Abstract: To increase the speed of rotation of a step-by-step motor in the forward or reverse direction, the motor is driven at its "synchronism" speed.For the motor to perform N steps at high speed involves applying a starting drive pulse that induces forward or reverse motion, then applying N-2 alternating maintenance pulses and finally applying a stopping pulse. Preferably, a circuit using the coupling coefficient of the motor as a servo-control parameter defines the instants at which the maintainance or stopping pulses are applied.

Abstract: An elongate opening is formed in the substrate of the printed circuit, from which project lugs formed in the copper layer on the substrate. The lugs are shaped to form a supporting cradle for the resonator which is soldered or stuck to the lugs with its base in contact with the end of the opening. Two conductive tracks extend across the opening to two resonator terminals, in the form of pins, to which they are soldered.

Abstract: The screws 8 which fix the printed circuit 1 to the plate 2 of the body of the movement extend through portions 4a of the copper layer 4 of the printed circuit located beneath openings 11 formed in the substrate 3 of the printed circuit. The portions 4a of the metallic layer 4 may be preformed into dished parts which engage in depressions 12 in the plate 2. As a result of this arrangement, the heads 8a of the screws 8 are recessed into the printed circuit board and countersunk into the thickness of the plate `, which avoids all risk of inadvertent contact with the negative pole of the battery 6 which supplies the movement or with the metal strip 7 in contact with this negative pole.

Abstract: A ring (16) of non-magnetic material is engaged in the opening bounded by the pole shoes (6,7) of a pole plate (5), between the pole shoes and the rotor (12).A magnet (18) serving to define the position of rest of the rotor is mounted on this ring, which can be accurately positioned by means of a slot (11) provided in the pole plate.

Abstract: An electronic watch movement is formed from a flexible substrate which is enabled to fit the relief of the watch movement frame by openings formed therein. A conductive metal coating is affixed on the substrate covering the openings, and portions of the coating are removed to form an electric conductor grid with some coating sections left over some openings. The coating support the substrate between the openings and mount the substrate in the frame by bending so that the coating supports sections to conform to the frame relief.

Abstract: An electronic watch module and method of manufacturing the module. The module is formed from a flexible film by forming a set of appropriately located, sized and shaped component openings in the film, forming a second set of terminal lead bonding openings for the components, securing a metallic foil to said film, removing portions of said foil to form a pattern of interconnection leads for said components leaving portions over said bonding openings, locating the components in the respective openings with the component leads in registry with their respective interconnection leads, and bonding the foil leads to the component leads through the bonding openings.

Abstract: A securing device which permits the outer end of the hair-spring in a timepiece to be fastened either by gluing or pinning it in place. A U-shaped arm extends radially of the axis of the balance wheel and provides a pair of ears, one for gluing the hair-spring and the other for pinning it. The manufacturer of the watch can thus use the ear for gluing the outer end of the hair-spring, as this method has advantages for production purposes. When the hair-spring is replaced, the watch-repairman can use the other ear for pinning the outer end of the hair-spring without deforming the hair-spring, thereby obtaining the advantages of this method for repair purposes.