Abstract: An energy system for powering an electronic watch having a digital or analog time display, the system comprising a primary power source, such as a thermoelectric generator or solar cell, whose output is fed to an energy converter to produce an operating voltage for the electronic circuits and time display of the watch. The system further includes a buffer accumulator that is charged by the energy converter and acts to maintain the operation voltage when the primary source is inactive, thereby providing an uninterrupted supply of operating voltage. The watch also includes a status indicator which senses the prevailing condition of the energy system to produce a signal indicative thereof perceptible to the user of the watch.

Abstract: A manually-actuated contact switch arrangement for an electronic watch in which an electronic circuit board is mounted on a base plate fitted within a case, the board having a contact extending therefrom which when electrically connected to the case completes a circuit effecting a command or setting function. The arrangement includes a return spring anchored on the base plate. A section of the free end portion of this spring is received in a transverse groove in a push member displaceably seated within a bore in the case whereby the spring imposes an initial tension on the member to maintain it at a predetermined rest position. By depressing the spring-biased push member, the free end of the spring is caused to engage the contact to close the circuit.

Abstract: In order to simplify the production of electronic watches, there is provided a family of standardized movements whose members can be housed within a variety of watch cases of different size and shape. All movements in the family are identical but for their mounting plates which differ in size, and in some instances also in shape, to render the movements receivable in differently-configured cases. The standardized movements in the family include batteries of different size which take advantage of the space made available by the plates of different size to afford optimum battery life.