Abstract: Micromechanical component intended for clock mechanisms. At least one portion of the component includes a crystalline mineral material with a carbon or alumina basis and at least one contact surface is intended to be brought into sliding and/or pivoting contact. The contact surface locally has at least one microstructured area with a three-dimensional texture. The three-dimensional texture is formed of microcavities, making the microstructured area more oleophobic than the non-microstructured contact surface, and/or formed of micro pillars making the microstructured area more oleophilic than the non-microstructured contact surface. The microstructured area is configured to locally confine a lubricant substance to a lubricated portion of the contact surface.

Abstract: The resonator for a timepiece includes a support structure permitting mounting the resonator in a timepiece, a first and a second balance arranged to oscillate in the same plane, at least one first and second elastic element respectively connecting the first and second balances to the support structure, the configuration of the elastic elements determining two parallel elastic pivoting axes for the two balances, and the elastic elements forming a resilient element angularly returning each of the balances towards an inoperative position. The resonator further includes a strap coupling the first and the second balance. The points joining the strap to the first and the second balance respectively are located in the same plane parallel to the plane of oscillation of the balances. When the balances are in their inoperative position, these joining points are symmetrical with respect to a center of symmetry midway between the geometrical pivoting axes.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of amine molecules (N) and phosphonic compounds (P) for coating surfaces intended to be used in the field of horology. Since these two types of compounds are alkaline and acid in nature, they form pairs of ions that interact with all types of surfaces, whether these are composed of mineral materials such as glass, metal, non-oxidized materials (inter alia gold, rhodium and their alloys), or also polymeric materials. Taking advantage of the surprising complementary nature of these two types of compounds, the present inventors propose a composition and a coating process that enable functionalization layers to be formed on any type of material, in particular those used in clock mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of amine molecules (N) and phosphonic compounds (P) for coating surfaces intended to be used in the field of horology. Since these two types of compounds are alkaline and acid in nature, they form pairs of ions that interact with all types of surfaces, whether these are composed of mineral materials such as glass, metal, non-oxidised materials (inter alia gold, rhodium and their alloys), or also polymeric materials. Taking advantage of the surprising complementary nature of these two types of compounds, the present inventors propose a composition and a coating process that enable functionalisation layers to be formed on any type of material, in particular those used in clock mechanisms.

Abstract: A pneumatic mechanism for a timepiece, is disclosed, which comprises a mechanical energy source, the pneumatic mechanism being arranged to recharge the mechanical energy source, and comprising a sealed chamber capable of alternately expanding and contracting in volume as a function of variations in the surrounding temperature. The sealed chamber may contain a mixture of reactants comprising a metal alloy arranged in contact with a gas and capable of undergoing at least one phase change as a function of variations in the surrounding temperature. The mixture of reactants advantageously has a coefficient ?P/?T substantially higher than about 0.01 bar·° C.?1 and with operating ranges between about 0 and about 50° C. in temperature and between about 1 and about 50 bar in pressure. Furthermore, the minimum possible difference between temperatures associated with consecutive contrariwise variations in the surrounding temperature may be smaller than or equal to about 4° C.

Abstract: The phosphorescent compounds of the invention have a matrix with the general formula M2SiO4 wherein M represents an alkaline earth such as barium, strontium or calcium, and the matrix is doped with europium and co-doped with at least one other lanthanide such as praseodymium, samarium, dysprosium or holmium. In accordance with a method embodiment, the dopant compounds are introduced into the matrix in the form of fluorides by calcination in a reducing atmosphere. The invention may be applied in the field of horology.