Abstract: An input mechanism for an electronic watch includes a rotational manipulation mechanism, such as a cap or shaft. The input mechanism also includes a sensor having first capacitive elements coupled to the manipulation mechanism, second capacitive elements, and a dielectric positioned between the first and second capacitive elements. Movement of the manipulation mechanism alters the positions of the first and second capacitive elements with respect to each other and is determinable based on capacitance changes resulting therefrom. In some implementations, the second capacitive elements may be part of an inner ring or partial ring nested at least partially within an outer ring or partial ring.

Abstract: An input mechanism for an electronic watch includes a rotational manipulation mechanism, such as a cap or shaft. The input mechanism also includes a sensor having first capacitive elements coupled to the manipulation mechanism, second capacitive elements, and a dielectric positioned between the first and second capacitive elements. Movement of the manipulation mechanism alters the positions of the first and second capacitive elements with respect to each other and is determinable based on capacitance changes resulting therefrom. In some implementations, the second capacitive elements may be part of an inner ring or partial ring nested at least partially within an outer ring or partial ring.

Abstract: An orientable screw-in element including a cap and a device adjusting angular orientation of the cap relative to a watch middle part. The device adjusting angular orientation of the cap includes a first part including a flat friction surface, a second part integral with the cap including a second flat friction surface and a return mechanism configured to rotate the cap integrally with the first part. The cap and first part are axially mobile in relation to each other between a first position in which the first flat friction surface and second flat friction surface are each pressed against each other by the return mechanism such that the cap rotates integrally with the first part, and a second position in which the first flat friction surface and second flat friction surface are not in contact, the cap therefore free to rotate about the rotational axis of the screw-in element.

Abstract: A switch device includes a rotating operation member in which a through-hole is formed in an axial direction; a pressing operation member which is movable within the through-hole of the rotating operation member and press-operable from one opening of the through-hole. The pressing operation member is provided so as to rotate integrally with the rotating operation member, when the rotating operation member rotates. A first coil spring is arranged within the through-hole of the rotating operation member and biases the pressing operation member outwardly in the axial direction. A second coil spring is arranged within the through-hole of the rotating operation member and biases the rotating operation member outwardly in the axial direction.

Abstract: A switch structure has an elastic switch lever portion and a rigid support lever. The elastic switch lever portion has an elastic contact portion and an arm portion provided with a pressing force receiving portion from which the elastic contact portion extends. The rigid support lever is mounted for undergoing movement relative to the pressing force receiving portion. The rigid support lever has a rigid substrate portion and a rigid support wall portion that is connected to the rigid substrate portion and that supports the pressing force receiving portion so as to receive a pressing force from the pressing force receiving portion and to guide displacement of the pressing force receiving portion when a pressing force is applied to the pressing force receiving portion.

Abstract: An analog timepiece includes a casing, a time displaying device, an electronic device received in the casing, a main control unit (MCU) communicated with the time displaying device and the electronic device for selectively controlling an operation of the time displaying device and sad electronic device and a multi-functional actuator. The multi-function actuator includes an actuator button movably provided on the casing to selectively move between an idle position, a time adjustment position and a triggering position, wherein in the idle position, the actuator button disengages with the MCU to allow normal operation of the electronic device, wherein in the time adjustment position, the actuator button is moved from the idle position to allow adjustment of the time displaying device, and wherein in the triggering position, the actuator is moved to engage with the MCU for triggering an operation of the electronic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a timepiece component (1) that has an aperture (7) for receiving a support element (3) and includes a clamping system (13) for exerting radial force, allowing said timepiece component to be secured to said support element. According to the invention, the clamping system (13) includes a radial clamping device (15) that has a crown (6) for exerting said radial force and a concentric, blind recess (8) spaced apart from said aperture, for allowing said crown to travel. The invention concerns the field of timepieces.

Abstract: A switch structure of a chronograph mechanism of an electronic timepiece includes: a terminal plate equipped with a plate-like main body portion and elastic switch lever portions, each switch lever portion being equipped with an arm portion which is and bent with respect to the outer peripheral edge portion of the plate-like main body portion at one side of the proximal end portion thereof, and which extends in a direction along the outer peripheral edge portion of the plate-like main body portion, and which is equipped with an elastic contact portion further extending from the pressing force receiving portion; and an elastic switch lever supporting rigid support lever which is movably provided behind the pressing force receiving portion in order to receive a pressing force behind the pressing force receiving portion and to guide displacement of the pressing force receiving portion when a pressing force is applied to the pressing force receiving portion.

Abstract: A timepiece apparatus (10) comprising: a rotatable shaft (30) operatively connected to a magnet (40); a magnetic detection device (50) to detect a magnetic field of the magnet (40) when proximal to the magnetic detection device (50); wherein if a predetermined sequence of magnetic fields is detected by the magnetic detection device (50), a predetermined operation is performed.

Abstract: The magnetic control device (1) for a timepiece comprises a sealed tube (3) which comprises a blind end inserted into an opening of the timepiece, whereas the other end of the tube opens towards the outside. A control stem (12) is provided in order to slide inside the tube (3). It carries a magnet (21) which is displaced integrally with the stem inside the tube. By manipulating the end of the stem which emerges from the tube (3), the wearer of the watch can make the magnet selectively occupy three positions. A first and a second magnetic sensor (22, 23) with two states are disposed inside the timepiece along the sealed tube so that three different combinations of a state of the first sensor (22) with a state of the second sensor (23) are respectively associated with three predefined positions of the first magnet (21).

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for manufacturing and mounting electric contacts for control members of small dimensions, particularly for control members used in the horological field.

Abstract: To provide a reset current conductive path between a reset lever and an overhang of a printed circuit board without using a conductive part such as a metal pin and without bending a distal end portion of the reset lever. When a movement is assembled, an overhang pattern is accommodated in an embracing recessed portion which is formed in a plate, is bent to a height of a reset lever, and a distal end portion of the overhang pattern reaches a recessed portion which is dug downwardly from a reset lever planar moving surface. Then, such a bent state of the overhang pattern is held by arm portions of the embracing recessed portion. Accordingly, when a winding stem is pulled by one stage, the reset lever performs the planar movement in the given direction and a distal end portion of the reset lever is brought into contact with the overhang pattern.

Abstract: Watch with digital display capable of being adjusted by a control device sensitive to rotation and to axial pressure. The watch comprises two lines of alphanumeric characters, of which one is used exclusively for displaying the current time and the other is used exclusively for displaying indications relative to auxiliary functions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a portable electronic instrument (1) including a case (2), at least one electronic unit (72, 74) housed inside the case, and at least a first input and/or output terminal (A; B) accessible from the exterior of the case and including an electrically conductive element (100) which is mounted so as to be mobile with respect to the case. The input and/or output terminal is adapted to be electrically connected to an input and/or output terminal (72A, 74A; 72B, 74B) of said electronic unit via a transmission line (I/OA; I/OB) and for allowing transmission of electric signals on the transmission line through the connecting element. The connecting element can occupy a first or second position in which the input and/or output terminal is respectively uncoupled from or coupled to the input and/or output terminal of the electronic unit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a control device for electronic apparatus of the electronic stem type, adapted to be shifted between a plurality of axial positions. According to one preferred embodiment, the stem (1), with axis X, has four different axial positions. Two contact clips (21, 22, 60, 61) mutually offset in the direction of the axis X are provided to make contact with two respective power supply terminals (19, 20, 75, 76) of a source of electrical power supply. The stem comprises a plurality of cylindrical portions (36, 38, 50, 51, 52) which cooperate with deformable extensions (27, 28, 64, 65) of the contact clips to deform them in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis X. Thus, in accordance with the axial position of the stem (1), the contact clips (21, 22, 60, 61) can be in different electrical states, i.e. isolated or connected to the source of power supply, independently of one another.

Abstract: The invention concerns an adaptor (100) adapted to establish an electric connection with a portable electronic instrument (200) and to allow transmission of electric signals. The portable instrument is controlled via at least one control member (210) having first electric contact means (213) accessible from the exterior of the instrument. The control member is capable of occupying a first non pushed-in position and a second pushed-in position. The adaptor includes a support (101) having a pattern cavity (102) dimensioned to receive the instrument. The pattern cavity includes at least one housing (110) in which are arranged second electric contact means (119). The housing is dimensioned to receive the control member, such that, on the one hand, the control member is brought into the pushed-in position and, on the other hand, the first and second electric contacts are brought into contact, when the instrument is placed in the pattern cavity.

Abstract: The mode selecting assembly comprises a flexible hand, coupled to a frame in the casing, that has extending therefrom fingers that are sufficiently deflectable so as to deflect from first positions where they are not in contact with associated pads on a circuit board to second positions where they are in contact with their associated pads on the circuit board. A setting stem comprises an annular ring for selectively contacting and deflecting the fingers from their respective first positions to second positions, wherein the integrated circuit is operable in a selected modes depending on which finger is in the second position.

Abstract: An inexpensive switch connecting structure is provided capable of avoiding abnormal wear-off or deformation of a contact spring of a supporting plate even if a movement in a basic shape is placed in a timepiece case having a shape different from the movement and a push button is repeatedly used. The switch connecting structure includes a supporting plate attached to cap a movement of a timepiece and provided with a contact spring having a contact portion at a tip brought into contact with a switch contact portion of a circuit board, and a switch regulating plate provided with a switch spring on an outer periphery corresponding to said contact spring and covering at least part of said supporting plate, wherein said switch spring is flexed by operation of an externally operated component attached to a timepiece case, thereby bringing the contact portion of the contact spring of said supporting plate into contact with the switch contact portion of said circuit board.

Abstract: A watch has a switch mechanism 10 supported by a base 11 and a lid 13 that houses a generally conventional electric watch arrangement (not shown). The mechanism includes a semi-circular disc shaped finger tip engagable pusher 16 that can be rotated in either direction from a mean position, and also pushed radially inwards. Such movement of the pusher 16 produces radial movements of biassed plungers 23, 26 and 30 that are urged through respective apertures 24, 27 and 31 in a wall 12 of the base 11. As a result respective electrical circuits of the watch arrangement are closed to change watch functions. The mechanism 10 serves the same purpose as push buttons conventionally used in the prior art but is much easier for the user, especially if the watch is being worn on a wrist when watch functions need to be changed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a wristwatch type of watch. More specifically, the watch comprises a display (11), an electronic circuit (12) controlling the display, a time set stem (13), and at least two electrical contact elements (14, 14″). The time set stem (13) can be placed in different axial positions and the stem comprises a crown (16) accessible from outside the watch and a helicoidal zone (19) which may have three helicoidal elements (20, 20′, 20″). When the time set stem is placed in a position such that the contact elements (14, 14″) are facing the helicoidal zone (19), rotating the time set stem causes an electrical connection on the electronic circuit (12) to alternately open and close. This generates at least two electrical impulse signals which are transmitted to the electronic control circuit. These signals are used to regulate different watch functions, such as time correction or controlling the time belt or the date.

Abstract: The contact clamp (20) includes a base (21) secured to the back cover of a case on one side of a push-button (10) and an elastic strip (22) extending beyond the push-button of which a first pre-stressed portion (23, 24) forms the key and return spring and a second portion (25, 26, 27) of greater flexibility allows, at its end (28), a contact to be closed with less force than that which has to be exerted on the push-button.

Abstract: The control device with a snap function includes a support (10), a push-button (12) mounted so as to move in translation along an axis on the support, and a spring element (14) which is not secured to the support or to the push-button. The spring element (14) is formed of an elongated sheet made of resilient material, inserted between the push-button (12) and the support (10), and includes a pair of support zones (36) located at its ends and at least a median support zone arranged in its central portion. These support zones cooperate respectively with the head (28) of the push-button and with a raised surface (24c) of the support. In the rest position, the sheet has a bent or V-shaped cross section , which can deform to create a snap action during the travel of the push-button which tends to bend the spring element longitudinally. Such a device can be applied to control a mechanical or electrical function of a watch or another apparatus of small size.

Abstract: The invention concerns a push button device for a timepiece, in particular a chronograph, including a pusher head (2) associated with a pusher stem (4) arranged so as to slide in a recess (6) inside which it moves axially from a rest position against the resilient return force of a spring (12) when the pusher head (2) is pushed in, characterised in that the pusher stem (4) is also able to move axially from its rest position to a pulled out position when the pusher head (2) is pulled out.

Abstract: The invention concerns a manual control device for a watch including a bolt sliding on the external surface of a watch case, in particular to set a repeater mechanism, said bolt being connected through an opening arranged in said watch case to a sliding block controlling the desired function, said device further including a sealing gasket arranged around said opening and control means associated with said bolt, said control means allowing said device to pass from a first state, called the rest state, in which the bolt is locked with respect to the case and said gasket is compressed, to a second state, called the setting state, in which the bolt is unlocked and said gasket is not compressed, characterised in that said sealing gasket is arranged to be applied around said opening between said bolt and the external surface of the case and in that the control means include an articulated lever provided with an eccentric portion, said lever allowing said device to pass from the setting state to the rest state and v

Abstract: The assembly according to the invention comprises a hard plastic watch case (2), having on its middle part one or more sealed push buttons (5) made in an inexpensive manner. Each push button (5) comprises a hard plastic stem (10), for example the same material as the case, and an elastomer flexible head (12) which is over moulded onto an external surface (15) of the case. The case and the push buttons may be manufactured by injecting two materials in a single mould. The invention applies to electronic watches and to mechanical watches.

Abstract: An electric switch device (14) co-operating with a printed circuit (13) and closing perpendicular to such circuit when it is actuated by a pressure in a direction (A) parallel to the plane (16) of the circuit.The switch comprises an elastic contact element (22) having a prominent portion (25) which receives the pressure from a push-button (4) in a direction (A) parallel to the printed circuit. At least one flexible leg (28) of the contact element is fixed to the printed circuit or close to the latter. Another leg (26) of this contact element carries at its end a contact portion (27) which is lowered onto a pad of the circuit when the contact element bends under the effect of the control pressure.

Abstract: A push-piece-crown (1) mounted on a guide tube (T) secured in a case (C) housing a timepiece, and fixed in rotation as well as axially to a control stem (TR) adapted to occupy at least two axial positions, of which a first ("0") is stable and a second ("-1") is transitory, comprising a head (2) fixed to said stem and mounted to be axially movable on said tube (T), and a return spring (8) bearing at one end on said head (2) for urging it towards said stable position, in which said spring (8) also bears at its other end on an annular abutment (9) movable within said head (2) between said stable position, in which said abutment (9) bears on a shoulder (13) on the interior of said head (2) and said transitory position, in which the abutment (9) rests on a shoulder (E3) of said tube (T).

Abstract: A circuit for suppressing the effect of rebounds of a contactor (2) on a control signal (C) produced thereby, wherein the contactor (2) ideally changes from one position to another position and remains in the other position for a predetermined time. The circuit comprises a sampling means (3) for sampling the control signal (C) at a first sampling rate (CLKA) and providing a output signal (C.sub.i) being in either a first or a second state, a detecting means (4) for determining a change of said output signal (C.sub.i) from one of said states to the other state, and a sampling prevention means (5) for preventing the sampling means (3) from sampling the control signal (C) for said predetermined time in response to the change in said output signal (C.sub.i), in order that said output signal (C.sub.i) remains in said other state for at least said predetermined time.

Abstract: A multifunction analog electronic watch includes a battery, a circuitry block and a base plate made from a polymeric other electrically non-conductive material. A switching device for controlling application of the voltage from the power source to the circuitry block includes a switching member and two electrode patterns. The first electrode pattern is electrically coupled to the power source and the second electrode pattern is electrically coupled to the circuitry block. The switching member, which is normally biased away from the first electrode pattern and second electrode pattern is operable in response to external pressure for contacting the first electrode pattern and the second electrode pattern so as to provide an electrical path between the first electrode pattern and the second electrode pattern.

Abstract: A compact electronic apparatus comprises a casing of a wrist watch shape, a push button switch installed on the casing, waterproof packing being provided between the casing and the push button switch, a metal pipe mounted in the casing with its portion being extending out from the casing and including the push button switch therein, the metal pipe provided with a flange at its extending portion so as to form a recess, which recess is adapted to receive a mounting pipe of a release switch. The construction of the electronic apparatus allows a direct switching operation of the push button switch as well as a switching operation through the release switch. In either events, the casing of the present electronic apparatus is protected from water penetration with an extremely simple construct.

Abstract: An electronic watch having an electronic circuit arranged to control at least one function of the watch other than the usual functions of time indication, in which the manipulation of a time-setting rod and/or the position of movable elements of the watch at a given moment define the parameters which, alone or in combination, correspond to access codes which are recognized by the electronic circuit for accessing the advanced features. The present invention proposes to control the advanced features of the watch by means of a single time-setting rod. The time-setting rod of the preferred embodiment detects four parameters for determining an entered access code. These parameters are: (1) the position of the time-setting rod; (2) the rotation of the time-setting rod; (3) the direction of rotation of the time-setting rod; and (4) the rotation velocity of the time-setting rod.

Abstract: The watch case (1) is of plastic material and provided with a hole (3) in which a push button (6) may slide. The end (12) of the stem (7) of the push button includes a bulge (13) the diameter of which is greater than that of the neck (11) formed at the end of the hole opening into the interior of the case (1). When the stem (7) is introduced into the hole (3) of the wall (2) the bulge (13) elastically deforms the neck (11) which afterwards reassumes its initial form and assures axial positioning of the stem (7).

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a digital pulse train from a dial rotation indicating the direction and degree of rotation. The device incorporates two facing disks mounted to a stem and having mating teeth on adjacent surfaces. One disk is mounted for free rotation about the winding stem and projects an actuating lever arm from its periphery. The other disk is mounted for axial movement and is keyed to rotate with the shaft. Left and right micro-switches are mounted proximate the disks and positioned to be contacted by the actuating lever when it is rotated in the respective left and right directions. During this rotation the stem moves the keyed disk in the selected direction of rotation. The keyed disk engages the free disk and causes it to rotate until the actuating lever arm contacts a micro-switch. When such contact occurs, the free disk is prevented from further rotation and the keyed disk shifts over the teeth of the free disk.

Abstract: A wristwatch having a switching crown to effectuate an electrical switch function. The switching crown comprises a crown element constructed from electrically conductive material. The crown is in contact with a first conductor element connected to one side of a battery. A second conductor element extends in a portion of the crown and electrically isolated therefrom. A peripheral inner end portion of the crown is disposed closely spaced to the second conductor element. The peripheral inner end portion is placed in contact with the second conductor element by maintaining a side pressure on the crown element to effectuate a switch closure.

Abstract: A highly portable, disposable, self-contained timer provides a user-perceptible signal at automatically-successive, fixed time intervals to alert the user as to the times for taking medications. The time intervals are not variably programmable, and different timers having different fixed time intervals are provided for use with different medications. Preferably, the time intervals are nonuniform, comprising multiple shorter intervals combined with a longer interval corresponding to a normal sleeping period so that, when the timer is initialized in accordance with the user's sleeping cycle, no signal is emitted while the user is asleep. The device is powered by a nonreplaceable battery for economy and disposability, and a deactivator circuit is included which permanently disables the unit after a predetermined length of time well within the life of the battery.

Abstract: An electronic wristwatch includes an electronic circuit such as a lead frame with extending conductive strips providing a first battery contact terminal and switch contact terminal for operating and setting the wristwatch. A multipurpose switch actuator makes continuous electrical contact between the wristwatch battery and the first contact terminal, and makes selective switching contact with the second contact terminal when actuated by a push-pull detented stem. The stem is removable when twisted using a tool so as to unseat the detent spring, so that it can be pulled from the watch frame, and is also reinsertable without disassembling the watch. The switch actuator serves various other functions, including spring biasing of the stem detent and holding the electronic circuit lead frame in the watch frame.

Abstract: An improved contact spring in a movement for a timepiece having a frame, a stepping motor, an energy cell, a circuit driving the stepping motor with a switching terminal for disabling the stepping motor, a gear train driven by the stepping motor, and a manually actuatable stem disposed in the frame. The improved contact spring comprises a shaped member of electrically conductive spring metal with a battery contact portion and a circuit supply portion respectively engaging the energy cell and the supply terminal of the circuit. The contact spring has a spring biased first arm actuated by movement of the stem, said first arm having a braking portion adapted to supply a braking force to a member of the gear train when the stem is actuated. The arm may further include a switching portion adapted to make and break contact with the switching terminal of the circuit to disable the stepping motor when the stem is actuated.

Abstract: The circuit comprises a counter (13), a generator (11) that produces a reference signal (Sf) made up of pulses, and a two-input AND gate (10). One input of the AND gate is connected to the generator while the other input receives a signal (Sx) produced by a bouncing contact (X) as it switches from an open position to a closed position and vice versa. The output of the AND gate is connected to the clock input (C113) of the counter, which further has a reset input (R13) connected to the output of an inverter (14) whose input receives the signal produced by the contact.Opening of the contact causes the reference signal to be blocked by the AND gate and the counter to be reset. Closure of the contact causes the AND gate to open to the reference signal whose pulses then increment the counter and the latter, upon its contents reaching a predetermined value, issues an output signal (S13) in the form of a pulse.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a conventional circular analog display surrounded by one or more data entry dials. Data selection means such as a pointer or a window are utilized to select one of a plurality of uncoded characters on the data entry dial thereby enabling an associated coded character formed on the periphery of a rotatable wheel to be read. A stem is coupled to drive the wheel and also functions to enable the reading head to generate a data entry input signal. The signal from the reading head is an input to one or more memories associated with an alphanumeric display for visually indicating the entered information, and/or stored information and/or calculated information.

Abstract: A crown switch actuator in a solid state analog wristwatch rotates in either direction and is movable axially. The actuator stem has a flat portion which rotatably operates a rocker contact spring against contact pads on a printed circuit board to alternately close first and second switches. The rocker contact spring also detents the switch actuator in one of two axial positions and retains the crown actuator in the watch case. Third and fourth switches are alternately closed by axial movement of the crown actuator stem. In a first detented axial position, the third switch is closed. In a second detected axial position, the third and fourth switches are open. In a third axial position, the fourth switch is closed. An extension arm on the detent rocker contact spring provides for releasing the crown actuator from the watch case.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece movement includes a control stem slidably guided in a radial passage of a base plate. Pulling on this control stem brings a return spring acting on the stem into contact with a stud which is carried by the substrate of an electronic circuit module of the movement. This connects a conductive lead to ground, which controls an operation function of the timepiece. The pull-out control stem and associated return spring can be replaced by a push-in member and by a return coil spring located in said passage. The stud is then positioned in a hole of the substrate of the electronic circuit, which hole is situated opposite to the longitudinal axis of the passage. Pressure exerted on this push-in member places a portion thereof into electrical contact with the stud and this connects the lead to ground, as before. Thus, the movement can according to choice be completed for operation either by a push-in control movement or by a pull-out control stem movement.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch for an electronic timepiece comprises a stem means wh may be slid through a guide tube by pressure exerted theron against the force of a return spring and which is arranged to change the state of electrical contact means. At least one elastic member is arranged between the stem means and the guide tube and axially retained in an opening provided in one or the other of these elements so as to coact with a surface on the other element which surface has a sufficient variation in inclination so as to effect a snap or toggle action when the elastic member traverses said variation. The invention finds particular applications to electronic chronographs.

Abstract: Manually actuatable means are provided for programming or time setting a digital-electronic time switch device which utilizes an analog program input eliminating the need for a separate data display terminal. The time setting system includes a manually adjustable dial assembly having at least one adjustable indicator arm movable about an annular time marking scale and connected through a train to a command encoder. The command encoder includes a wheel connected to the dial train for forward or backward rotation. The wheel is suitably constructed, such as by radial slits to code dial assembly settings for triggering a digital information transducer, such as an opto-electronic device, which signals an electronic counter. The electronic counter adjusts the device data memory by specific time units in relation to the digital information received by the command encoder. The dial assembly inherently indicates the adjusted time setting to the operator in readily observable analog form.

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: The alarm control button of the alarm clock with a snooze mechanism is operable in two modes; a lateral sliding mode and a vertical pushing mode. The alarm setting and the permanent stopping of the buzzer are controlled by the sliding mode, while the temporary stopping of the buzzer is controlled by the vertical pushing mode.

Abstract: The correction device of the invention makes it possible to activate, in the same axial position of the crown, two different modes of correction of the data displayed by the watch, it being possible to make those corrections in both directions, depending on the direction of rotation of the crown.The second correction mode is activated only after a reversal of direction of the correction made according to the first mode.This device contains, notably, memory means 11, 12, associated with each direction of rotation of the crown, and selection means 21, 31, 22, 32, for choosing the mode and the direction of correction activated in accordance with the direction of rotation of the crown, on the one hand, and a possible reversal of that direction, on the other.

Abstract: The watch comprises a plurality of stores, each containing a particular item of time data and each producing an output signal representing the data therein. A single operating button is displaceable by the user of the watch, on the one hand in the axial direction between a pushed-in position and a pulled-out position for which a switch is respectively open and closed, and on the other hand rotatably. Rotation of the button closes and opens two more switches by two cams rotationally displaced so that two pulse trains are produced with a phase relationship indicating the sense of rotation. A circuit processes these pulse trains to produce UP pulse for one sense of rotation and DOWN pulses for the other sense of rotation. These pulses are used to correct the value in a selected store. The particular store to which the correction signal is applied is selected by axially displacing the operating button from the pushed-in position to the pulled-out position a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: The invention concerns a miniature pushbutton for a timepiece and includes head portion (1) associated with a socket (2) force fitted into a caseband (15). Considered in isolation it constitutes a dormant corrector since it lacks a return spring thus permitting a considerable reduction in its dimensions. The head portion including stem is fashioned in a manner to permit assembly and disassembly from the timepiece exterior thus facilitating these operations. A retention system is provided which prevents inadvertent separation of the head-stem portion from the socket. Such pushbutton may be advantageously employed in extra thin timepieces.

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 recessed push button in the back of an electronic watch is sealed and returned to its normal position by a resilient O-ring gasket, and retained in a recessed opening in the watch case by a spring retaining clip. The clip has a keyhole slot transversely slidable around a groove in the push button stem, with a retaining tab locking the clip in position. A first conductive member maintains contact with the clip, holding it in position, and a second conductive member is spaced from and contacted by the clip when the push button is depressed.