en) * 1988-01-21 1989-03-21 Remy Montavon S.A. Rotating-bezel watch

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB191511730A (en) * 1915-08-13 1916-04-13 Hugh Rotherham Improvements in or relating to Wrist-watches.
DE871130C (en) * 1941-09-26 1953-03-19 Werner Schmitz Waterproof watch case
CH517963A (en) * 1960-10-05 1972-02-29 Schlup & Cie S A Watch box
DE1523843A1 (en) * 1965-05-06 1969-07-10 Jean Steimann Dense watch case
CH1454068A4 (en) * 1968-09-27 1971-02-15
US3841848A (en) * 1970-01-30 1974-10-15 Suwa Seikosha Kk HARD WATCH CASE COMPRISING TiN, T, AND AT LEAST ONE OF Mn, Al AND V
JPS4839653U (en) * 1971-09-13 1973-05-17
JPS5387157A (en) * 1977-01-12 1978-08-01 Hitachi Ltd Non-linear a-d converter

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0052316A1 (en) * 1980-11-15 1982-05-26 RODI & WIENENBERGER Aktiengesellschaft Wrist-watch
EP0150746A2 (en) * 1984-01-26 1985-08-07 Montres Rado S.A. Watch case
EP0221233A1 (en) * 1985-10-07 1987-05-13 Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches Watch case made of a hard material
EP0280963A1 (en) * 1987-02-25 1988-09-07 Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches Watch fitted with a cover, and method for producing the same
US4815053A (en) * 1988-01-21 1989-03-21 Remy Montavon S.A. Rotating-bezel watch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
HK208296A (en) 1996-11-29
US4979157A (en) 1990-12-18
KR970001847B1 (en) 1997-02-17
DE69000416D1 (en) 1992-12-10
JP2613806B2 (en) 1997-05-28
JPH02240592A (en) 1990-09-25
EP0383179A1 (en) 1990-08-22
DE69000416T2 (en) 1993-05-19
MY104828A (en) 1994-06-30
KR900013359A (en) 1990-09-05

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