Abstract: An electrophorectic display is used in a watch, allowing for a dynamic range of new shapes and environments of use. The present invention addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art watch technology. Specifically, a watch that embodies the present invention is uses addressable reflective display technology such as electronic ink or gyricons. This allows a watch display that features some flexibility. Further, the display can be shaped into a variety of interesting and novel designs that cannot be accomplished using prior art displays. The flexibility of the display also allows for the novel placement of the watch display. For example, the display can be placed onto a shoe, allowing a runner to see the time without having to move his arm into a viewing position. The watch display could also be placed into a wallet, or on a purse or belt. Any flexible garment or accessory could now incorporate a watch.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a changing image and an information display. A shaped base portion, having a length less than a height of the apparatus, supports the image and the information display in a substantially vertical orientation. The shaped base portion permits the image and the information display to oscillate upon external urging. Added weight in the top half of the apparatus assists in providing a desired oscillation rate.

Abstract: A clock structure mountable to a corner of an edifice utilizing a case. The case includes a pair of walls which closely match the orientation of the corner walls of the edifice. In addition, two wall portions extend outwardly from the corner matching walls of the clock structure to provide recesses on either side of the facade of the clock structure. A door is hingedly attached to the case and at least partially enters the recess formed by the walls of the clock structure. Likewise, a latching mechanism is located in the opposite recess and is readily accessible.

Abstract: A timing device for use in athletic workouts which measures the passage of short intervals of time such as the recovery periods between successive sets of exercise is disclosed. The present timing device is contained in a housing which may be worn on an elastic band about a user's thumb and actuated by a single finger on the same hand. In one embodiment the timing device includes a sliding interval selector switch that enables the user to select preset time intervals of fifteen, thirty, forty-five, and sixty seconds. The interval selector switch actuates a count-down timer which transmits a signal to a miniature speaker to produce an audible alarm, or in the alternative, to a vibratory device advantageous to visually or hearing impaired users. In an alternative embodiment the timing device includes a microprocessor having memory and computing functions which permit desired time intervals to be programmed by the user.

Abstract: This invention resides in a novelty holder clock having unusual and unique features. The card holder clock has a front, nut-like configuration which has a round cavity for receiving a round clock on its front face. The front, nut-like configuration is connected to an elongated circular shaped or round back by first, second and third, spaced apart elongated cylindrical shafts, a second, nut-like configuration with a central round hole passing through it is slidably connected to the first and third cylindrical shafts. The first and third cylindrical shafts pass through two spaced apart round holes in the second, nut-like configuration. A coiled spring passes through the center hole in the second, nut-like configuration and rests on top of the first and third, elongated cylindrical shafts. The second, elongated cylindrical shaft passes through the coiled spring and rests on the bottom of said coiled spring. The coiled spring is anchored to the second, elongated cylindrical shaft by a round or circular hook.

Abstract: A timekeeping device comprising a housing; timekeeping functionality positioned within the housing and a clip assembly integrally coupled to the housing, wherein the clip assembly comprises a first member and a second member hingedly coupled to the first member at a hinge point, whereby pressure against the second member causes the second member to rotate relative to the first member about the hinge point to permit coupling of the timekeeping device to an object of interest. In a particular configuration, the second member is releasably engageable with the first member. Additionally, the housing may include a receptacle for receiving a casing within which the timekeeping functionality that maintains the timekeeping functions is disposed. Preferably, the housing and at least the first member are formed from a unitary mold, and preferably from plastic. The object of interest, for example, may be a backpack, beltloop or bicycle.

Abstract: An all-weather watch to be worn on the outside of one of the heavy-duty gloves of a glove wearer, such as a skier, snow boarder, hunter or motorcyclist, in cold and/or inclement weather. A length-adjustable elastic strap comprises a front strap portion which extends from the watch case and stretches to loop about at least one glove finger. A rear strap portion extends from the case and stretches outwardly to loop about the glove wrist to position the watch on the back of the glove. The rear strap portion is maintained in position by the stretching of the elastic strap, the friction between the strap and the glove and by the cinching action of the loop around the glove wrist, thus not requiring the use of a clasp or other fastener. This enables the watch to be readily removable from the glove by grasping the rear loop and stretching it to move over the glove body and thumb. Putting on and removing the watch can easily be performed by the wearer's other gloved hand.

Abstract: A watch main-body mounting seat 16, which is part of a watchband 14 of a watch 10 that can serve as either a wristwatch or a clock, has a circular hole 20 at the center. A notch-1 22 and a notch-2 24 are formed oppositely along the circumference of the seat hole 20. The back face of the watch main-body mounting seat 16 is provided with a guide groove-1 26 and a guide groove-2 28 extending counterclockwise from the notch-1 22 and the notch-2 24, respectively. An engaging projection 30 and an engaging projection 32 are formed to protrude on the back face of the watch main body 12. An engaging tab-1 30A and an engaging tab-2 32A extend laterally from the end of the engaging projections 30 and the engaging projections 32, respectively. The watch main body 12 is provided with bases 44 and 46 and a ring 48.

Abstract: An electronic device for holding medicines, typically pills, to be taken at different times and to remind the user to take particular pills at specific times. A first container has a plurality of pill holding compartments, with a hinged lid closing each compartment. A second container, which is releasably fastenable to the first compartment, contains a microprocessor, an alarm, a display and buttons for controlling the microprocessor to display different information. The display can be set to show the time, times for taking pills from different compartments, whether pills have been taken on time, if a pill has been missed or skipped, when the last pill has been taken, etc. When a time set for taking a pill arrives, an alarm, typically a light and/or sound alarm, alerts the user as to the compartment holding the pill to be taken.

Abstract: A travel alarm clock has a body 10 incorporating normal clock components and a clock face 13. Two covers 14 and 15 fit over the body 10 and are spring biassed to the position shown in the Figure. For travelling, the covers 14 and 15 are closed against a front and rear surface of the body 10, respectively. The covers 14 and 15 are held closed by a button release lock (not shown). If the lock is pressed, the covers are automatically opened to raise up the body 10 and hold it in the upright position shown in the Figure.

Abstract: To discharge the static electricity intruded through a timepiece exterior case without giving an adverse effect upon an electronic circuit of the timepiece. In a timepiece having a structure that a case is insulated in plurality of number using as insulating means a heat insulation material of a heat generation timepiece exterior case and a timepiece exterior case is used as electrode for charging and a timepiece having a structure that similarly a timepiece upper case and lower case are electrically insulated, a circuit pattern for allowing the static; electricity intruded through a timepiece exterior to freely discharge into air is provided in a wiring board in the heat generator. This made possible to prevent malfunction of a timepiece electronic circuit due to static electricity.

Abstract: The invention concerns a watch crystal (1) made of hard mineral material, in particular a crystalline material such as corundum, sapphire or spinel, including a non-circular optical lens (4) shaped in the thickness of the material of the crystal. The lens is formed by machining and polishing a recess (5) preferably situated in the lower face (3) of the crystal. Its contour can have reentering angles, and can be for example rectangular. The machining is effected by means of a brush which hits the bottom of the recess with the addition of a polishing medium.

Abstract: The invention is related to a watch case equipped with a decoration piece (50) which has the particularity of being difficult to machine and having moreover dimensions of rather wide tolerances, namely plus or minus about a tenth of a millimeter around a reference dimension, whereas the manufacturers of the watch cases are able to ascertain usually a precision in the order of a hundredth of a millimeter. This handicap is overcome in providing a clearance between the decoration piece and the adjacent elements (20, 30), namely the middle of the watch and the bottom, and thanks to means (60, 70) ascertaining the maintenance of these clearances, these means exerting at the same time the functions of tightness and of shock dampening where the shocks occur on the clockwork-movement (10) or on the decoration piece (50), or on both.

Abstract: A illuminated memorial assembly for providing a substantially continual illumination at a memorial site. The illuminated memorial assembly includes a housing. The housing has a bottom portion and a top portion. A plurality of connecting rods connects the top portion to the bottom portion in a spaced relationship. Each of the rods is elongate and has a first end and a second end. Each of the first ends is coupled to the top portion, and each of the second ends is removably coupled to the bottom portion. A light assembly includes a light bulb. The light bulb is mounted in a light socket, which is mounted on a top surface of the bottom portion. A power source comprises a battery. The battery is mounted in the bottom portion and is operationally coupled to the light socket.

Abstract: An emergency response system wristwatch having upper and lower case sections connected by a hinge is combined with a removable interference bracket disposed between the two case sections. The upper case section has opposing rear and front surfaces, where the front surface includes a dial face. The upper case section is operable to pivot on the hinge between open and closed positions. The lower case section has an activation button that is exposed when the upper case section is in the open position. When the upper case section is in the closed position, the rear surface of the upper case section is disposed adjacent the activation button. Without the removable interference bracket between the upper and lower case sections, the rear surface of the upper case section is operable to move toward the lower case section and press upon the activation button if pressure is applied to the dial face.

Abstract: A portable electronic device has a casing has an upper case body and a rear case cover both made of a thermally conductive material. A heat insulating member thermally insulates the rear case cover from the upper case body of the casing. A thermoelectric generator unit is disposed in the casing for generating an electromotive force based on the Seebeck effect. The thermoelectric generator unit has a heat radiating plate for transferring heat to the upper case body and a heat absorbing plate. A heat conductive spacer is made of a thermally conductive and elastically deformable sheet of material and has opposed main surfaces. One of the main surface is disposed in contact with the heat absorbing plate of the thermoelectric generator unit and the other main surface is disposed in contact with an inner side surface of the rear case cover for conducting heat from the rear case cover to the thermoelectric generator unit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a subassembly intended to be mounted in a portable device enabling the reception and/or emission of radio diffused messages as well as the selection of predetermined digital information. This subassembly comprises an antenna (4) and position sensors (6.1 to 6.12) disposed an a same isolating support (30). The subassembly is realised in manner such that mutual perturbations created by the combination of the antenna (4) and the position sensors (6.1 to 6.12) are avoided. The invention further relates to a horological piece (1) comprising such a subassembly wound in a peripheral region of the watch case (2).

Abstract: A device for assembling two mechanical pieces, of which the first one (3) carries a skirt (14), which, in the assembled position, extends into a cavity of the second piece (1), by means of an elastic segment (5), is characterised by the fact that the elastic segment (5) is made of a material exhibiting a shape memory. This segment (5) can assume two different shapes, depending upon its temperature. This elastic segment (5) has an external peripheral part which is circular and which is engaged into a circular groove (4) provided on the second piece (1), this circular groove (4) being located in a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the cavity of this second piece (1); this elastic segment (5) carries, on its inner periphery, protrusions (7) which, in a first state of the segment (5) are situated in the plane of the external peripheral part of the segment (5) and, in a second state of the segment (5), protrude out of this plane.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a wristwatch (30) including a case (32) provided with a first electric conductor (50) and an electric circuit (36) connected to said first electric conductor, and a wristband (34) including a second electric conductor (42). This wristwatch is characterised in that the first and second conductors are arranged to form an electric connection without any mechanical contact and, more precisely, by capacitive coupling. One advantage of such an arrangement of the wristwatch is that it achieves an electric connection without mechanical coupling, i.e. an electric connection which does not require any additional external material arrangement other than the conventional articulation between the wristband and the case.

Abstract: A programmable electronic reminder device for providing a signal at a selectively predetermined date and time includes a programmable real time clock circuit, a thin, sheet-like battery, a light emitting polymer for illuminating a predetermined alert message and a programming interface mounted to a pliant substrate in a layered arrangement. The reminder device is configured as a card or label on which human readable indicia corresponding to the predetermined date and time may be printed.

Abstract: A complete watch comprised of two separate watch casings, each having its own watch band. The casings are interlocked by a pintle along one abuttable face of the first watch casing received in a correspondingly shaped groove in the abuttable face edge of the second casing.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generating electronic timepiece comprises a thermoelectric generator for generating electric power in response to a temperature difference thereacross. A heat radiating case is thermally connected to a cold pole of the thermoelectric generator for radiating heat. A heat absorbing case is thermally connected to a hot pole of the thermoelectric generator for absorbing heat. A heat insulating case thermally insulates the heat absorbing case and the heat radiating case. A band is provided for securing the thermoelectric generating electronic timepiece to the arm of a user. The band has a heat absorbing member thermally connected to the heat absorbing case for absorbing heat and a heat insulating member for restraining radiation and transfer of heat.

Abstract: A timepiece includes interchangeable faces. The timepiece comprises a supportive structure, a face subassembly, and a clock mechanism. The face subassembly includes a backing with a front or outer surface and an inner surface, and a display with an inner surface and an outer surface. Markings may appear on the backing's outer surface or on the display. The display's outer surface can be decorated. First and second openings extend through the backing. An opening also extends through the display. One or more seats are attached near corners of the backing's outer surface. One or more connectors are attached near corners of the display's inner surface. The clock mechanism includes a clock motor with a shaft mounted on the backing's rear surface with the shaft extending through the backing's first opening. One or more hands are attached to an end of the shaft.

Abstract: A battery accommodation section is made attachable to and detachable from a lower portion of a timepiece main body thereby electrically connecting between the timepiece main body and the battery accommodation section through a connector section. A timepiece main body side terminal is connected to a timepiece module, while the battery accommodation section side terminal is connected to a primary battery. In the state that the battery accommodation section is provided with the timepiece main body, the primary battery and the timepiece module are brought into electrical connection through the connector section whereby electric power can be supplied from the primary battery to the timepiece module. In this manner, if the timepiece main body is mounted on the upper portion of the battery accommodation section, appearance is good and fixing on the arm is easy.

Abstract: A wristwatch which is both practical and enjoyable. Light emitting elements are provided for emitting light by applying electric energy to a main watch body. By operating operation buttons which are provided to be operable from outside the main watch body, the light emitting elements are caused to flash sequentially for a prescribed period of time.

Abstract: A watch suitable for use in outdoor activities includes a casing holding the workings of the watch which includes a watch face. A clear facing for viewing the watch is held to the casing, and a bezel held rotatably to the casing carries an integral fob for securing the watch to the user. In this way, the watch casing may be rotated by the user to orient the watch face for viewing.

Abstract: Behind the watch case (3; 5, 7, 9) is a retaining means (11) which is hinged at one end (17) to said case by a hinge (13) extending transversely with respect to the line of the strap (C), at a limited distance from the rear surface of said case in order to allow the strap to be passed through; said retaining means (11) can be closed against the case in order to grip the strap (which is thus easy to replace) and is positionable at a limited angle with respect to the case, such that it can be stood on a surface like a little table-top clock.

Abstract: A main body and a face plate of the clock are fastened together by a plurality of fastening strips such that both ends of each of the fastening strips are retained respectively in the retaining slot of an outer case of the main body and in the retaining portion of an inner case of the main body.

Abstract: A case (2) in which an acoustic transducer (22) is mounted so as to communicate in a watertight manner with the exterior of the case (2) via acoustic energy.The transducer (22) is attached to a membrane (17) separating it in a watertight manner from an inlet cavity (10, 11) which is arranged in the case (2) and is in direct communication with the exterior. The membrane (17) is resiliently applied by its periphery onto a rest surface (12) arranged around the cavity separating the latter in a watertight manner from a deformation chamber (13) situated on the side of the membrane (17) opposite to the inlet cavity while being in communication with the interior of the case. The bottom (13a) of the deformation chamber (13) forms a support surface for said membrane (17) when external static pressure greater than a predetermined value is applied thereto.

Abstract: A novelty electric and digital alarm clock with or without a radio is configured as a gambling slot machine or a "one-armed bandit" and computerized to perform various functions. A lever arm on one side sets the alarm by being moved forward. The alarm clock has a red dome light on top which lights up when the preset awakening time is reached. A first display screen comprising light emitting diodes with or without light pipes, electroluminescent devices, or a liquid crystal display initially shows three different fruits in color, but shows three sevens when the alarm is initiated. One or a plurality of switches on the back of the clock permit the selection of a vocal phrase, a tune, a ringing bell or a radio program which will be activated as the alarm. The payout chute at the front and bottom of the clock displays metal or plastic coins under a transparent cover to simulate a payout chute which lights up or flashes when the alarm is activated.

Abstract: A modular wristwatch assembly comprises a bezel having a transparent watch crystal mounted therein, first and second pairs of watch band lugs joined to opposite exterior side edge regions of the bezel, a rigid watch back member, and a rigid, annular watch movement retaining member disposed between the bezel and the back member. Included in the assembly are a watch movement, having a watch face and hands for indicating the time, installed in the watch movement retaining member and having operating controls extending outwardly therethrough. There is further included a decorative ring installed between an under surface of the bezel and an upper surface of the watch face, the ring being around peripheral edge regions of the face so as not to interfere with the time indicating means and being visible through said watch crystal. Screws are used for detachablably attach the bezel and the watch back member together with the watch movement retaining member and watch movement held therebetween.

Abstract: A water-resistant clock with a plurality of double suction cups by which it may be retained on a smooth surface. A crystal is attached to the front casing with a front gasket. Three arms extend from the clock's casing, spaced apart on the clock's circumference at equal 120 degree angles. On the rear side of each arm is a double suction cup, by which the clock may be attached to a wall. Pull tabs on each suction cup make it easier to remove the suction cups, and thereby the clock, from the surface to which it is attached. The clock's rear casing is fastened to the front casing in a watertight manner. A back cover fits against a protruding rear circular gasket between the back cover and the rear casing to form a watertight seal. The rear gasket is partially covered by three outwardly extending arcuate prongs, which engage three inwardly extending arcuate prongs on the back cover, when the back cover is closed, creating a water-resistant seal that protects the clockworks.

Abstract: A watch case back cover assembly includes a case back cover removably mounted to a case frame, an elastic member, and a cover plate. The case back cover includes a recess defining an outer side thereof, wherein the recess is defined by a bottom surface and an annular periphery, and wherein the annular periphery has an annular groove defined therein. The elastic member includes at least one elastic piece slidably received in the annular groove and at least one elastic extension bearing against the bottom surface. The cover plate it is secured to the elastic member to rotate therewith and has characters formed on an outer face thereof. The cover plate and the elastic member are rotatable relative to the case back cover when the cover plate is pressed.

Abstract: A watch case is arranged with a periphery having a lobe and a recess to cooperate with the human anatomy and ergonomics. A specially shaped watch case provides a means to couple a wristwatch to a wrist bone. The coupling provides mechanism to reduce movement of the watch about the wrist and to locate an optical probe with respect to a preferred region of tissue. In addition to the special shape of the watch case, an arrangement of watch bands and their attachment to watch cases advances the objectives of devices of the invention.

Abstract: A watch case has a water-tight casing (1) capable of being manufactured economically in hard materials, the casing parts being held assembled by an external support device (2) having structure for attaching the-case to a wristlet or other fixing apparatus. The casing (1) is formed of stacked parts preferably including a crystal (7), an annular middle part (9) and a back cover (8). The mutual contact surfaces (13, 14, 15, 17) of these parts are polished and have no sealing gasket. The support device includes two parallel metal clamps (25) in the form of an open or closed frame, having two portions assembled by screws (28) arranged axially to grip the casing in the clamp. The casing (1) may be made entirely of sapphire, but other materials having zero porosity or a closed structure such as hard metals, ceramics or mineral glass may be used.

Abstract: A wafer-like alert unit is disclosed which is affixed to a body surface in a private and discrete manner and provides a private or silent stimulus such as a vibrational signal to the user at selected time intervals to remind the user to flex adjacent muscle groups or to perform isometric exercise. The alert unit is designed to be worn imperceptibly to the public and provide a private and discrete way to maintain an exercise regimen without any wires or bulky control boxes. The alert unit is mounted directly to the body using adhesive or alternatively fitted in a self-adhesive pouch or pocket which is then secured to the body. The alert unit may also be inserted into a fabric pouch that is sewn into an undergarment which is then worn in the normal manner. The alert unit includes a power source such as a battery, a motor which creates a vibrational signal, a power switch, a timer, and means for inputting variable interval settings to allow the user to tailor his or her exercise regimen as needed.

Abstract: A Medical Timing System for assisting medical personnel in providing efficient and safe medical care to patients while decreasing the level of stress experienced by said medical personnel by means of allowing the medical personnel to monitor up to five different patient activities simultaneously. The device includes a housing structure, a power supply positioned within the housing structure, and a timing means electronically connected to the power supply and attached to the housing structure.

Abstract: A modular time piece including a time keeping mechanism, a time indicating casing and a band secured to the time indicating casing. The time keeping mechanism is easily engageable and disengageable to the time indicating casing to permit the time indicating casing and band to be selectively interchanged. The modular time piece farther includes a time setting stem and a retractable tab extending from the back of the time keeping mechanism. The retractable tab permits finger rotation of the time keeping mechanism relative to the time indicating casing during engagement and disengagement therebetween.

Abstract: A timepiece and a case intended to fit such a timepiece. This timepiece comprises a clockwork movement (12), a case (2) consisting of a caseband (4) and a back cover (6) forming a housing (10) for receiving said movement (12), means for axial positioning (25, 26) and means for lateral positioning (P) of the movement (12) with respect to the case (2). The axial positioning means are arranged in a peripheral region of the housing (10) and may allow a lateral play along a support plane (27). The lateral positioning means (P) are arranged respectively on the back cover (6) of the case (2) and on a lower part (14b) of the frame (14), preferably in the form of a central stud (6) fixed to the back cover (6) and engaged with an axial play in an opening (38) of the movement.

Abstract: Timepiece comprising a caseband (2) capable of being elastically deformed whose internal wall (20) has a first protruding part (23, 24) and a second protruding part (28) forming a stop for the movement (50) associated with the dial (52). When the movement is inserted into the caseband, the first protruding part is passed via the rim (56) of movement by the application of pressure (58) on the movement resulting in a separating force of the case band thanks to the specific profile of the first protruding part. Once in place, the movement surmounted by dial is held in a fixed position in the caseband by means of the first and second protruding parts.

Abstract: A clock shell including a frame, cut into a series of frame sections glued to a decorative covering layer, the frame sections being abutted against one another end by end and formed into a particular configuration, and a shell mounted within the frame sections of the frame, the shell having a raised endless line raised from the front side and defining an outer decoration area and an inner decoration area that can be made in the form of a dial of a clock, a pattern, a landscape, etc.

Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece, specifically a wrist watch, including a fluid resistant container (19) provided with a framework (20) of plastic material housing the horometric components. Such fluid resistant container (19) is closed by a crystal (22) and by a cell holder compartment lid (40) keyed to the framework and it is fitted out with a stem (26) on such framework rendered fluid resistant. The container is assembled and maintained in place in a metallic case (2) by snap securing means, in particular a bezel (18) which axially compresses a flange (20a) of the framework (20) and a toroidal seal (42) against the case (2). The case can thus be manufactured with loose tolerances. The assembled fluid resistant container and horological movement can be tested prior to its assembly in the case (2).

Abstract: A watch comprising a case (4) containing a movement and a dial, a strap (3) to secure the case (4) to the wrist as well as an assembly cover (2) adapted to be secured to the case (4) and the strap (3). The assembly cover (2) is provided with reception recesses (11) for the strap (3) and a snap-in connection (10) for the case (4). The case (4) in use masks the recesses (11) of the strap (3). The assembly cover (2) comprises on opposite sides of its internal surface two side walls (9) defining openings (11') permitting the passage of the strap (3).

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive reliable an unobtrusive method of attaching a watch or other timepiece to anything with an edge without damaging the item the watch is attached to. The device is merely twisted onto the edged item (i.e. cap, sleeve, pocket, book, etc.) and placed at the proper angle. The attaching device is a spiral type of apparatus that is attached or molded into the back of the watch. The device is springy enough to open, yet rigid enough to hold the timepiece in place when twisted onto the intended item.

Abstract: Desiccation capsule (20) for the interior (32) of an article comprising a first compartment (27) containing a desiccant (30). One wall (22) of the first compartment is perforated by a first opening (25) obturated by a semi-permeable membrane or a filter (23). The moisture on the interior of the article flows through this membrane and is absorbed by the desiccant.One of the walls (29) of the first compartment is transparent and permits the user of the article protected by the capsule to observe any change of colour or of appearance of the desiccant following the absorption of moisture. The capsule can then be withdrawn thanks to non-permanent fastening means (36) of screw or clip type and replaced by a new capsule. It is also possible to reuse the same capsule by heating the desiccant. A stopper (41) permits transport and stocking of the capsule prior to use.

Abstract: A timepiece is included in a marble which is rotatably mounted on a watchcase. The marble is easily removed from the watchcase to be usable in all games that require a marble. The timepiece may be a liquid crystal diode (LCD) movement which is encompassed between two half sections of the marble which are threadingly secured together. The marble is placed in a recess on the face of the watchcase and secured in place by a removably mounted semi-spherical shaped lens. The lens has an opening through which a surface of the marble is exposed for rotation of the marble in all directions. The marble is rotated by a finger of the watch wearer contacting the marble and spinning the marble as the marble is held in place by the lens. At least one portion of the marble is transparent to allow viewing of the time from the LCD watch movement. The transparent portion of the marble may include a magnifying lens so as to enlarge the digital display of the LCD watch movement.

Abstract: In a mimic watch having hour numerals "1" to "12" marked therein, a rotary disk having an hour hand fixed thereon is installed rotatably. When used for a play, the mimic watch is put into a protective case. Watching the hour hand and numerals through the rear transparent case member of the protective case, the player operates an operating string loop, with care for the audience not to be aware of the player's operation, to set the hour hand to a numeral the audience has selected. At this time, only the hour numerals will be visible through the transparent area on the front transparent case member of the protective case but an opaque area formed on the front transparent case member will hide the hour hand on the rotary disk being rotated. When the mimic watch taken out of the protective case is shown to the audience, the audience will see the hour hand point at the numeral he or see has selected, which will give the audience an illusion that the mimic watch has automatically pointed at that numeral.

Abstract: An annular packing (30) has a cross-section in the form of a dumbbell including two enlargements (31, 32) connected by a neck (33). In a preferred embodiment the enlargements exhibit a polygonal cross-section. The packing advantageously replaces an O-ring seal in which the interior diameter of the ring is large relative to the diameter of the cross-section of the ring. The packing is arranged between two parts driven at different speeds, in precision mechanisms or in horology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing casings for time pieces and, more particularly, a process for producing casings from disposable metal containers for receiving watch movements and the resulting time pieces.

Abstract: A ultra-thin wristwatch includes a back cover-caseband and a crystal in plastic material. The case is reinforced by a metallic armature. Such armature, in addition to serving as fastening point for a bracelet, is used as baseplate on which is secured at least one central stud around which pivot the hours and minutes hands.