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.

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 luminescent featured watch includes a molded plastic case and watchband formed of a luminescent material. A plurality of luminescent and nonluminescent opaque design elements are supported upon the luminescent portions of the watch to provide a change in appearance of the watch between high ambient light and darkened light conditions. The luminescent materials of the watch cause the watch to glow in a darkened environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite film. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composite compound film and composite compound multilayered film, comprising a metal, an alloy and/or an inorganic substance with an organic substance, which is excellent in decorative properties, protection and functionality. Methods applicable for forming such a composite compound film include the technique of evaporating a metal, an alloy, and/or an organic substance and an organic substance, simultaneously exciting the evaporated particles, and causing vapor-deposition in the state of ionized particles, neutral particles or radicals, and a method of sputtering, without excitation, etc.

Abstract: The watch case of this invention includes a caseband-bezel formed of solid leather. According to one method of manufacture one begins with a blank of leather having dimensions slightly greater than those of the finished article such blank being subjected to the following operations in succession: drying, impregnation, hardening, machining to final tolerances and finishing.Natural or reconstituted leather may be employed.

Abstract: A timepiece for monitoring and displaying the approximate time remaining in a user's life. A microprocessor monitors the passage of time. A resettable memory is connected to the processor for storing data representative of years, days, hours, minutes and seconds. A display is connected to the microprocessor for displaying data stored in the memory. Buttons or switches are provided to enter and change the stored data so that the approximate time remaining in the user's life can be reset by the user.

Abstract: An object, which is particularly destined for use in horology or jewelry, includes a substrate which constitutes the framework and which is preferably formed from injected cast aluminium. A decorative and protective coating overlays the substrate, such coating consisting of a deposit of a first layer of aluminium in a substantially pure state and a second layer capping the first, said second layer being constituted of aluminium oxide formed from the first layer. The object may be a watch case or a bracelet link.

Abstract: The watch case of this invention includes a caseband-back of plastic material, a metallic bezel and a packing to assure impermeability between the caseband-back and the bezel. A first annular seat extending radially into the bezel receives an annular protuberance integrally formed with the caseband in a manner such that the caseband-back and bezel become inseparable. At the same time a packing is compressed into a second seat to render impermeable the discontinuity between the caseband-back and the bezel. Assembly of the caseband-back to the bezel is effected by ultrasonic vibrations.

Abstract: A cap (2) is made of sintered hard metal and has on the inside a cylindrical surface (20) and a frusto-conical surface (21) that are true ground. The cap's cylindrical surface (20) is fitted with radial play around an outer cylindrical surface (9) of an underlying middle (1) and the cap's frusto-conical surface (21) has the same inclination as a subjacent frusto-conical surface (14) on the outside of the middle. The cap (2) and the middle (1) are secured to one another by a ring of deformable material sandwiched between their cylindrical surfaces (9, 20). On the outside the cap (2) is formed over its thicker main portion (18) with a trued and polished surface (22) having the same inclination as its inside frusto-conical surface (21) such as to provide the thicker portion (18) with a parallelogrammatic cross-section.

Abstract: A sealed watchcase includes a middle-and-bezel having two concentric annular parts which are held one inside the other by means of friction. The internal part of these two parts is a rigid ring made of ordinary metal or plastic. The external part of these two parts is made of precious-metal and forms a thin casing covering at least the radially external surfaces of the rigid ring. A glass part is bonded inside an internal snap in the precious-metal casing. A back cover is held against a bottom flat surface of the middle-and-bezel by fixing screws which are screwed into the rigid ring and ensure, when tightened, clamping of a fitting ring inserted together with a watch movement into the opening of the rigid ring. Seals are compressed between the back cover and the middle-and-bezel. Only the back cover, the precious-metal casing and the glass form the external parts of the watchcase.

Abstract: The setting stem 27 of a watch is engaged in a radial hole 29 of an inner metallic caseband 16 with a packing 31 to assure fluid tightness. An outer caseband 3 of hard material includes a radial hole 28 aligned with the hole in the inner caseband. A crown 32 of the same material as the outer caseband may cap the stem. This arrangement enables uniting the wear resistant properties of the hard material with good fluid tightness of the stem.

Abstract: The watchcase support (1) of this invention is fashioned from a contoured strip (2) which includes a profile in relief elongated in the longitudinal direction of the strip. Such profile includes projections (3, 4) and recesses (5, 6) which form a decorative undulation. Other embodiments are described in which the profiles are functionally employed for example to attach the watchcase to the support.

Abstract: A wrist watch having a case made of faceted glass and reflecting layers for achieving a special esthetic effect.

Abstract: A timepiece includes an outer caseband 3 formed entirely in one piece of a hard material which likewise includes a hub member 4 providing the timepiece dial, and a metallic inner caseband 16. An annular step 10 for positioning and glue fastening a crystal 9 surrounds the hub member. This arrangement gives the hard material the rigidity necessary to resist forces acting thereon during manufacture and subsequently when the watch is worn.

Abstract: A bonding structure of a timepiece case such as the glass, bezel, case band, pipe, core and case back. Seams bonded with the bonding agent are both durable and waterproof. The bonding agent includes relative to:(A) 100 parts by weight urethane (met) acrylate having more than one acryloyl group and/or methacryloyl group per molecule;(B) 30 to 200 parts by weight (meta) acrylate having more than one hydroxyl group per molecule;(C) 30 to 200 parts by weight isobornyl (meta) acrylate;(D) 30 to 200 parts by weight pre-tacky resin of the petroleum series and coal series and/or the rosin ester series which are soluble in (meta) acrylate monomer;(E) 5 to 50 parts by weight acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid; and(F) 0.5 to 15 parts by weight photopolymerization initiator of benzoin or benzyldimethylketal or the like.

Abstract: The fancy artefact described has a band (1) made of a first thermoplastic plastic material and a clasp (4) which is solid with the band and which is made of a second thermoplastic plastic material which may have a melting temperature greater than that of the first plastic material. One such artefact may be a wristlet having a pair of bands, the clasp being provided on the free end of one band and being fastenable to the free end of the other band.

Abstract: An exterior element for a wrist watch such as a case or bracelet at least partially formed from a composite material. Such material comprises an organic binder such as an acetal homopolymer and macroscopic particles of mineral substances which arrive flush with at least a portion of the visible surface of the element and cover the major part of said portion.

Abstract: The wristlet (3,4) and the watch case element (2) are solid with each and at least an end of the wristlet is made of a first thermoplastic material. A portion of the watch case element surrounds the end of the wristlet and is made of a second thermoplastic material having a melting temperature greater than the first plastic material.

Abstract: A watch middle cum plate is described that comprises an annular middle-forming portion and a plate-forming portion which is surrounded by the middle-forming portion and which is formed with recesses for receiving components of the watch movement. The middle cum plate is provided with a protective coating of which a first part essentially covers the plate-forming portion and of which a second, thicker, more resistant part covers at least the visible surfaces of the middle-forming portion.Such middles cum plates may be made from flat brass blanks by machining recesses in their central portion for receiving components of a watch movement, by applying to the blanks a layer of material that is chemically more inert than brass to form the first part of the above coating, stacking and assembling the blanks such that at least the above central portions of the blanks with the recesses are masked, and applying to the visible regions of the stacked and assembled blanks the above second part of the coating.

Abstract: A timepiece includes an outer caseband 3 formed entirely in one piece of a hard material which likewise includes a hub member 4 providing the timepiece dial, and a metallic inner caseband 16. An annular step 10 for positioning and glue fastening a crystal 9 surrounds the hub member. This arrangement gives the hard material the rigidity necessary to resist forces acting thereon during manufacture and subsequently when the watch is worn.

Abstract: The watch case of this inveniton includes means for fixing the crystal to the case having surfaces exposed at the exterior of the watch thus susceptible to being scratched. Such visible surfaces are protected by an armour formed essentially of a substrate made from a metallic carbide and a material covering the substrate such material having a hardness greater than 5000 HV.sub.0.25.

Abstract: To simplify fitting and sealing the crystal (4) to the casing (2, 6, 8), assembly is effected by means of ultrasonic welding. The casing (2, 6, 8) and the crystal (4) are made of synthetic materials which are thermo-weldable to each other. The mating faces (8a, 4b) of the peripheral wall (8) of the casing and the crystal (4) are formed for reducing the contact area between the two parts to permit thermo-welding by subjecting the assembly to high-frequency mechanical vibrations imparted by a tool (15).

Abstract: A body of an external member is made of an aluminum alloy containing 0.5-2.5% of magnesium by weight, less than 0.01% of silicon by weight, and less than 0.01% of iron by weight. An anodic oxide film is formed on the body.

Abstract: To simplify fitting and sealing the crystal (4) to the casing (2, 6, 8), assembly is effected by means of ultrasonic welding. The casing (2, 6, 8) and the crystal (4) are made of synthetic materials which are thermo-weldable to each other. The mating faces (8a, 4b) of the peripheral wall (8) of the casing and the crystal (4) are formed for reducing the contact area between the two parts to permit thermo-welding by subjecting the assembly to high-frequency mechanical vibrations imparted by a tool (15).

Abstract: The components of a mechanical watch are mounted inside a supporting structure comprising a stack of transparent plates made of corundum, spinel or quartz. Some of the plates are formed with cut-outs which define in the assembled structure housings for accommodating said components.

Abstract: The surface of a metal article which is exposed to the atmosphere and abrasion during normal use of the article is protected from scratches and/or corrosion during such use by a thin transparent abrasion-resistant film of an inert non-metallic material such as SiO.sub.2, SiC, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, TiO.sub.2, MgO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5, Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5, GeO.sub.2, spinel and selected colorless glass compositions. The protective film is preferably deposited by RF-sputtering techniques and undesirable coloration of the article by optical interference effects from incident light rays is avoided by properly correlating the film thickness with the refractive index of the particular material used to form the film. The invention permits the use of thinner gold plating on such items as articles of expensive jewelry and bracelets and cases for fine wristwatches without detracting from the quality, durability or appearance of the merchandise.

Abstract: The surface of a metal article which is exposed to the atmosphere and abrasion during normal use of the article is protected from scratches and/or corrosion during such use by a thin transparent abrasion-resistant film of an inert non-metallic material such as SiO.sub.2, SiC, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, TiO.sub.2, MgO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5, Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5, GeO.sub.2, spinel and selected colorless glass compositions. The protective film is preferably deposited by RF-sputtering techniques and undesirable coloration of the article by optical interference effects from incident light rays is avoided by properly correlating the film thickness with the refractive index of the particular material used to form the film. The invention permits the use of thinner gold plating on such items as articles of expensive jewelry and bracelets and cases for fine wristwatches without detracting from the quality, durability or appearance of the merchandise.

Abstract: A structure of a watch case, which comprises a watchglass, a case band member composed of a cemented carbide alloy and having a flange formed at an upper portion thereof and an annular surface formed at a lower portion of the flange, a watchglass supporting ring brazed to the case band member and having an upper surface for supporting a bottom surface of the watchglass, a packing for providing a waterproof and a back cover secured to the case band member. The packing is provided between the outer periphery of the watchglass and an annular groove. The annular groove is formed by the flange and annular surface of the case band member and the upper surface of the watchglass supporting ring.

Abstract: The surface of a metal article which is exposed to the atmosphere and abrasion during normal use of the article is protected from scratches and/or corrosion during such use by a thin transparent abrasion-resistant film of an inert non-metallic material such as SiO.sub.2, SiC, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, TiO.sub.2, MgO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5, Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5, GeO.sub.2, spinel and selected colorless glass compositions. The protective film is preferably deposited by RF-sputtering techniques and undesirable coloration of the article by optical interference effects from incident light rays is avoided by properly correlating the film thickness with the refractive index of the particular material used to form the film. The invention permits the use of thinner gold plating on such items as articles of expensive jewelry and bracelets and cases for fine wristwatches without detracting from the quality, durability or appearance of the merchandise.

Abstract: A watchcase comprising a case body having a recessed shoulder at the corner of the axially extending inside wall and the bottom thereof, and a back made of hard metal having a longitudinal elasticity modulus larger than 25,000 kg/mm.sup.2 and secured to the bottom of the case body. A reinforcement ring having an L-shaped section is secured to the inside wall of the back so that a groove is defined by the outside wall of the reinforcement ring and the inside wall of the recessed shoulder. An O-ring is engaged with the groove for water-tight sealing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stratified, corrosion-resistant complex comprising a metal substrate and an outer layer made of a noble material. According to the invention the substrate is composed of an alloy having, by weight at least 45% nickel, at least 7% chromium, and at least 7% molybdenum, all the other components of the substrate representing at most 15% of the alloy.The invention is particularly useful for making the backs of watch cases.

Abstract: A water-resistant shaped case construction for a wristwatch with a bell-shaped molded crystal with a central viewing portion and a depending wall forming part of the case including an integral pendant for the stem, a stainless steel bezel shell clamping a sealing gasket between the rim of the crystal wall and the caseback by a snap-fit attachment between the bezel and the case back. The improvements include a shoulder on the crystal wall cooperating with the rim of the caseback to control the clamping action on the gasket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a silver-cadmium-nickel alloy coating including small but effective amounts of cadmium and nickel, namely, at least, about 6 weight percent cadmium and 0.5 weight percent nickel, to impart a gold-color to the coating substantially equivalent to that of a 12-16 karat gold layer of similar thickness. The gold-colored alloy coating can replace a 12 karat gold inner layer in a duplex coating having a 22 karat gold outer layer, and thereby provide substantial savings in gold.A highly alkaline aqueous cyanide plating bath is employed in the electroplating process in conjunction with increased current density to ensure that a critical minimum amount of cadmium is deposited in the alloy coating.

Abstract: A waterproof watch having a case and a base which are sealed in a water tight manner without the use of screw threads, is provided. The watch base is composed of a memory form alloy which may or may not be reversible. The watch base is deformed while in its Martensitic state and loosely fit adjacent a sealing portion of the case. The base is then permitted to rise above the Martensit/Austenit conversion temperature into its Austenitic state so that it returns to its undeformed shape and engages the sealing portion of the case in a water tight pressure fitting manner. The conversion temperature should be -20.degree. C. or below. A tubular conduit for the winding stem may also be composed of memory form alloy for sealing engagement with the case.

Abstract: The instrument housing has a gas passage closed-off by a hydrophobic, microporous substance.

Abstract: Plastic housings for electronic components such as plastic cases for electronic wrist watches and calculators have their interior surfaces coated with a first layer of highly-conductive metal to provide static protection for the electronic circuitry contained in the housing, and a second metal layer overlaying the first layer to provide corrosion resistance for the first metal layer. In a preferred embodiment, the metal layers are formed by unique ion plating techniques.

Abstract: A low-cost watch band and case comprises a receptacle for receiving a watch module, switch protuberances integrally formed with the sidewall of the receptale for actuating function switches on the watch module, and a watch band integrally formed with the receptacle for attaching to the user's arm.

Abstract: An improved shock absorber for a watch movement and a method of making the same. The watch has a molded casing and a movement with a molded baseplate. A plurality of shock absorbers permanently mount the movement in the casing. Each shock absorber has a first portion molded in the watch casing, a second portion molded in baseplate of the watch movement, and an elastically deformable shock absorber connecting portion extending between the first portion and the second portion free of the casing and the baseplate. The method includes molding the first portion in the casing and molding the second portion in the baseplate with the connecting portion free of the baseplate and casing and the baseplate and casing free from one another.