Abstract: A stem-crown of a water-resistant watch case includes a stem inserted into a tubular opening of a middle part of the watch case, and a crown including a first portion connected to the stem and a second handling portion. The first portion of the crown includes an annular contact surface, which is inclined at a determined angle less than 90° relative to a longitudinal central axis of the stem-crown, extending from the link between the stem and the first portion of the crown towards the outside of the second portion of the crown. In a rest position, the first portion of the crown comes into contact or bears against an annular receiving surface of the middle part, the shape thereof complements that of an end of the tubular opening to the outside.

Abstract: Wearable electronic devices, such as watches, can be provided with an attachment system for connecting and releasing a removable module that interfaces with some portion of the electronic device. For example, a watch housing includes a main body having a channel for receiving a watchband and a first opening extending to the channel. A rear cover coupled to the main body provides a second opening. A unibody button is positioned between the main body and the rear cover. The button is biased against the rear cover and is moveable toward the channel to release a watchband engaged therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to an escape valve for a timepiece including an outlet channel arranged to be capable of being in fluid communication with the interior of a case of the timepiece when the valve is in an open configuration to evacuate an excess of fluid. The valve includes a tube to be fixed in the case of the timepiece and a valve head provided with a cover and an axial skirt adapted to be placed in different axial positions, a pressure control module separate from the valve head arranged in the interior of a fluid conduit provided in the tube and axial guide elements by screwing defined in the valve head and the tube playing a part in the control of the displacement of the valve head relative to tube in the different axial positions, blocking elements preventing a disassociation between the valve head and the tube.

Abstract: An automatic safety valve for a timepiece, especially for a diving watch. The valve includes a valve head, a tube designed to be secured in a case of the timepiece, and an evacuation channel arranged so as to be in fluidic communication with the inside of the case when the safety valve is in an open configuration so as to evacuate an excess of fluid. The safety valve further includes a pressure regulator arranged inside the evacuation channel to maintain the outlet speed of the fluid.

Abstract: A crown head for a timepiece includes a cap, a tube secured in a timepiece case, a central pipe engaged with the tube, and a safety valve with a discharge channel in fluid communication with the inside of the case when the valve is in an open configuration, to discharge excess fluid. The safety valve also includes a piston fitted inside the central pipe and an elastic member to cooperate with the piston, which can be displaced axially according to the pressure variations inside the case. The crown head also includes a blockage which prevents separation of the cap and the tube. The blockage includes a shoulder arranged on the inner wall of the tube, and includes a support surface against which part of the piston can abut, and a rim provided at the base of the central pipe to abut against a shoulder on the piston.

Abstract: A safety valve for a timepiece, particularly for a diving watch, including a discharge channel arranged to be able to be in fluid communication with the inside of a case of the timepiece when the valve is in an open configuration, in order to discharge excess fluid, particularly a gaseous fluid, the valve having a tube and a valve head provided with a cover and an axial skirt placed in various axial positions relative to the tube, and a pressure control module arranged inside a fluid duct provided in the tube and sliding axial guiding elements participating in controlling the movement of the valve head relative to the tube in the various axial positions, the safety valve including blocking elements preventing disconnection between the valve head and the tube and included in an outer or inner wall of the tube and in the valve head.

Abstract: An automatic safety valve for timepieces includes a valve head housed inside a tube. The valve head includes a lip seal disposed around a core and arranged so that a lip is squeezed against a wall of an outlet channel to disengage from the area to allow pressure compensation between the interior and exterior of a case during excess pressure inside the case, and pressed against the area to seal the interior of the case during excess pressure outside the case. The safety valve further includes an additional sealing element inside the outlet channel. The additional sealing element includes a membrane that is permeable to gases and to establish fluid communication from the interior of the case towards the exterior, when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined value, and impermeable to liquids flowing from outside the case towards the interior of the case.

Abstract: There is provided a crown lock mechanism-installed timepiece which enables a lock mechanism to regulate an operation of a crown by using a simple operation. A crown lock mechanism includes a winding stem, a crown, a lock screw ring, an extrusion spring, and a regulator. The winding stem is connected to a corrector lever of a movement. The crown is fixed to the winding stem. The crown is capable of engaging with the lock screw ring, and the crown is supported by the lock screw ring so as to be movable in an axial direction. The extrusion spring biases the lock screw spring toward the crown. The regulator regulates the lock screw ring to be located at a predetermined position against a biasing force of the extrusion spring, and holds the crown engaging with the lock screw ring so as to stay at a normal hand operation position.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to laser-based processes for forming features on the surface of a part. The feature may include a geometric element, a color element, and/or a surface finish element. In some cases, the laser-formed features are formed as a pattern of textured features that produce an aesthetic and/or tactile effect on the surface of the part. In some cases, the texture features may be sufficiently small that they may not be discerned by the unaided human eye. Also, in some cases, a multiple laser-based processes are combined to form a single feature or a finished part having a specific aesthetic and/or tactile effect.

Abstract: A device includes a case having a case sidewall defining a circular receiver having a receiving opening and a central axis. A device body, which is waterproof in one or more applications, includes a sidewall defining a receiving aperture. A crown stem includes a push button disposed within a duct of a threaded bushing and one or more O-rings disposed about the actuation stem to allow translation of the actuation stem in the duct while preventing liquids from passing through the duct. The crown stem inserts through the aperture in the case so that the threaded bushing can hermetically seal the receiving aperture when the device body is inserted into the circular receiver to prevent the liquids from entering the receiving aperture.

Abstract: An electronic device has a housing and a rotatable and translatable input mechanism. The housing has an aperture and the rotatable and translatable input mechanism has a shaft positioned at least partially within the aperture and a manipulation structure coupled to the shaft. The manipulation structure may be manipulated to rotationally and translationally move the shaft to provide rotational and translational input to the electronic device. A compressible seal is positioned in a gap between the housing and the rotatable and translatable input mechanism. The compressible seal may resist and/or prevent passage of contaminants into the aperture and/or obscure one or more internal components. The compressible seal may be configured to collapse or bend when the rotatable and translatable member translates.

Abstract: An electronic device has a housing and a rotatable and translatable input mechanism. The housing has an aperture and the rotatable and translatable input mechanism has a shaft positioned at least partially within the aperture and a manipulation structure coupled to the shaft. The manipulation structure may be manipulated to rotationally and translationally move the shaft to provide rotational and translational input to the electronic device. A compressible seal is positioned in a gap between the housing and the rotatable and translatable input mechanism. The compressible seal may resist and/or prevent passage of contaminants into the aperture and/or obscure one or more internal components. The compressible seal may be configured to collapse or bend when the rotatable and translatable member translates.

Abstract: A device for releasably sealing a port for a wearable electronic component includes a housing that seals an electronic component and includes a void for receiving the electronic component. The device may also include a cam disposed on a side surface of the housing having a proximal end pivotally engaged with the housing between a first position where a distal end of the cam is disposed adjacent to the housing and a second position where the distal end is disposed away from the housing. The cam may include a cam port that extends through a body of the cam. The device may further include a slider disposed on the side surface of the housing between the cam and the void, where the slider is slidably engaged with the housing between a sealed position and an open position.

Abstract: A watch for keeping time that comprises a watchcase for housing the movement, the stem, and the crown. The watchcase comprises a lid having a crystal and a body configured to mate with the lid, the body comprising a floor that supports the movement and a wall surrounding the floor, wherein the wall has a notch into which the crown protrudes and wherein the watchcase formed by mating the lid with the body encloses the movement, the stem, and the crown on all sides. A method for setting the time on a watch with an enclosed crown.

Abstract: In a watchcase of a time-piece an internal blocking device for simultaneously blocking the push-buttons (10, 20) of the timepiece comprises an internal collar (11, 21) for each push-button pressing a gasket (12, 22) thereof against the watchcase (30) and at least one sliding element (40) providing blocking members (41, 42) for blocking the movement of the push buttons (10, 20). The sliding elements (40) are operated from outside the timepiece through the wind/set crown (50), a specific screw down button, the bezel (60) or other external members of the timepiece. The internal push buttons blocking device of the invention improves watertightness of the timepiece by a simple and reliable mechanism which is very easy and rapid to use.

Abstract: A diver's watch includes a timepiece exterior assembly including a movement, a hand setting stem pipe, a crown for operating the movement, and a cover pipe. A locking face is formed at an outer peripheral portion of a case body provided to the timepiece exterior assembly. The hand setting stem pipe is fixed to the case body and includes a pipe side screw portion. The crown includes a crown cylinder inserted to inside of the hand setting stem pipe, and a crown head integral with the crown cylinder. The crown head is formed with a crown side screw portion attachably and detachably screwed to the pipe side screw portion, and an engaging end face brought into contact with and separated from the locking face. The cover pipe is arranged to be more proximate to the crown cylinder than the engaging end face. Thereby, the hand setting stem pipe is covered by the cover pipe and the covered state is maintained regardless of a movement in an axial direction of the crown.

Abstract: A diver's watch includes a timepiece exterior assembly including a movement, a hand setting stem pipe, a crown for operating the movement, and a cover pipe. A locking face is formed at an outer peripheral portion of a case body provided to the timepiece exterior assembly. The hand setting stem pipe is fixed to the case body and includes a pipe side screw portion. The crown includes a crown cylinder inserted to inside of the hand setting stem pipe, and a crown head integral with the crown cylinder. The crown head is formed with a crown side screw portion attachably and detachably screwed to the pipe side screw portion, and an engaging end face brought into contact with and separated from the locking face. The cover pipe is arranged to be more proximate to the crown cylinder than the engaging end face. Thereby, the hand setting stem pipe is covered by the cover pipe and the covered state is maintained regardless of a movement in an axial direction of the crown.

Abstract: To provide a portable timepiece in which the maintenance of a winding stem pipe and its surroundings is facilitated. Basically provided is a portable timepiece comprising a winding stem pipe releasably screwed into a pipe attachment opening of a case band, in which portable timepiece an accidental rotation of a crown is avoided by bringing a crown head of the crown into screw-engagement with a pipe end of the winding stem pipe disposed outside of the case band such that the crown head caps the pipe end. A ring receiver is formed on one of the pipe attachment opening and an insert portion of the winding stem pipe screwed into the opening. A soft and resilient friction ring is supported on the other of the pipe attachment opening and the insert portion. The friction ring is resiliently brought into tight contact with the ring receiver to prevent a rotation of the winding stem pipe.

Abstract: To provide a portable timepiece capable of interchanging a part at a surrounding of a crown when a screw lock function is deteriorated. A premise is established by a portable timepiece screwing to lock a crown urged in a direction of separating from a case body by a coil spring (urging member) included in a winding stem pipe to the winding stem pipe attached to the case body. The winding stem pipe includes a winding stem pipe main body inserted into a pipe attaching hole of the case body and fixed in liquid tight by using a brazing member, and a ring fitted to a case body outside projected portion of the main body removably by being stopped to rotate and provided with a male screw portion to which the crown is removably screwed at an outer periphery thereof. A ring holding member is pinched between the ring and a holding portion of the case body outside projected portion.

Abstract: A portable watch comprises a case body having a noncircular pipe-attachment hole extending therethrough, and a winding stem pipe removably inserted from outside of the case body into the pipe-attachment hole and having a noncircular outer peripheral portion that cooperates with the noncircular pipe-attachment hole to prevent relative rotation between the case body and the winding stem pipe. An inner end portion of the winding stem pipe extends beyond the inside surface of the case body into the interior of the case body and an outer end portion of the winding stem pipe extends out from the exterior of the case body, the outer end portion having a male screw section and the inner end portion having an annular groove around the outer periphery thereof.

Abstract: To provide a portable watch enabling components exchange around a crown while retaining the waterproof capability of a winding-stem-pipe attachment section when the screw lock capability is reduced. A winding stem pipe is screwed into a pipe-attachment hole of a case band for attachment in a removable manner. To an intracase-band end section of this winding stem pipe, provided is a screw section being a reverse screw to a first male screw section of the winding stem pipe screwed into the pipe-attachment hole. To this screw section, a clamp ring is screwed into in a removable manner. The case band is sandwiched by the ring and the extracase-band end section of the winding stem pipe screwed with the crown, and a waterproof gasket is sandwiched between the case band and the winding stem pipe.

Abstract: To provide a watch in which, in case where a screw lock function has decreased, a part exchange around a crown is made possible while ensuring a waterproofness. To an outside winding stem pipe having a bridge portion and brazed to a case band there is passed an inside winding stem pipe having a male screw portion directed to an outside of the case band and a convex portion colliding against the bridge portion so as to be capable of being put in or out, the pipe is locked to the pipe by a lock means provided over both of the winging stem pipes, and the pipe is interposed between an attaching ring detachably meshing with the pipe and the convex portion, thereby positioning the pipe with respect to the former pipe in an axial direction. A crown is detachably meshed with the male screw portion of the pipe.

Abstract: A wrist mountable electronic apparatus has a strap member having a pair of strap portions. Each of the strap portions has an end disposed in spaced-apart relation to the other so that inner peripheral surfaces of the ends of the strap portions form a hole having a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end. Each of the inner peripheral surfaces of the strap portions has a stepped portion. A portable electronic apparatus is disposed in the hole of the strap member. A glass member is supported on the stepped portion of each of the strap portions for closing the first open end of the hole. A connecting structure free of adhesive connects the glass member to each of the strap portions. A waterproof member is disposed directly between only the glass member and the strap member for providing a watertight seal therebetween. A rear cover covers the second open end of the hole.

Abstract: A device for leakproofing instrument-control buttons, particularly for the winding and time-setting buttons (3) of watches, comprises a sealing element (8) fitted on the casing of the instrument in order to form a leaktight seal against the button, as well as a bridge unit (7) beneath which the button projects laterally and which carries an articulated lever (1) having a cam appendage (2) for pressing the button against the sealing element in a first position and for releasing the button to permit conventional movements thereof in a second position, the upper portion of the button (3) being machined in a manner such that a compartment is formed therein for housing a small piston element (4) in an axially slidable manner, the cam appendage (2) of the articulated lever (1) acting on the piston element (4), which is urged axially outwardly by resilient means (5) so as to take up clearance created between the button (3) and the casing.

Abstract: A device for locking the rotatable bezel of a watch and for rendering the winding button thereof watertight comprises a plastic washer connected to a flat surface of said button, coaxially thereto, so as to engage with circumferential knurling of the rotatable bezel, when the button is in a returned position, adjacent to the casing of the watch, in order to ensure the locking of the bezel. The device further comprises a seal which is carried by the button so as to be compressed between it and the casing when the button is in said returned position, in order to ensure watertightness of the button. Pressure means, movably supported by the casing, in a first position axially press the button holding it in said returned position and, in a second position, permits the outwards movement of the button to a rewinding and resetting position.

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 case (M) including a caseband (1) and a back cover (4) which can be engaged with and clamped in the caseband by imparting a rotational movement to the back cover (4) through a predetermined angle (.OMEGA.) around an axis of closure (O--O'). The back cover (4) and the caseband (1) include wall portions (16, 24) of complementary undercut forms the peripheral profile of which comprises four sections (38, 48) in circular arc form each centered on a center (C.sub.c, C.sub.f) separated from the axis of closure (O--O') . The sections (38, 48) are connected among themselves by a reentrant section (40, 52). Each back cover section (48) is associated with a caseband (1) section (38).

Abstract: A seal assembly which is screw threaded onto the stem of a wrist watch with the seal and stem being related to a tube connected with the watch case in a conventional manner. The screw-on seal of this invention includes an internally threaded member engaged with an externally threaded portion of the watch stem with the exterior surface of the internally threaded member being provided with a groove or notches receiving an O-ring seal to enable relatively quick and easy repair of a watch when an existing stem is broken due to weakened areas in the stem formed when a conventional seal is positioned in a groove on the stem. This seal assembly can also be used in new watch construction especially when installed in combination with a conventional water seal crown thereby providing double protection against entry of water, moisture, dust and similar material that may adversely affect the operation of the watch.

Abstract: A wristwatch includes an assembly comprising a hard plastic seal in the form of a hollow tube in which are mounted a crystal, a movement and face, and a bottom cover. That assembly is inserted as a unit into the bottom end of an opening of a clamping ring. A portion of the opening overlies a portion of the tube to limit the extent of upward movement of the tube in the opening. The opening of the clamping ring includes an inwardly facing groove into which a portion of the tube may project to axially secure the tube. A setting shaft projects through the clamping ring and tube and is surrounded by an O-ring mounted in a recess of the tube. The clamping ring comprises a case and a bezel mounted thereon. Different bezels can be employed to change the appearance of the wristwatch.

Abstract: The watch case comprising a middle (2) containing a lining (4) and a back (9) detachably mounted in a lower opening of the middle by means of a pressure device. A band (12) of synthetic material constituting a seal is formed on the periphery of the opening, that band being made in one piece with the lining and connected to it by portions of synthetic material crossing appropriate passages (15) of the middle. The side walls (16) of the opening are at least partially devoid of lining and they work together with opposite surfaces (17) of the back in order to assure pressure coupling of the latter and compression of the band (12).

Abstract: A leak resistant watch casing is designed to accomodate a thin movement. It comprises a casing ring (7) supporting the movement (5) around which an elastic binding (10) is removably mounted. The binding is of rectangular cross section with the smaller sides of the rectangle being pressed against the case-band (1) and the back cover (11) when these elements are secured together. The binding includes an orifice (17) situated proximate two U-formed openings provided in the periphery of the case-band and back cover in order to accomodate the stem (15) of a control element.

Abstract: This device comprises a groove (6) made in the internal wall of a through hole (2) of the case (1) giving passage to the stem (3) of the winding crown (4). A gasket (8) is placed in the groove (6). The internal diameter of the gasket (8) is less than the outside diameter of the stem (3) of the winding crown and is thus compacted between the stem (3) and the groove (6). The stem (3) is comprised by an internally screw-threaded pedestal (3') secured to the winding crown (4) and an externally screw-threaded winding stem (3") screwed into the pedestal (3'). As a result, the hole (2) can be made of relatively small diameter, which is an important advantage in an extra-thin watch whose case is of relatively soft precious metal, because the tendency to bend the case, that would be present in the case of a large hole, is overcome.

Abstract: At the time of the casing of a watch in the back of which a diaphragm (19) is placed, an insulating and inert transparent liquid is caused to penetrate into the interior of the case by placing the whole in an enclosure under negative pressure. The air is exhausted, and the liquid in question comes to occupy the space included between the module (1) and the walls of the case. A small quantity of air contained under the diaphragm (19) expands under the effect of the negative pressure and causes this diaphragm to swell, which gives a compensating volume allowing thereafter the thermal expansion of the liquid within the case and without subjecting the walls of the latter to stresses.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece assembly interposed between a module and an exteriorly operable member and comprising a switch lower base including a plurality of electrically conductive portions connected to a contact pattern formed on the module and a switch upper plate including a plurality of terminal portions formed in correspondence with the conductive portions and a plurality of projections operable by means of the exteriorly operable member so as to be resiliently deformed and connect the terminal portions through the electrically conductive portions to the contact pattern formed on the module.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece assembly interposed between a module and an exteriorly operable member and comprising a switch lower base including a plurality of electrically conductive portions connected to a contact pattern formed on the module and a switch upper plate including a plurality of terminal portions formed in correspondence with the conductive portions and a plurality of projections operable by means of the exteriorly operable member so as to be resiliently deformed and connect the terminal portions through the electrically conductive portions to the contact pattern formed on the module.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a bezel in a watch case through a packing and for mounting a glass in the bezel through a packing. The watch case has an axially extending, inside engaging portion and an annular groove provided in a lower portion of the inside engaging portion, and the bezel has an inside annular groove. Each of the packings is adapted to be engaged with the corresponding annular groove.

Abstract: A winding and setting arrangement for a timepiece comprises a two-part stem extending through the hollow shaft of the spring drum. The outer part of the stem is affixed at its outer end to a crown and at its inner end has Breguet teeth which, in an inner position of the stem, are engageable with Breguet teeth of a connecting member which is non-rotatable but axially movable in a cavity in the hollow spring drum shaft. A spring urges the connecting member outwardly against a shoulder in the shaft. The inner part of the stem is coupled with the outer part by a square section so that the two parts rotate together but are axially movable relative to one another. The inner stem part passes freely through the connecting member and, inwardly of the spring drum, carries a pinion which is engageable with a setting wheel in an outer position of the stem. A spring urges the inner stem part outwardly.

Abstract: A control member such as a push button or winder for a thin water-tight watch has a tube fitted to the watch case, and a control rod movable in the tube by a manually movable head fixed to the rod. Surrounding the tube axis is a sealing O-ring making sealing contact with and around a surface of the tube. The ring compressed axially of the tube is disposed between the head and tube in a housing defined in part by first and second faces on the head. The first face is annular in a plane at right-angles to the tube axis and the second face is cylindrical centered on the tube axis and spaced radially of the tube from the ring.

Abstract: A water-tight push-piece for a diver's watch comprises locking means constituted by a sleeve fitted inside a head located around a tube intended to be secured to the watch case. This sleeve is not able to rotate but is able to slide on the tube and is provided externally with a screw-thread co-operating with an internal screw-thread on the head, in order to be able to move axially during rotation of the head. A gasket is disposed between the bottom of the sleeve and the tube. When the push-piece is locked, the bottom of the sleeve abuts against the end of the tube thus compressing the gasket.

Abstract: A rocker switch for actuation from outside the bezel or case of a watertight wristwatch employs a rocker arm making contact with the bezel through its pivot pin and having a stem for contacting internal terminals. The handle of the rocker arm is imbedded in adhesive elastomer which is also adhered to the bezel to provide spring action and a water-resistant seal.

Abstract: A digital display electronic alarm wristwatch which includes a watch case, a cover glass and a case back contains an electro-optical display device, electronic watch body and an alarm buzzer mounted in the watch case and case back not to overlap with the display device in plan view. The watch case is formed with buzzer cover holes on the display side of the case for releasing the alarm buzzer sound.

Abstract: A waterproof sport watch utilizing a solid state digital watch module which is completely enclosed in a sealed casing, with no protruding buttons or other actuating devices. The module is fixed in a casing having a removable back, sealed by an O-ring, for battery and servicing access. The front of the watch is enclosed by a transparent cover, also sealed by an O-ring, the cover being rotatable to indexed positions and having integral cams which actuate the watch module controls, a stopwatch action being obtained by squeezing the cover at one indexed position. The watch is particularly suitable for use by divers and is very easy to operate under water.

Abstract: A click mechanism for a timepiece winding stem comprises a plurality of circumferential grooves axially spaced along the length of the winding stem, and a detent spring resiliently engageable within respective ones of the grooves to retain the winding stem in the desired axial operating position and enabling manual axial movement of the winding stem between different operating positions with a click action. The detent spring has an elongate portion which extends in side-by-side relationship along the length of the winding stem, and a detent portion connected to the elongate portion for engagement with the winding stem grooves. The thickness of the detent spring is no greater than the thickness of the winding stem and by arranging the two in side-by-side relationship, a thinner timepiece can be formed than would be possible if the detent spring extended above or below the winding stem.

Abstract: A fixing structure of a back cover for watches without requirement of any jig to attach a back cover to a watch casing. The fixing structure is disclosed which comprises a watch movement, an outer casing for accomodating said watch movement therein and provided with an opening at the lower portion thereof, a back cover engaged with said outer casing, a first flange formed at the side of said movement on said opening and being shorter than the outer diameter of said back cover, a second flange formed at the opposite side of the movement on the opening and being longer than the outer diameter of said back cover, and the diameter of the opening in said second flange being shorter than the outer diameter of said back cover, a peripheral groove formed between both said first and second flanges, and a flexible packing attached to said peripheral groove, whereby said back cover is attached to the inside of said flexible packing from the direction of said first flange.