Abstract: A method for assembling a mechanical modular unit includes storing in a controller a list of assembly parts of the unit. The method includes irreversibly transforming a sub-assembly of each functional module into a ready to use functional module, after adjustment and function checking of a particular timepiece function have been performed on a test bench. The method includes storing in a storage place components required for the assembly list. The method includes programming a manipulator controlled by the controller to look, in a pre-defined sequence peculiar to each assembly list, for each component or module to be assembled. The method includes programming a shape recognition part to operate the manipulator to pick up each functional module according to a locating part included therein, to arrange the module in an assembly position. The method includes each time, irreversibly assembling precisely arranged elements of the mechanical modular unit to each other.

Abstract: A method for assembling a mechanical modular unit includes storing in a controller a list of assembly parts of the unit. The method includes irreversibly transforming a sub-assembly of each functional module into a ready to use functional module, after adjustment and function checking of a particular timepiece function have been performed on a test bench. The method includes storing in a storage place components required for the assembly list. The method includes programming a manipulator controlled by the controller to look, in a pre-defined sequence peculiar to each assembly list, for each component or module to be assembled. The method includes programming a shape recognition part to operate the manipulator to pick up each functional module according to a locating part included therein, to arrange the module in an assembly position. The method includes each time, irreversibly assembling precisely arranged elements of the mechanical modular unit to each other.

Abstract: Portable timepiece including an hour hand and a minute hand for the current time display, rotating about a central wheel facing a bezel, and also a chronograph module, wherein the timepiece further includes a first analogue trend indicator relating to a measured time interval.

Abstract: A method is provided to authenticate a watch. The watch includes at least one processing and control circuit provided with a time base, hands to indicate a time, the hands being driven by a motorized device controlled by the processing and control circuit, and a device to store identification data. The method includes enabling at least one activation member of the watch, which is connected to the processing and control circuit, to change into watch authentication mode. The method includes operating an indicator device of the watch, which includes the hands, after enabling the activation member so that at least one of the hands is driven by the motorized device to be moved in succession into time indicating positions on a time-indicating dial to indicate successive digits or numbers of an identification code of at least one of a brand and a serial number of the watch to be authenticated.

Abstract: The sub-assembly includes, irreversibly fixed to a main plate and each irreversibly pre-adjusted by the irreversible securing of adjustment and/or assembly components, after the particular timepiece function thereof has been adjusted and function checked on the test bench, functional modules: a gear train module, a display module, and a time-setting module. Other mechanical sub-assemblies, each irreversibly fixed to the preceding lower order mechanical sub-assembly, include various modules; motor module frame-mounted self-winding device module escapement holder regulating module motion work train date module self-winding module. Mechanical movement including at least one mechanical sub-assembly of this type. Watch including a mechanical movement of this type. Method of assembling mechanical sub-assemblies of this type by the irreversible securing of mechanical sub-assemblies and irreversibly pre-adjusted modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-piece hairspring (21, 21?) including, a balance spring (25, 25?) coaxially mounted on a collet (27, 27?), made in the same layer of silicon-based material. According to the invention, the hairspring includes an elevation device (2, 2?) for the outer coil of the balance spring above the layer of silicon-based material so as to improve the concentric development of the hairspring. The invention also relates to a timepiece including a hairspring of this type and the method of manufacturing the same. The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method (1) of manufacturing a silicon-metal composite micromechanical component (51) combining DRIE and LIGA processes. The invention also relates to a micromechanical component (51) including a layer wherein one part (53) is made of silicon and another part (41) of metal so as to form a composite micromechanical component (51). The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite balance (45, 45?) formed in a layer of silicon-based material (21) and including a hub (39, 39?) connected to a felloe (37, 37?) by at least one arm (40, 41, 42, 43). According to the invention, the felloe (37, 37?) includes at least one additional part approximately in the shape of a notched ring (23, 23?) of higher the than the silicon-based material, which increases the inertia of the balance. The invention also relates to a method 1 of manufacturing this type of balance. The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-piece regulating member including a balance cooperating with a hairspring made in a layer of silicon-based material and including a balance spring coaxially mounted on a collet. According to the invention, the collet includes one extending part that projects from the balance spring and which is made in a second layer of silicon-based material and is secured to the balance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method (1) of manufacturing a silicon-metal composite micromechanical component (51) combining DRIE and LIGA processes. The invention also relates to a micromechanical component (51) including a layer wherein one part (53) is made of silicon and another part (41) of metal so as to form a composite micromechanical component (51). The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-piece hairspring (21, 21?) including, a balance spring (25, 25?) coaxially mounted on a collet (27, 27?), made in the same layer of silicon-based material. According to the invention, the hairspring includes an elevation device (2, 2?) for the outer coil of the balance spring above the layer of silicon-based material so as to improve the concentric development of the hairspring. The invention also relates to a timepiece including a hairspring of this type and the method of manufacturing the same. The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-piece hairspring (21, 21?) including, a balance spring (25, 25?) coaxially mounted on a collet (27, 27?), made in the same layer of silicon-based material. According to the invention, the hairspring includes an elevation device (2, 2?) for the outer coil of the balance spring above the layer of silicon-based material so as to improve the concentric development of the hairspring. The invention also relates to a timepiece including a hairspring of this type and the method of manufacturing the same. The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.

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: 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, enabling 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, to allow a travel for the crown. Moreover, the clamping system (13) further includes a device allowing a travel (17) that has a second, concentric, blind recess (10), spaced apart from said first blind recess (8), and located on the opposite surface to said first recess, to allow said crown a greater degree of freedom relative to said support element. The invention concerns the field of timepieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system including a pinion (5) and a toothed wheel (7) coaxially mounted relative to a pivoting arbour (3). According to the invention, the gear system (1) includes a securing device (21) between the pinion and the wheel so as to prevent any relative movement of one with respect to the other. The invention also relates to methods of manufacturing the toothed wheel (7) and the final assembly of the gear system (1). The invention concerns the field of timepieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-piece regulating member including a balance cooperating with a hairspring made in a layer of silicon-based material and including a balance spring coaxially mounted on a collet. According to the invention, the collet includes one extending part that projects from the balance spring and which is made in a second layer of silicon-based material and is secured to the balance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite balance (45, 45?) formed in a layer of silicon-based material (21) and including a hub (39, 39?) connected to a felloe (37, 37?) by at least one arm (40, 41, 42, 43). According to the invention, the felloe (37, 37?) includes at least one additional part approximately in the shape of a notched ring (23, 23?) of higher the than the silicon-based material, which increases the inertia of the balance. The invention also relates to a method 1 of manufacturing this type of balance. The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method (1) of manufacturing a silicon-metal composite micromechanical component (51) combining DRIE and LIGA processes. The invention also relates to a micromechanical component (51) including a layer wherein one part (53) is made of silicon and another part (41) of metal so as to form a composite micromechanical component (51). The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.

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: 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, enabling 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, to allow a travel for the crown. Moreover, the clamping system (13) further includes a device allowing a travel (17) that has a second, concentric, blind recess (10), spaced apart from said first blind recess (8), and located on the opposite surface to said first recess, to allow said crown a greater degree of freedom relative to said support element. The invention concerns the field of timepieces.