Abstract: This clasp comprises at least two branches (1, 2) articulated on one another via one of their respective ends. One of the free ends of these branches (1, 2) comprises a lever (12, 22, 33) articulated about a shaft (10, 20, 32) parallel to the articulation shaft (3) of said branches (1, 2) and fixedly attached to a hook (17, 27, 33c), the other of the free ends of these branches comprising a coupling element (4, 34) shaped to allow the hook (17, 27, 33c) to engage therewith, to keep the branches (1, 2) in the folded position.

Abstract: This ceramic element, the visible surface of which includes features, is intended to be fitted onto a watch case. This visible surface has, at each feature, a hollow having the shape of said feature, with a depth at least equal to 0.05 mm, the side walls of said hollow being essentially perpendicular to said visible surface, the bottom of said hollows having a first tie layer of Ti, Ta, Cr or Th type, with a thickness of at least 100 nm and at least a second layer from the group Au, Ag, CrN, Ni, Pt, TiN, ZrN, Pd or alloys thereof with a thickness of at least 100 nm.

Abstract: This articulated strap with links has a succession of modular assemblies, each comprising two articulated parts assembled to one another about a transverse center pin and equipped with means for receiving, on either side of this center pin, two transverse connecting articulation rods which are integral, on the one hand, with one of said articulated parts and issue laterally into a set-back portion of said modular assembly and, on the other hand, are integral with said two articulated parts and issue laterally from two projecting portions of said modular assembly, in such a way that, when said two articulated parts are aligned in order to receive one of said rods, the other of these rods is locked angularly about said transverse center pin.

Abstract: A watch case comprising a rotary bezel, first and second angular positioning markings, one set secured to the bezel and the other set to the case middle and elastic means in the form of a closed-loop spring tending to place the positioning markings into engagement with one another. These markings are distributed with numbers of spacings one of which is a multiple of the other and the outlines of which extend in a plane parallel to that of the bezel. Guide means are engaged with the markings having the smallest number of spacings, in order simultaneously to exert on these markings radial pressures directed toward the other markings.

Abstract: This annual date mechanism comprises a correction cam (1a) in kinematic connection with a date indicating runner (1), a correction rocker (8) engaged on the one hand with said correction cam (1a) and, on the other hand, with an annual cam (18). A spring (9) presses the correction rocker (8) against the cams (1a, 18). The correction cam (1a) comprises a portion (1a′) for arming said spring (9), followed by a portion (1a*) sized to cause said date runner (1) to move by one step between “31” and “1”, under the pressure of said spring (9).

Abstract: This self-compensating spiral spring for a mechanical balance-spiral spring oscillator for a watch or clock movement or other precision instrument, made of an Nb—Hf paramagnetic alloy possessing a thermal coefficient of Young's modulus (TCE), such that it enables the following expression to be substantially equal to zero: 1 E ⁢ ⅆ E ⅆ T + 3 ⁢ α s - 2 ⁢ α b where: E: Young's modulus of the spiral spring of the oscillator; 1 E ⁢ ⅆ E ⅆ T = T ⁢   ⁢ C ⁢   ⁢ E

Abstract: A bracelet clasp having two branches (1, 2) which are articulated to one another by a respective first one of their ends in order to make it possible to fold a first one of these branches over and/or into the second of said branches, and to unfold it in order to place it substantially in the extension of this second branch, while their respective second ends are intended to be connected to two ends of a bracelet. These two branches (1, 2) include mutual attaching structures (4, 10) for holding them in the folded position. The second end of the first articulated branch (1) includes linking structure (9) having parallel axes of articulation, one for connecting these linking structures to this first articulated branch (1) and at least a second one for connecting these linking structures (9) firstly to one end of the bracelet and secondly to an actuating member (18) for exerting a force capable of separating said mutual attaching structures (4, 10).

Abstract: This self-compensating spiral for a mechanical spiral balance-wheel oscillator in watchwork or other precision instrument, made of a paramagnetic alloy, contains at least one of the elements Nb, V, Ta, Ti, Zr, Hf and is covered with a substantially uniform oxide layer having a thickness greater than or equal to 20 nm, formed by subjecting the said spiral to an anodizing treatment.

Abstract: This timepiece has a winding stem (1) with three axial positions and two first connecting wheels (9, 10) which are superposed and pivoted about two respective stationary axes, and mesh with the winding pinion (2), two second connecting wheels (11, 14) meshing respectively with the said first connecting wheels (9, 10), two bars, namely a winding bar (8) and a connecting bar (15), which are pivoted coaxially to the respective axes of pivoting (8b, 15a) of the said second connecting wheels (11, 14), one carrying a reverser pinion (12) and the other a correcting pinion (16), meshing with the said respective second connecting wheels (11, 14), means (7, 17, 15′c, 15′d) of connection between each of the two bars (8, 15) and the said pull-out piece (6) to act on the said bars (8, 15) according to the axial position of the said winding stem (1) so as selectively to place the said reverser pinion (12) in engagement with a winding ratchet wheel (13) and the said correcting pinion (16) in engagement with the

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: A self-winding watch includes a self-winding mass having a central part surrounded by raceways of a ball bearing. One raceway is integral with the central part. Another raceway is integral with means for positioning and means for removably fastening to watch frame. A reduction gear train for connects the self-winding mass to a barrel arbor. A reversing mechanism converts the two-directional rotational movement of said self-winding mass into a one-directional rotational movement. Two first pinions of the reversing mechanism freely pivot, concentrically, with said central part. Each of the first pinions meshes with a planet pinion. The pivot pin is integral with the central part and the toothing is shaped so as to allow only unidirectional rotations of said first pinions in two opposed respective directions of rotation. The first pinions are integral with two second respective moving parts of the gear train, the directions of rotation of which are opposite, one with respect to the other.

Abstract: The invention concerns an unfolding bracelet clasp, in particular a watch bracelet, formed of two strands (A) and (B), comprising a metal plate (10) whereof one end is coupled with an articulation (11) at the bracelet strand (A) free end and a lever (12) whereof the pin (13) is mounted at the plate (10)other end. Said lever (12) comprises a U-shaped part whereof the legs extend on each side of the bracelet forming at their ends hooks (18) designed to be urged in engagement, when the bracelet is closed, with the ends of a spring box axle (20) transversely housed in the bracelet strand (A) at some distance from the articulation (11)substantially equal to the plate (10) length. The length of the bracelet is adjusted by a dog point (19) engaged in a suitable hole of the bracelet strand (B).

Abstract: This self-compensating spiral for a mechanical spiral balance-wheel oscillator in watchwork or other precision instrument, made of a paramagnetic alloy, contains at least one of the elements Nb, V, Ta, Ti, zr, Hf and is covered with a substantially uniform oxide layer having a thickness greater than or equal to 20 nm, formed by subjecting the said spiral to an anodizing treatment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bracelet comprising mutually connected links articulated through invisible pivot pins, the links are produced by moulding and the bracelet is mounted by mutually connecting the links by interlocking the pivot pins arranged on one of the links directly into the next link corresponding openings.

Abstract: A device comprising an annular seal having an annular projection engaged into a groove in the edge of the watch glass is disclosed. The lower part of the seal, said lower part having a bulge, engages onto a surface of the housing and is compressed radially by the bezel. The inner lateral surface of the bezel, said surface being fitted around this seal, comprises two concentric cylindrical surfaces of different cross sections, the surface of larger cross section being that which is adjacent to the base of the bezel, these cross sections being slightly smaller than the cross sections of the outer lateral face of the seal and of the bulge in the non-compressed state. The base of the outer lateral surface of the upper part of the housing has a groove in order to receive a portion of the seal, said portion being deformed by the bezel, thus ensuring the axial blocking of this seal.

Abstract: The folding fastener for closing a strap contains a lockable, two-part folding clasp. A first strap half (7) is fixed to a first clasp part (1) and a second strap half (9) to a closure cover (5). A second clasp part (2) connects in rotary manner the first clasp part (1) to the closure cover (5). The clasp parts (1, 2) are substantially rigid with respect to longitudinal extension and/or bending. The locking mechanism comprises two claws (4.1, 4.2), which are fixed to the second clasp part (2) and two corresponding shapes (1.1, 1.2) on the first clasp part (1). In the locked state the claws (4.1, 4.2) engage over the shapes (1.1, 1.2) and consequently form the positive, reversible connection between the first clasp part (1) and the second clasp part (2). The folding fastener combines security with esthetics and requires no soldered joints.

Abstract: A clasp fastener having a clasp (1) is designed to be snapped into engagement by exerting a closing force. A locking device (4) for locking the clasp (1) is placed by the closing force in an engaged position in which it is in a first snap engagement with a locking projection (6), and a closing member (5) for closing the clasp (1) is fixed by the closing force in a safety position in which it is in a second snap engagement with the locking device (4) so that the snapping force of the first engagement of the clasp (1) with the locking projection (6) is increased. At least one variable-diameter pin (17,18) that is flexible and/or has different diameters allows some movement of the locking device (4), so that the effective closing force exerted on the locking projection (6) is reduced.

Abstract: Wristlet comprising at least three rows of links side by side, the links of two lateral rows with the links of the center row forming modular units articulated between them around transverse axles. The two lateral opposed sides of the center link on the one hand and the internal lateral die of the lateral links of each modular unit on the other hand are interdependent with means to fit these links laterally one in each other in a defined position. The organs for articulating the contiguous modular units are associated to locking organs, elements joining these locking organs to the fitting means to maintain the links of each modular unit fitted one in each other.

Abstract: A self-compensating spring for a balance-spring for a balance-spring/balance assembly of a mechanical oscillator of a horological movement or of any other precision instrument, made of a paramagnetic Nb--Zr alloy containing between 5% and 25% by weight of Zr, obtained by cold rolling or cold drawing, and having a Young's modulus whose temperature coefficient (TCY) is adjustable by precipitation of Zr-rich phases in the Nb--Zr solid-solution. It contains at least 500 ppm by weight of an interstitial doping agent at least partly formed of oxygen.

Abstract: A chronograph mechanism comprises a coupling member (17) engaging, on the one hand, with a pinion (15") solid with the seconds wheel and, on the other hand, with the chronograph's seconds wheel (18). This coupling member (17) also carries a retractable finger (27) adapted to drive, each turn, the first rotatable member (35) of a cinematic transmission connecting together a rotatable member (38) of the minutes wheel to that of the hours counter (41). This transmission is indexed, between two drives by the retractable finger (27), by a jumper (51) engaged in an intermediate wheel (37) of this transmission. The coupling member (17) is controlled by two levers (44, 45), one lever (44) carrying a pin (44c) which, in the uncoupled position, locks the jumper (51) in the intermediate wheel (37)'s toothing. The minutes and hours counter rotatable members (38, 41), solid with zero setting cams (42, 43), are friction fitted on their respective axles.