EP3455679A1

EP3455679A1 - Watch case comprising removable horns

Info

Publication number: EP3455679A1
Application number: EP17718753.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Laurent Cuenat; Laurent RAILLE
Original assignee: LVMH Swiss Manufactures SA
Current assignee: LVMH Swiss Manufactures SA
Priority date: 2016-05-10
Filing date: 2017-04-19
Publication date: 2019-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2037-04-19
Also published as: JP2019515300A; KR20190002684A; WO2017195054A1; JP6691232B2; CN109074028B; CH712446A1; CN109074028A; EP3455679B1; US20190174882A1; US11166529B2

Abstract

Watch case comprising: a case body (1); at least one pair of horns (3) which are intended to hold a length of strap (5); the case body (1) comprising a first locking member (10); a second locking member (31) mounted on the pair of horns and complementing the first member so as to lock the pair of horns to the case body, characterized by α a manipulation member (30) that a user can manipulate so as to move the second member (31) between a locking position in which the members collaborate to hold the pair of horns on the case body, and a release position in which the pair of horns can be detached from the case body.

Description

Watch case with removable horns

Technical area

The present invention relates to a watch case with removable and interchangeable horns.

State of the art

[0002] Wristwatches generally include a watch case with a middle part comprising horns that serve to fasten the bracelet; the usual watch cases have two pairs of horns, each strand of the bracelet being mounted between two horns.

The middle part is generally constituted by a single piece made by stamping by integrating the horns. The manufacture of horned bodices with complex shapes is difficult and unsuitable for mass production.

There are also parts of watch boxes in which the middle and the horns are manufactured separately and assembled to each other after the fact. These boxes are easier to manufacture. In addition, the outer faces of the middle can be completed by turning, so more cleanly and faster than those of a middle made directly with the horns.

The document CH706260, filed by the applicant, describes a watch case part comprising a middle and removable horns interconnected by a connecting piece. The middle part includes a recessed location for each horn and a recessed location for each connecting piece. The depth of these locations makes it possible to position the base of the horns while masking the connecting piece. Fixing the connecting piece to the middle part is ensured by two screws perpendicular through each horn and engaged in tapped holes in the thickness of the middle part. A tool is therefore necessary to disassemble the horns. In addition, the middle should be relatively thick to accommodate tapped holes for maintaining the horns.

EP2431825 discloses removable horns, each horn comprising two projecting elements which can be inserted into corresponding recesses. The connection between the horn and the middle part is made by exploiting the deformation of the projecting elements when they are inserted into the recesses. This solution requires a thick middle to achieve the locations capable of cooperating with the projecting elements. In addition there is a risk of breaking the horns if the force exerted to deform the projecting elements to make the connection with the caseband is too great.

The document CH701221 describes a case in which the outer lateral surface comprises a mortise. The end of a horn includes a tenon of the same rendering as the mortise. The tenon is arranged to be inserted into the mortise, the two parts being then connected by a peg into a housing formed by holes in the middle and the post. The insertion and removal of the ankle requires tooling. The horns are not easily removable.

EP2188676 discloses a watch case with a middle and two pairs of horns. The two horns of each pair are connected by a connecting piece having a side held against the middle by means of an elastic member inside the middle part. This elastic member is connected to the connecting piece through an opening located on the outline of the middle part. This solution therefore requires an elastic member inside the middle part, whose assembly is complicated. The middle should be thick to accommodate this elastic element. The entire case should be returned to the watchmaker for overhaul in case of deformation or breakage of the elastic element. A similar solution is described in EP1902641, which requires indexing means in the middle and also in the connecting piece, to index longitudinally the insertion of a pin of the connecting piece in the middle part. Documents CH355094 and CH321 188 require a thick middle to be able to make housing for receiving a connecting piece of horns.

EP0400206 describes a middle part of a wristwatch whose bracelet is retained at the middle by means of a locking element positionable in a cavity of a part external to the middle and connected to its outer surface. This piece cooperates with rods

allowing the attachment of the bracelet.

EP0471834 discloses a rectangular middle part of wristwatch comprising a bore in one side of the middle part and whose wall is traversed by an axial slot of a width greater than the thickness of the bracelet. An elastic tubular blade and a sleeve with one end closed are inserted into this slot. The tubular blade has a toothed axial slot in which is introduced the free end of a flexible bracelet. The axial insertion of the tubular blade into the sleeve requires an elastic deformation of the blade causing a locking of the free end of the bracelet by pinching the toothed slot. This solution requires a middle of a large thickness to achieve the axial slot receiving the sleeve and the elastic tubular blade. In addition, this solution is only suitable for soft bracelets. The document US5732048 describes a watch middle part

comprising a first hole extending in a first direction (perpendicular to the plane of movement), arranged to receive a cylinder, and a second hole extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first (and thus in the plane of movement), and arranged to receive a screw connected to a connecting piece of a bracelet. The cylinder comprises two openings, the first of which is arranged to receive this screw, and the second to receive another screw for attaching the middle part to the bottom of the watch case. The middle requires a large thickness to accommodate the holes receiving the connection screw to the bracelet and the cylinder.

The watch boxes above therefore most often have a middle size difficult to manufacture. The means for attaching the horns to the caseband are complex to manufacture and often require a large middle size. These solutions are therefore unsuitable for small watch cases or to be manufactured at reduced cost. In addition, the disassembly of the horns is most often delicate, and requires watchmakers tools, or even sometimes the disassembly of the bottom of the watch temporarily compromising the seal.

There is therefore a need for a detachable horn watch case free from the limitations of the above watch cases, or which has a better compromise between the advantages and disadvantages of the various solutions.

There is also a need for a simplified method of mounting and dismounting the horns. There is also a need for a simplified method of assembly and disassembly of the bracelet.

Brief summary of the invention

According to the invention, these objects are achieved in particular by means of a watch case comprising:

a caseband;

at least one pair of horns for holding a bracelet strand and held on the middle by a switchable lock between a locking position of the horns and a position of release of the horns;

the lock comprising a first member connected to the middle part, and a second member complementary to the first member and mounted on the pair of horns;

a handling member mounted on the pair of horns and for moving the second member to switch the lock between the locking position and the horn release position.

This solution has the advantage of simplifying the manufacture of the middle part which is devoid of horns and devoid of handle member of the lock. It can therefore be very thin, and easy to machine.

The complexity moves on the pairs of horns, which support the latch manipulation member. The horns consist of small parts, usually made by milling, which are easier to machine in complex shapes.

By deporting the manipulation member on the horns, it also facilitates its handling. In addition, the underside of the horns does not strongly press on the wrist, which limits the risk of hurting the skin with the manipulator.

The manipulation member is preferably manipulable by hand, for example with a finger.

The manipulation member is preferably manipulable without tools. The handling member preferably remains attached to the pair of horns during the release of the pair of horns and during disassembly of the bracelet; any risk of loss of screws, pins or other parts during disassembly of the horns or the bracelet is eliminated.

The watch case may comprise an elastic return element, for example a spring, mounted on the pair of horns to push the manipulation member, and preferably the second member of the latch, in the locking position.

The manipulation member may be provided on the horns of the bottom side, that is to say the side of the horns facing the wrist when wearing the watch. It is hidden when wearing the watch, and protected from the risk of inadvertent manipulation.

The manipulation member and the second lock member may form two parts of the same part.

In one embodiment, the manipulator can be manipulated between the locking position and the release position by moving it in a vertical direction. The vertical direction is

perpendicular to the horizontal plane, itself defined as the plane of the bottom of the watch.

In one embodiment, the first member of the lock is constituted by a bolt fixedly attached to the middle part. The second member of the bolt is constituted by a striker movable relative to the pair of horns, between the locking position of the bolt and the release position of the bolt.

In one embodiment, the first latch member extends radially on a side face of the middle part. This organ can be anchored with a central rod ending in two lateral jas. The second lock member comprises a window through which the first member of the lock in the locking position. This window, forming a movable striker, comprises an enlarged portion allowing the insertion and extraction of the first member of the lock, and a narrow portion preventing the insertion and extraction of the first member of the lock. The first bolt member (anchor-shaped) passes through the narrow portion of the window when the resilient return member mounted on the pair of horns pushes the second latch member into the locking position, but is prevented from coming out by the jars of the anchor that can not cross the narrow portion of the window.

The elastic return element may be constituted by one or more spring blades bearing on the second member of the lock.

The spring blades can act in a vertical direction, to push the second member of the latch in a vertical direction.

In another embodiment, the direction of movement of the manipulator between the locking position and the release position is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. This variant reduces the contact between the manipulation member and the wrist of the user, and thus limit the risk of injuring the user.

In one embodiment, the second member of the lock can pivot about an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane between the locking position and the handling position. This axis can be linked to the pair of horns.

In one embodiment, the first member of the lock is constituted by a groove or another striker in a side face of the middle part. The second member of the lock is constituted by a bolt or another portion engaged in this groove in the locking position, and out of the groove in the release position. In one embodiment, the manipulation member may be constituted by a movable button actuated by the user and acting on the second member of the lock in the release position to the

unlock. The manipulation member and the second member of the lock are thus constituted by two separate parts, which makes it possible, if desired, to manufacture them in different materials and optimized according to their own requirements.

In one embodiment, the second member of the lock can translate radially in the horizontal plane between the locking position and the release position.

The manipulator can be manipulated horizontally.

The return member can push the manipulator in a substantially horizontal direction, facing the outside of the watch. The pair of horns maintains a strand of the bracelet.

Two pairs of horns can be provided to maintain the two strands of the bracelet.

A portion of the bracelet can be sandwiched between the pair of horns and a portion of the middle part. The arrangement may comprise a vertical stack

comprising, from the bottom upwards: a portion of the pair of horns; the end of the bracelet, inserted on this portion and between the two horns; a portion of the middle part.

The disassembly or replacement of the bracelet may require disassembly of the horns. The maintenance of the bracelet is thus facilitated. The bracelet is thus simpler and more economical to achieve. The complexity of the removable link is reported on the pairs of horns, which are durable parts.

A spring ball may be provided in the bracelet to position the bracelet relative to the pair of horns.

The application also relates to a method of assembling a bracelet on a watch case, comprising the following steps:

insertion of the bracelet into a pair of horns;

inserting the assembly formed of the bracelet and the pair of horns on an outer face of the watch case;

locking the assembly by manipulating a handling member mounted on the pair of horns.

Brief description of the figures

Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the accompanying figures in which: [0049] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a watch case and a pair of horns with a strand of bracelet, before assembly, according to a first embodiment.

[0050] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a watch case and a pair of horns with a bracelet strand, after assembly, according to a first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 3 illustrates a bottom view of a watch case and a pair of horns with a bracelet strand, before assembly, according to a first embodiment. [0052] Figure 4 illustrates a radial sectional view of a portion of a watch case and a pair of horns with a bracelet strand, after assembly, according to a first embodiment.

Figure 5 illustrates a horizontal sectional view of a portion of a watch case and a pair of horns with a bracelet strand, after assembly, according to a first embodiment.

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of horns and a second latch member, according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of horns and a bracelet strand before assembly, according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a radial sectional view of a portion of a watch case and of a pair of horns with a bracelet strand, during the assembly of the pair of horns, and before their locking, according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a radial sectional view of a portion of a watch case and of a pair of horns with a bracelet strand, during the assembly of the pair of horns, and after their locking, according to a first embodiment.

Figure 10 illustrates a side view of a watch case and a pair of horns with a bracelet strand, prior to assembly, according to a second embodiment.

Figure 1 1 shows a bottom view of a watch case and a pair of horns with a bracelet strand, before assembly, according to a second embodiment. FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of horns and a second lock member, according to a second embodiment of FIG.

production.

FIG. 13 illustrates a radial sectional view of a portion of a watch case and of a pair of horns with a strand of a bracelet, during the assembly of the pair of horns, and after their locking, according to a second embodiment.

Figure 14 illustrates a bracelet strand and a pair of horns before assembly.

[0063] Figure 15 illustrates a bottom view of a watch case and a pair of horns with a bracelet strand, before assembly, according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of horns and a second lock member, according to a third embodiment of FIG.

embodiment, the manipulation member being in the locking position.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of horns and a second lock member, according to a third embodiment of FIG.

embodiment, the manipulator being in the release position.

Figure 18 illustrates a horizontal sectional view of a portion of a watch case and a pair of horns with a bracelet strand, after assembly, according to a third embodiment.

Figure 19 illustrates a bracelet strand and a pair of horns, before assembly, according to the third embodiment. [0068] Figure 20 illustrates a radial sectional view of a portion of a watch case and a pair of horns (without the bracelet), and after locking, according to a fourth embodiment.

Figure 21 illustrates a bottom view of a watch case and a pair of horns with a bracelet strand, prior to assembly, according to a fourth embodiment.

[0070] Figure 22 illustrates a vertical sectional view of a portion of a watch case and a pair of horns (without the bracelet), showing the complementary shapes used for their assembly.

Figure 23 illustrates a perspective view and from below a pair of horns without the bracelet, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 24 illustrates a perspective view of the pair of horns of Figure 23, the manipulator being depressed in the release position.

[0073] Figure 25 illustrates an exploded view of a pair of horns without the bracelet, according to the fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0074] Figure 26 illustrates another exploded view of a pair of horns without the bracelet, according to the fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0075] FIG. 27 illustrates a radial sectional view of a pair of horns without the bracelet, according to the fifth embodiment of FIG.

the invention, the manipulation member being in the locking position.

[0076] FIG. 28 illustrates a radial sectional view of a pair of horns without the bracelet, according to the fifth embodiment of FIG.

the invention, the manipulation member being in the release position. [0077] Figure 29 illustrates a radial perspective view of a pair of horns according to the fifth embodiment of the invention, illustrating in particular the complementary shapes for guiding the middle part.

Example (s) of embodiment of the invention

A first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0079] Figure 1 illustrates a watch case having a middle 1A and a pair of removable horns 3A, on which is mounted a strand of bracelet 5. Another pair of removable horn and another strand of unrepresented bracelet can be mounted on the opposite side of the middle part. Figure 3 is a bottom view of these elements.

The bracelet strand 5 is inserted temporarily into the pair of horns 3 (here 3A) by moving it vertically (that is to say in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom of the watch). The set formed horns and the bracelet is then assembled on the middle part 1 (here 1A - Figure 2). This assembly of the pair of horns 3 on the middle part 1 also makes it possible to maintain the bracelet strand by preventing its axial extraction as in the other embodiments.

A lock comprising a first member 10A fixed and linked to the watch case and a second member 31A (Figure 4) to lock the assembly between the pair of horns 3A and the middle 1A. The pair of horns 3A, and therefore the bracelet strand 5, can only be released from the caseband by manipulating the second member of the lock to move it from the locking position to a release position, as will be seen below.

FIG. 6 illustrates one of the two pairs of horns 3A and the second locking member 31A. This member 31A can slide vertically in two slots 37 formed in the pair of horns 3A. An elastic return element, here formed of two elastic blades 34A (FIG. 7), exerts a restoring force on the second member of the lock in order to push it back into the locking position, that is to say towards the bottom of the Fig. The second locking member 31A is part of a part which also comprises a handling member 30A.

The manipulation member is visible under the internal face of the pair of horns, as can be seen for example in FIG. 3. The user can manipulate it, without any tools, in order to push the second locking member towards the top of the figure, that is to say in the lock release position.

The second locking member 31A comprises a window 310 constituting a striker in which the first member 10A can be inserted. In this embodiment, the locking of the pair of horns 3A on the middle part 1A is therefore done with a latch mechanism with a fixed bolt connected to the middle part, and a sliding strike linked to the pair of horns. The first bolt member 10A has an anchor shape with a rod and two jars extending from each side to the end of the rod. The window 310 has an inverted T shape with an enlarged portion 312 allowing insertion or extraction of the first member 10A, and a narrower portion 31 1 preventing the passage of the first member 10A.

The bracelet is inserted temporarily between the two horns of the pair 3A, advent mounting this pair on the middle 1A. Complementary shapes 53 at the end of the bracelet and in the between-horns allow casing. The end of the bracelet 5 is further

maintained in position by means of a ball 50 spring 51 which is positioned in a housing 35 (Figure 8) formed between the two horns of the pair 3A.

In the same way, the positioning of the pair of horns 3A on the outer face of the middle part 1A is obtained thanks to the interlocking of the complementary shapes 38 on the pair of horns 3A and 13 on the side faces of the middle part 1A.

Figures 4, 5 and 8, 9 illustrate different sectional views of the pair of horns 3A assembled on the middle part 1A. Figure 8 illustrates the position of the various elements before locking. In this figure, the second member 31 A is pushed downwards, in the locking position, by the return spring 34A.

By pushing the pair of horns 3A and the bracelet strand 5 radially against the middle part 1A, the pressure of a portion inclined at the end of the first member 10A against the second member 31A up the latter in position of release, which allows the first member 10A to pass through the window 310. The second member 31A then descends under the action of the return spring 34A, which has the effect of locking the first member 10A and thus to maintain the assembly middle Pair of horns, in the position illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 9.

The pair of horns 3A can only be released in

manipulating the manipulator 30A to lower the window 310 in the release position, allowing the extraction of the first member 10A.

The bracelet strand 5 is held between the pair of horns 3 (here 3A) and the middle 1 (here 1A), and can not be removed without unlocking and removing the pair of horns 3. More precisely, as it is seen in particular in Figure 4, a portion 52 at the longitudinal end of the bracelet strand 5 is sandwiched between a portion 12 of the middle part 1A and the pair of horns 3A. In the horizontal plane, the displacement of the bracelet strand 5 is limited by the two horns of the pair 3A.

A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 14. As can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, it again includes a watch case with a 1 B middle, pairs of removable horns 3B, and a bracelet 5 held between these horns 3B and the middle part B. Complementary shapes 13 on the middle and 38 on the pair of horns can fit to ensure the assembly of these elements before locking. As in the other embodiments, complementary shapes also make it possible to fit the end of the bracelet strand 5 against the external face of the pair of horns 3B, before they are held by assembling the pair of horns on the middle part 1 B.

In this embodiment, as in the embodiments 3, 4 and 5 described below, the pairs of horns 3B are mounted on the middle 1 B by an axial movement, that is to say vertical. The complementary shapes 13 on the middle 1 B constitute slides and

allow to axially guide this relative movement of the horn pairs 3B relative to the middle 1 B.

The lock for blocking this assembly once the horns are in position is constituted in this embodiment by a groove 10B on the side face of the middle part 1 B (first member), and by a second member 31 B mobile in rotation and mounted on the pair of horns 3B, to block its axial displacement. The second member 31 B can pivot about a vertical axis 39 under the lower face of the pair of horns, between a locking position engaged in the groove 10B (Figure 13), and a release position for mounting or dismounting the pair of horns 3B. For this purpose, the second member 31 B is connected to a manipulator 30B which allows to extract it in the release position, by rotating it about the axis 39. A return spring 34B, for example a spring wire, exerts a bearing pressure of the second member 31 B at the bottom of the groove 10B. The other aspects of this second embodiment may be identical or equivalent to those of the first embodiment.

A third embodiment is illustrated in Figures 15 to 19. As in the second embodiment, the unlocking of the pair of horns 3 on the middle part 1 C is obtained by moving a second member 31 C of the lock by a rotational movement about an axis 39 linked to the pair of horns 3C, so as to disengage it from the first member 10C formed by a groove on the periphery of the middle part 1C. A return spring 34c pushes this second member at the bottom of the groove in the locking position, in order to prevent the axial displacement of the pair of horns 3C with respect to the middle part. The lock thus prevents the separation of the pair of horns 3C with respect to the middle part 1C.

However, in this embodiment, the manipulation member 30C is constituted by a separate part of the second member 31 C of the lock. In this example, the manipulation member is constituted by a sliding button in a horizontal plane between the positions of

lock and release. The manipulation member 30C and the second member 31B are connected to each other by a pin passing through a

oblong opening under the underside of the pair of horns.

Figures 20 to 22 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the invention. In this example, the first member of the lock is constituted by a groove 10D forming a striker at the periphery of the middle part 1 D. The second member of the lock is constituted by a bolt 31 D at the end of a bolt comprising a member 30D manipulation under the underside of the pair of 3D horns. A return spring 34D housed in a blind hole 32 on the face of the pair of 3D horns pushes the bolt so as to engage the second member 31D (bolt) in the groove 10D (keeper). In this locked position, the lock prevents the axial displacement of the pair of horns with respect to the middle part 1 D. The manipulation member 30D can be pulled outwards in order to disengage the two members of the lock and to insert or to extract the pair of horns by moving it axially with respect to the middle part 1 D.

Figures 23 to 28 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the invention. In this example, the first member of the lock is again constituted by a groove 10E (FIG 27) forming a keeper at the periphery of the middle 1 E and preventing the extraction of the pair of horns 3E in a vertical movement (axial ). The second lock member is constituted by a bolt 31 E which moves radially in this groove, being guided in this movement by an opening 310 on the inner face of the pair of horns 3E.

In the locking position, the second member 31 E is pushed back to the bottom of the groove 10E by two return springs 34E connected to the pair of horns 3E, here helical springs visible in particular in Figures 25 and 26.

In the release position, the second member 31 E is moved radially towards the outside of the watch, against the action of the return springs 34E. This movement is obtained thanks to the manipulation member 30E constituted by a push button under the internal face of the pair of horns. The button 30E comprises a rod 301 whose end forms a bevel 303. This bevel 303 rests against a bevel

complementary 31 1 under the second member 31 E, so as to move the second member 31 E between the locking position shown in Figure 28 and the release position shown in Figure 28. In this release position, the end of the second member 31 E is fully retracted inside the horns and no longer protrudes beyond the window 310. The manipulation member 30E is guided in its vertical movement by a cover 300 traversed by the rod 301. Spring-loaded balls 304 exert a force to repel this member when not depressed. Pins 302 on either side of the rod 301 further enable vertical movement of the handling member 30E. The entire device is hidden by a hood 322 screwed by means of screws 320 on the entrecorne.

The end of the second member 31 E is provided with a bevelled bias to allow its removal during the insertion of the pair of horns on the middle part 1 E. As already mentioned, the interlocking of each pair of horns on the caseband 1 of embodiments 2 to 5 is obtained by an axial relative displacement along the vertical axis; the latch makes it possible to maintain the nested position. This vertical movement is guided by the adjustment of complementary shapes 38 on the pair of horns 3 and 13 on the caseband 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 22, these complementary shapes include pins 33 engaged in blind holes in the caseband and the pair of horns 3. In the embodiment of FIGS. 23 to 29, the complementary shapes 38 on the pair of horns 3E include two end milling (blind grooves). This guide member 38 requires only a shallow depth and is completely concealed when the pair of horns is mounted.

Reference numbers used in the figures

I Carrure

3 Pair of horns

5 strand of bracelet

10 First organ of the lock, linked to the middle part

I I Side face of the middle part

12 Portion of the caseband sandwiching the bracelet

13 Complementary form

30 Handling device

300 Cover for guiding the handling element 30

301 Stem of the handling element 30

302 Pins for guiding the handling element 30

303 Beveled end of stem 302

304 Ball on spring

31 Second lock member

310 Passage window for the second lock

32 Blind Spring Housing Hole

322 Hood

33 pins positioning the horns on the middle

34 Elastic return element

35 Housing in the pair of horns for the ball 50

36 Housing in the pair of horns for the end of the first organ

37 Vertical slots

38 Complementary form

39 Axis of the second organ

50 Ball on spring

51 Spring

52 Portion of the bracelet sandwiched between the pair of horns and a portion of the middle part

53 Complementary form

Claims

claims

1. Watch box comprising:

a caseband (1);

at least one pair of horns (3) for holding a bracelet strand (5) and held on the middle by a switchable lock between a horn locking position and a horn release position;

the lock comprising a first member (10) connected to the middle part, and a second member (31) complementary to the first member and mounted on the pair of horns; characterized by a manipulator (30) mounted on the pair of horns (3) and for moving the second member to switch the latch between the locking position and the horn release position.

2. Watch case according to claim 1, comprising an elastic return element (34) mounted on the pair of horns (3) in order to push the manipulation member into the locking position.

3. Watch case according to one of claims 1 to 2, the manipulation member being provided on the pair of horns (3) of the bottom side.

4. Watch case according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second member of the lock (31A) and the manipulation member (30A) form two parts of the same part.

Watch case according to one of Claims 1 to 4, the watch case having a bottom defining a horizontal plane,

the direction of movement of the manipulation member (30A) between the locking position and the release position being substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

6. Watch case according to claim 5, the first member of the lock (10) being constituted by a bolt fixedly attached to the middle part,

the second member of the lock (31) being constituted by a striker movable relative to the pair of horns (3).

7. Watch case according to claim 5, the first member of the lock (10) extending radially on a side face (1 1) of the middle part (1),

the second member of the latch (31A) having a window (310) traversed by the first member of the latch (10) in the locked position, the window comprising an enlarged portion (312) for insertion and extraction of the first member of the latch (10), and a narrow portion (31 1) preventing the insertion and extraction of the first member of the latch (10),

the first member of the latch (10) passing through the narrow portion (31 1) of the window (310) when the elastic return element (50) mounted on the pair of horns (3) pushes the second member of the latch (31A) in the locking position.

8. Watch case according to one of claims 5 to 7, the elastic return element (35) being constituted by two leaf springs (34A) resting on the second member of the lock (31A).

9. Watch case according to one of claims 1 to 4, the watch case having a bottom defining a horizontal plane,

the direction of movement of the manipulation member (30B) between the locking position and the release position being substantially parallel to the horizontal plane.

10. Watch case according to claim 9, the second member of the lock (31 B, 31 C) being arranged to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane between the locking position and the position of

handling.

1 1. Watch case according to claim 10, the first member of the lock consisting of a groove (10B, 10C) in a side face (1 1) of the middle part (1),

the second member of the latch (31 B, 31C) being engaged in said groove in the locking position, and out of said groove in the release position.

12. Watch case according to one of claims 9 to 1 1, the manipulation member being constituted by a movable button (30C) operable by the user and acting on the second member of the lock (31C) in the release position. to unlock it.

13. Watch case according to claim 9, the second member of the lock (31 B, 31 C) being arranged to translate radially in the horizontal plane between the locking position and the release position.

14. Watch case according to claim 13, the first member of the lock being constituted by a groove (10D) in a side face (1 1) of the middle part (1),

the second member of the latch (31 D) being engaged in said groove in the locking position, and out of said groove in the release position.

15. Watch case according to one of claims 1 to 14, the pair of horns (3) and the middle part (1) being provided with complementary shapes (38, 13) for guiding the pair of horns during its insertion according to a axial direction on the middle part (1), the latch acting radially to prevent this

axial displacement in the locking position.

16. Watch case according to one of claims 1 to 15, a portion (52) of the bracelet (5) being sandwiched between the pair of horns (3) and a portion of the middle part (12).

17. Watch case according to one of claims 1 to 16, comprising a spring ball (5) for positioning the bracelet (5) relative to the pair of horns (3).

18. Watch case according to claim 1, the first member of the lock being constituted by a groove (10E) at the periphery of the middle part (1 E) and preventing the extraction of the pair of horns (3E) in an axial movement. ,

the second member of the latch being constituted by a bolt (31 E) which moves radially in this groove, being guided in this movement by an opening (310) on the internal face of the pair of horns (3E),

the second member (31 E) being pushed back to the bottom of the groove (10E) by two return springs (34E) connected to the pair of horns (3E),

the manipulation member (30E) being constituted by a push button under the internal face of the pair of horns and cooperating with the second member to move it radially towards the outside of the watch, against the action of the springs of recall (34E), when said pushbutton is actuated.

19. Method of assembling a bracelet (5) on a watch case (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18, comprising the following steps: insertion of the bracelet (5) in a pair of horns (3) ;

inserting the assembly formed of the bracelet (5) and the pair of horns (3) on an outer face (1 1) of the watch case (1);

locking the assembly by manipulating a handling member (30) mounted on the pair of horns.