EP3712716B1 - Timepiece bezel - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a timepiece case comprising a rotating bezel. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a timepiece case. The invention finally relates to a method for producing such a timepiece case.

There are known embodiments of watch case devices provided with a unidirectionally or bidirectionally rotating bezel, which is optionally notched. The glasses can be made up of several parts, for example a bezel ring and a bezel disc, which can be in the same material or be in different materials. Such bezels are usually held axially by means of a retaining element, such as a seal that can form an elastic return element, and optionally returned axially by additional elastic return means.

For example, in the document EP2624076 , a bezel is made up of two bezel parts which are secured to one another by driving in. Elastic return means in the form of a gasket and helical springs allow relative axial movement between the bezel and the middle part, which makes it possible to influence the sensations perceived during manipulation of the bezel. These elastic return means arranged between the middle part and the bezel are provided to provide a force in reaction to the pressure exerted by the user, the parts forming the bezel being fixed to each other without any possible movement.

The document EP2615507 describes a bezel composed of two bezel parts which are secured to one another by driving in, by means of a radially deformable elastic element.

The document CH700299 discloses, meanwhile, a bezel composed of two bezel parts which are secured to each other by screwing.

In these various assemblies, the two bezel parts have no degree of freedom with respect to each other.

The use of adhesives is also known, for example glues of the epoxy type or double-sided adhesive tapes, to join together two parts of bezels. However, the shear strength of adhesives is not always satisfactory or reproducible. In addition, the behavior of adhesives to environmental changes (temperature, pressure, hygrometry, etc.) and to aging is not sufficiently satisfactory to meet the objectives in terms of product performance.

The document EP0980543 describes the assembly of a middle part and a support ring in contact with each other. To achieve this assembly, an elastomeric element is overmolded between the middle part and the support ring.

Certain components of a timepiece, such as bezels, can be manipulated by a user. It is therefore important to optimize the perceptions felt by the user when handling these components.

The sensation felt by a user during the rotation of the bezel is generally dependent on the way in which it is manipulated, in particular on the intensity of the axial pressure which is applied to it and on the way which it is distributed. With the known design modes, this sensation is provided by elastic return means arranged between the middle part and the bezel, which provide a force in response to the pressure exerted by the user. The different parts forming the bezel are fixed to each other without any possible movement.

The object of the invention is to provide a horological watch case comprising components making it possible to improve the horological components known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a watch case fitted with a watch bezel, making it possible to optimize the perceptions felt by the user when handling this component.

According to the invention, a watch case is defined by claim 1.

Different embodiments are defined by claims 2 to 11.

According to the invention, a method of making the timepiece case is defined by claim 12.

A timepiece according to the invention is defined by claim 1 3.

• La figure 1 est une vue en coupe partielle d'un mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie.
• La figure 2 est une vue de dessous d'une première bague d'une lunette de la pièce d'horlogerie.
• La figure 3 est une vue de dessus d'une deuxième bague d'une lunette de la pièce d'horlogerie.
• La figure 4 est une vue de dessus du mode de réalisation de la pièce d'horlogerie.
• La figure 5 est une coupe partielle du mode de réalisation de la pièce d'horlogerie selon le plan V-V de la figure 4.
• La figure 6 est une coupe partielle d'une variante du mode de réalisation de la pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention.

The appended figures represent, by way of example, an embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention.

• There figure 1 is a partial sectional view of one embodiment of a timepiece.
• There figure 2 is a bottom view of a first ring of a bezel of the timepiece.
• There picture 3 is a top view of a second ring of a bezel of the timepiece.
• There figure 4 is a top view of the timepiece embodiment.
• There figure 5 is a partial section of the embodiment of the timepiece according to plan VV of the figure 4 .
• There figure 6 is a partial section of a variant of the embodiment of the timepiece according to the invention.

An embodiment of a timepiece 400 is described below with reference to the figures 1 to 6 . The timepiece 400 is, for example, a watch or a wristwatch.

Timepiece 400 includes one embodiment of a timepiece case 200.

The timepiece 400 and/or the timepiece box 200 comprises an embodiment of a timepiece component 1. The timepiece component 1 is, for example, a component that can be manipulated by a user of the timepiece. , in particular a bezel or a crown. For example, the component is rotatably mounted around an axis A on the rest of the timepiece case 200 or on a build. The component can take the form of any mobile watch exterior component, such as a rotating ring arranged around a case back, for example. In particular, the component is manipulated by the user, that is to say moved relative to the rest of the timepiece case 200, to carry out, for example, an adjustment of the timepiece or to wind the timepiece.

The watch component 1 comprises, in addition to the axis A, a first ring 10, a second ring 11 and a connecting element 12 of the first and second rings.

The connecting element 12 is an elastic spacer means and arranged between the first and second rings.

The connecting element 12 is inserted between the first and second rings, namely disposed at the interface of the first and second rings, in order to optimize the sensations perceived by the user when handling the component and in order to assemble both rings.

The timepiece component is mounted on the rest of the timepiece case 200, for example on a middle part, in particular snap-mounted by means of a joint 3 which makes it possible to hold said component axially. To do this, the first ring and/or the second ring comprises a retaining element 31 on the rest of the timepiece case 200, in particular on the middle part 4 or a retaining element 31 on the rest of the timepiece case timepiece, in particular on the middle part 4 or an element 31 for fixing to the rest of the timepiece case, in particular on the middle part 4. In the embodiment shown, the element 31 is a recessed groove in the second ring 11. This element 31 cooperates here by obstacle with the joint 3 to retain or maintain or fix the timepiece component 1 on the rest of the timepiece case, in particular on the caseband 4. The restraint here allows the rotation of the timepiece component relative to the rest of the timepiece case around the axis A.

The element 31 can have any other geometry and/or any other retaining function.

There figure 1 illustrates a rotating bezel 1 comprising the first ring 10, the second ring 11 and the connecting element 12. The timepiece component is additionally returned axially by means of elastic return means 2. The elastic return means 2 can for example take the form of ball pawls. By "ball pawl", we mean for example a ball elastically returned by a spring, in particular a helical spring, towards the bottom of the hollow with which the ball cooperates.

• de porter l'affichage, par exemple des indexation d'heure ou de minutes, et/ou
• de permettre la préhension.

The first ring ensures for example an aesthetic role. It can include for example at least two portions whose role is:

• to bring the display, for example hour or minute indexing, and/or
• to allow grasping.

The first ring may have an L-shaped section. It may globally have a first tapered portion 108 (with axis A) and a second cylindrical portion 109 (with axis A). The first portion may have a half-angle at the top comprised for example between 70° and 85°.

The first ring 10 may comprise at least one first obstacle 102 arranged so as to be able to come into contact with the connecting element 12. The at least one first obstacle 102 may be a lug and/or a wedge and/or a bayonet and/or a groove and/or a cavity (e.g. "dovetail") and/or a pin and/or a boss and/or a element with a helical geometry (for example, a thread). First obstacles 102 of different shapes can be associated.

The first ring 10 can be manufactured according to known manufacturing methods. It is, for example, made of ceramic, glass, composite material, metal alloy or any suitable material. The first ring 10 can constitute the visible portion of the component or the major part of the visible portion of the component.

The second ring 11 performs, for example, a functional role of the timepiece component and/or a functional role of connecting the component to the middle part 4 of the timepiece case 200. The second ring 11 can be made of any suitable material to perform its function. In particular, the second ring 11 can be formed from a metal or a metal alloy, such as a steel for example. However, other materials can be considered, in particular ceramics or composite materials.

The second ring 11 may have a substantially flat geometry.

The second ring 11 may comprise at least one second obstacle 112 arranged so as to be able to come into contact with the connecting element 12. The at least one second obstacle 112 may be a lug and/or a wedge and/or a bayonet and/or a groove and/or a cavity (eg "dovetail") and/or a shank and/or a boss and/or an element with a helical geometry (eg a thread). Second obstacles 112 of different shapes can be associated.

The first ring 10 is preferably arranged so that it masks the second ring 11 when looking at the component parallel to the axis A and so that it masks the second ring when looking at the component perpendicular to the axis A, so that only the material constituting the first ring 10 is visible to the wearer.

The first and second rings can be of the same type or of different types.

Preferably, the first ring 10 and the connecting element 12 are maintained or fixed to each other by adhesion by chemical bonding and/or by obstacle 102.

Preferably, the second ring 11 and the connecting element 12 are held or fixed to each other by adhesion by chemical bonding and/or by obstacle 112.

Thus, preferably, the connecting element 12 makes it possible to secure the two rings 10,11 of the component 1.

Complementarily or alternatively, the first and second rings are integral in rotation around the axis A of the component. By integral in rotation is meant that no angular movement is perceptible to a user when handling the component.

The connecting element 12 may comprise first mechanical attachment means capable of cooperating with at least one first obstacle 102 of the first ring 10, the first obstacles 102 providing a mechanical attachment function.

Additionally or alternatively, the connecting element 12 may comprise second mechanical attachment means capable of cooperating with at least one second obstacle 112 of the second ring 11. The at least one second obstacle 112 providing a mechanical attachment function.

Thus, a surface of the second ring 11 is provided to be joined with a surface of the first ring 10 by means of the connecting element 12. The obstacles 102, 112 mentioned above make it possible to reinforce the joining of the first and second rings. Advantageously, at least one second obstacle 112 of the second ring 11 collaborates directly with attachment means of the connecting element 12 and/or the at least one first obstacle 102 of the first ring 10 collaborates directly with means of attachment of the connecting element 12.

The first ring can be textured at its interface with the connecting element.

The second ring can be textured at its interface with the connecting element.

This texturing or these texturings make it possible to increase the surface area of the surface and/or to optimize the wettability of the surface on which the connection with the connecting element 12 can take place. surface treatment making it possible to modify the state of a surface of one and/or the other of the first and second rings 10, 11.

In general, adjusting the stiffness of the connecting element 12 makes it possible to adapt the response of the component to the forces applied during handling and/or to shocks.

Thus, the connecting element 12 is advantageously partially or entirely made of elastomer or of polymer, in particular of shape memory polymer, or of natural rubber or of synthetic rubber or of fluoroelastomer, for example of the FKM, FFKM or fluoro type. -silicone, or EPDM rubber or nitrile or copolymer comprising a mixture of an elastomeric material and another material such as a thermoplastic (such an example of a mixture is also known by the name of thermoplastic elastomer) or polyurethane PU or in copolymer of poly3-caprolactone and styrene-butadiene-styrene PCL/SBS.

In a particular variant, polymers can be combined.

Advantageously, the formulation of the polymer is selected to give more or less stiffness to the whole of the component in order to optimize the sensations perceived by the user. The formulation of the polymer can also prove to be important to ensure a function of shock absorber (preservation of the integrity of the product) with a judicious choice of the elastic moduli, viscous modulus and loss factor, thus making it possible to dissipate more the energy linked to the dynamic stresses that one wishes to “filter”. This preserves the component itself and contributes to modifying the transfer function of the shock transmission chain between the clothing and the movement, limiting the accelerations felt by the latter.

Alternatively, the connecting element can be shaped by injection, casting, compression or transfer. This shaping generally induces shrinkage or expansion of the connecting element, which depends on the nature of the polymer used and which can be anticipated by adapting the process parameters.

The shaping of the polymer preferably takes place directly between the first ring 10 and the second ring 11, for example by overmoulding. In this variant, the at least one mechanical attachment means capable of cooperating with the at least one first obstacle 102 or the at least one second obstacle 112 is obtained during the overmolding of the polymer. The polymer trapping said obstacles.

The hydrostatic compressibility modulus of the connecting element is preferably between 1 GPa and 4 GPa, or even between 1.5 GPa and 3 GPa or between 2 GPa and 2.5 GPa.

The connecting element 12 can comprise at least one cavity and/or at least one insert. This makes it possible to structure the connecting element 12 to soften it or stiffen it. This option makes it possible to optimize the transmission of the rotational torque during handling and/or to define the dynamic range of shock absorption.

As shown on the figure 6 , the first ring may comprise a first flange 103 extending in the direction of the second ring, for example in the direction of the axis A or substantially in this direction. This first flange 103 is for example produced at the internal diameter or the internal periphery of the first ring.

As shown on the figure 6 , the second ring may comprise a second flange 113 extending in the direction of the first ring, for example in the direction of the axis A or substantially in this direction. This second flange 113 is for example produced at the internal diameter or the internal periphery of the second ring.

The second rim 113 can be a raised rim without a sharp edge at an internal edge 111. Advantageously, the second rim 113 makes it possible to influence the stiffness of the connecting element 12. The more the second flange 113 is pronounced, the higher the stiffness of the connecting element 12 is due to the limitation of the lateral expansion of the connecting element 12 subjected to pressure along the axis A. In addition, the second flange 113 can act as a stop (in contact with the first ring, in particular the first flange 103) and reduce the movement allowed (movement along the axis A of the first ring relative to the second ring).

According to the same principle, depending on their geometry and their location, the obstacles 102, 112 make it possible to influence the stiffness of the connecting element 12.

In the variant of figure 6 , the first raised flange 103 without sharp edge at an internal edge 101 and/or the second raised flange 113 without sharp edge at an internal edge 111 make it possible to prevent detachment between the connecting element 12 and the first ring 10 and to avoid external exposure of the connecting element 12. Advantageously, the first flange 103 makes it possible to influence the stiffness of the connecting element 12. The more the first flange 103 is pronounced, the greater the stiffness of the connecting element 12 is high due to the limitation of the lateral expansion of the connecting element 12 subjected to pressure along the axis A. In addition, the first flange 103 can act as a stop (at the contact of the second ring, in particular of the second rim 113) and to reduce the clearance authorized (displacement along the axis A of the first ring relative to the second ring).

The invention also relates to a method of assembling the timepiece case 200 comprising the first ring 10 and the second ring 11, these rings being intended to be secured to each other. with a relative displacement, before the assembly is assembled with the rest of a timepiece case, in particular with a middle part.

Advantageously, the method makes it possible to optimize the positioning between the first ring and the second ring.

• une étape de fourniture des première et deuxième bagues,
• une étape E1 de positionnement relatif de la première bague 10 et de la deuxième bague 11 l'une par rapport à l'autre, notamment dans un moule,
• une étape E2 d'introduction ou d'insertion ou de mise en forme de l'élément de liaison 12 entre les première et deuxième bagues,
• une étape E3 de solidarisation de l'élément de liaison 12 à la première bague 10 et/ou à la deuxième bague 11, notamment par polymérisation de l'élément de liaison.

In one embodiment described below, the assembly method comprises:

• a step of supplying the first and second rings,
• a step E1 of relative positioning of the first ring 10 and of the second ring 11 relative to each other, in particular in a mold,
• a step E2 of introducing or inserting or shaping the connecting element 12 between the first and second rings,
• a step E3 of joining the connecting element 12 to the first ring 10 and/or to the second ring 11, in particular by polymerization of the connecting element.

The method may include optional additional steps, such as a preliminary step E0 of preparing the surfaces of the rings or a deburring step E4.

The connection between the connecting element 12 and the first ring 10 and/or the second ring 11 makes it possible to prevent separation of these elements. Depending on the geometry of the rings, the connecting element 12 can be subjected to several forces likely to separate the rings, such as direct traction, shearing or tearing (which begins for example at one edge and propagates along the interface separating the materials of the different elements).

• la première bague 10 et l'élément de liaison 12 ; et/ou
• la deuxième bague 11 et l'élément de liaison 12,

peuvent être des liaisons chimiques, des moyens d'accroche mécanique, des moyens d'assemblage mécanique ou une combinaison de ces derniers.As seen above, the securing means making it possible to secure:

• the first ring 10 and the connecting element 12; and or
• the second ring 11 and the connecting element 12,

may be chemical bonds, mechanical attachment means, mechanical assembly means or a combination of these.

In a first exemplary embodiment, the second step E2 of introducing the connecting element 12 or shaping the connecting element 12 comprises an overmolding step. Such overmolding offers many advantages compared to the other embodiments which are described below. It makes it possible to reduce the shape constraints in the production of the connecting element 12 and the machining tolerances of the first ring 10 and/or second ring 11 brought into contact with the connecting element 12, while allowing precise positioning of the first ring 10 relative to the second ring 11.

In this first exemplary embodiment, the connection between the two rings and the connecting element 12 occurs solely by chemical bonding.

The "strength" or mechanical resistance of the chemical bond is affected by several factors. The first relates to the wettability of the support by the chemical bonding agent, for example a polymer, an adherent material or a primer. Better wettability allows better contact between the two materials and a greater bonding opportunity. For example, it is the result of a combination of material temperatures and/or viscosity of a polymer or primer and/or texture and/or porosity of a coated surface. contact with the polymer or primer.

In a particular variant, the component comprises at least one bonding layer, for example a primer. This layer is deposited on a surface of the first ring and/or of the second ring on which the connecting element 12 must adhere.

Thus, in a variant of the first example of execution, the adhesion between the polymer and the second ring 11 and/or the first ring 10 is improved by the presence of a primer. A first primer is advantageously deposited on the surfaces of the second ring 11 on which the connecting element 12 must adhere, in order to optimize the adhesion between the second ring 11 and the connecting element 12. This first primary covers least part of the contact surface between the connecting element 12 and the second ring 11. Advantageously, it covers the entire said surface ensuring adhesion over the entire latter. A second primer is advantageously deposited on the surfaces of the first ring 10 on which the connecting element 12 must adhere, in order to optimize the adhesion between the first ring 10 and the connecting element 12. This second primary covers least part of the contact surface between the connecting element 12 and the first ring 10. Advantageously, it covers the entire said surface ensuring adhesion over the entire latter.

These primers will advantageously be chosen according to the constituent materials of the second ring and/or of the first ring and/or of the connecting element. They can in particular be chosen from the following products, known by their trade name: ^CILBOND® , ^MEGUM® , ^THIXON® , ^CHEMLOK® or ^CHEMOSIL® .

Alternatively, the same primer is used on the first ring 10 and on the second ring 11.

Alternatively, a repellent surface treatment can be applied to the surfaces to which the connecting element 12 should not adhere.

In another variant of the first exemplary embodiment, the surface of the first ring 10 and/or of the second ring 11 is texturized to create mechanical micro-anchorings and/or to increase the surface area and/or or to optimize the wettability of the surface on which chemical bonding can take place with the bonding element. This texturing can be carried out by mechanical means (sandblasting, machining) or by other means (laser structuring) or by any other means known to those skilled in the art.

In another variant of the first example of execution, the first ring 10 and/or the second ring 11 can comprise, as seen above, at least one first or second obstacle 102, 112. The polymer is then injected and then polymerized in and/or or around the at least one first or second obstacle 102, 112 constituted by conformations of the first and/or second rings 10, 11.

In the first step E1 of relative positioning of the first ring 10 and the second ring 11 relative to each other, the first and second rings 10, 11 are advantageously positioned in an injection mold, in positions which correspond to their relative positions when no mechanical stress is exerted on the component 1. The rings are held in position, in particular by pins, machined geometries or any other element allowing the orientation of the rings 10 and 11 in the mold. A space remaining between the two rings in the mold constitutes a volume which will be filled by the connecting element 12, shrinkage taken into consideration. The space between the rooms can be defined by bearing faces in the mould. The dimensions of the connecting element 12 are then defined by the space remaining in the mold.

In the second step E2 of introducing the connecting element 12 or shaping the connecting element 12, a polymer is preferably injected so as to fill the space between the two rings.

In a second example of execution, the first and the second step are carried out simultaneously and the step of securing between the connecting element and the rings is mechanical and/or chemical but occurs between finished parts ( in contrast to the first example of execution where the connecting element takes shape during the joining step E3).

In this second example, the component is made from three solid parts (the first ring, the second ring and the connecting element) which are assembled together. The connecting element is preferably a polymer shaped beforehand by injection, casting or compression or any other known technique to obtain at least one connecting element with a predetermined or predefined geometry. The two rings and the connecting element are secured (step E3) by the mechanical attachment means present on the connecting element and capable of collaborating with the at least one first obstacle 102 of the first ring and/or the at least a second obstacle 112 of the second ring. This securing can be permitted by the elastic deformation of the connecting element and/or the geometry of the attachment means. In particular, this securing can be achieved by clipping the first ring onto the connecting element and/or by clipping the second ring onto the connecting element so that these three elements are mechanically secured to each other. .

In a variant of the second exemplary embodiment, a chemical bonding agent, in particular an adhesive, can be added between the bonding element and the first ring on all or part of the surfaces intended to be in contact with each other. Similarly, a chemical bonding agent, in particular an adhesive, can be added between the bonding element and the second ring on all or part of the surfaces intended to be in contact with each other. Step E3 in this case consists in assembling the three parts (first ring, connecting element and second ring) by means of the chemical bonding agent.

In another variant of the second exemplary embodiment, the mechanical attachment means and the chemical bonding agent can be used together to assemble, on the one hand, the first ring to the connecting element and/or, d on the other hand, the second ring to the connecting element.

Whatever the variant, the example or the mode of execution of the method, it may happen that the connecting element overflows, in particular if it has been introduced by overmolding or if it has been compressed in the second example of 'execution. In this case, the method may include a component deburring step performed to remove excess material. This step can be carried out by implementing any known technique.

In the alternative embodiment of the method in which a primer is used, this step of eliminating or removing material is facilitated by the absence of primer on the surfaces of the first ring and of the second ring not affected by the joining . While the polymer adheres strongly to primer-coated surfaces, any burrs are only brought into contact with primer-free surfaces, and these burrs can thus be easily removed. removed without risk of damaging the surfaces which are not intended to be attached.

In an alternative embodiment of the method, the surfaces liable to contain burrs and on which the connecting element 12 must not adhere can be protected by a repellent surface treatment preventing the adhesion of the polymer. The surface treatment can be temporary or permanent.

The process described above makes it possible to obtain the timepiece component, in particular to obtain a bezel. The component obtained is presented as a single piece. The various elements can only be separated, preferably, by sacrificing the connecting element.

In comparison with state-of-the-art rotating bezels consisting of two rings assembled in a rigid manner (screwing, riveting, interlocking), the rivets and the screws are generally visible and alter the aesthetics of the component. In addition, the screws tend to unscrew. Moreover, the stiffness of the assembly does not alter a user's perceptions.

In comparison with rotating bezels of the state of the art consisting of two rings assembled by bonding using a rigid glue, the resistance to environmental conditions of the bezels produced according to the invention is improved, because the durability of the glues is generally less than that of a polymer. In addition, rupture or detachment of rigid adhesives under the effect of shocks cannot be ruled out, whereas the elasticity of a polymer, on the contrary, makes it possible to absorb some of these shocks and therefore makes the assembly less sensitive to a gradual degradation. Moreover, the stiffness of the assembly does not modify the perceptions of a user.

Thus, the sensations provided to the user are improved while guaranteeing the quality and robustness of the connection and of the collaboration between the rings of the component with respect to the use of screws or glue. Moreover, the invention allows great versatility with respect to the aesthetics of the timepiece component.

The clockwork box described above has the advantages listed below.

Thanks to the object solutions of this document, the first and second rings are assembled without being in continuous contact with each other. In addition, they can be moved relative to each other even once assembled by the connecting element. The amplitude and the direction of the relative movement between the first and second rings is defined by the stiffness of the connecting element and any stops and/or obstacles. Contrary to the known design methods where the different parts forming the bezel are fixed to each other without any possible movement and where the sensation procured for the user is obtained in particular by means of elastic return means, placed between the middle part and the bezel, which provide a force in response to the pressure exerted by the user, thanks to the solutions according to the invention, the various rings forming the bezel are slightly movable relative to each other. Indeed, the relative displacement defined between the two rings by criteria of stiffness and damping of the connecting element 12 makes it possible to optimize the sensations during the handling of the mobile component.

On the contrary, according to the known embodiments of the state of the art where two rings of a bezel are rigidly connected to one another, the sensations during handling are similar to those perceived with a one-piece bezel.

It is also noted that the assembly methods of the prior art, due to the absence of movement or the limited movement between the rings, do not offer any real specific protection against shocks. On the contrary, thanks to the component described above, any shocks applied to the component are absorbed and the vibrations are damped in a range of frequencies defined by the stiffness of the connecting element. In other words, a connecting element as described above makes it possible to protect the component by acting as a vibration damper and/or shock absorber. The connecting element also provides mechanical protection for the first ring by ensuring, among other things, a function of absorbing shocks and/or damping vibrations. Compared to bezel solutions in several assembled parts of the prior art, the connecting element generates very little stress in the rings. It will be understood that the method of assembly according to the invention is particularly advantageous for the assembly of a ceramic ring on a metal ring.

Preferably, the connecting element described above advantageously makes it possible to secure the two rings of the component without impacting the aesthetics of the component and while guaranteeing the absence of any gap capable of generating problems of corrosion or of confinement of dirt.

Claims (13)

1. A watch case (200) comprising a rotating bezel (1), comprising:

   - an axis (A),

   - a first ring (10) having a portion allow gripping,

   - a second ring (11), and

   - a connecting element (12) for connecting the first and second rings, the connecting element being elastic and positioned between the first and second rings, the second ring comprising an element (31) for retention on the rest of the watch case (200), particularly on a watch middle (4).
2. The watch case (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bezel is mounted movably in rotation about the axis (A) on the rest of a watch case (200) or, notably, on the watch middle (4).
3. The watch case (200) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein:

   - the first ring (10) and the connecting element (12) are held or fixed to one another by adhesion by chemical bonding and/or by an obstacle (112), and/or

   - the second ring (11) and the connecting element (12) are fixed to one another by adhesion by chemical bonding and/or by an obstacle.
4. The watch case (200) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the obstacle (102, 112) comprises at least a pin and/or at least a wedge and/or at least a bayonet and/or at least a groove and/or at least a cavity and/or at least a rod and/or at least a boss and/or an element with a helical geometry.
5. The watch case (200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first ring (10) and/or the second ring (11) is textured at its interface with the connecting element (12).
6. The watch case (200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first ring (10) and/or the second ring (11) is at least partially coated with a binder layer, notably an adhesion primer, at its interface with the connecting element.
7. The watch case (200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first ring (10) comprises a first lip (103) extending toward the second ring (11), and/or in that the second ring (11) comprises a second lip (113) extending toward the first ring (10).
8. The watch case (200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element is made of elastomer or polymer, notably of shape memory polymer, or of natural or synthetic rubber or fluoroelastomer, of the FKM, FFKM or fluorosilicone type for example, or of EPDM rubber or nitrile or copolymer comprising a mixture of an elastomeric material and another material such as a thermoplastic, or of polyurethane (PU) or of poly(3-caprolactone) and styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (PCL/SBS).
9. The watch case (200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the bulk modulus of the connecting element is between 1 GPa and 4 GPa, or possibly between 1.5 GPa and 3 GPa or between 2 GPa and 2.5 GPa or between 1.5 GPa and 2.5 GPa.
10. The watch case (200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second rings are rotationally fixed about the axis (A) of the component and/or in that the connecting element (12) comprises at least a cavity and/or at least an insert.
11. The watch case (200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (12) is formed directly between the first ring (10) and the second ring (11), by overmolding for example, and/or in that the first ring (10) is metallic or of ceramic material and/or in that the second ring (11) is metallic or of ceramic material.
12. A method for producing a watch case (200) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a first ring (10), a second ring (11) and a connecting element (12) connecting the first and second rings, the method comprising the following steps:

    - Supplying the first ring and the second ring,

    - Positioning the first ring and the second ring with respect to one another, notably in a mold,

    - Inserting the connecting element, notably by injection or by overmolding, between the first and second rings,

    - Fixing the connecting element to the first ring and/or the second ring, notably by polymerization of the connecting element.
13. A timepiece (400), notably a wristwatch, comprising a watch case (200) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 11.

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