Abstract: A spiral spring intended to equip a balance of a horological movement, wherein the spiral spring is made of an alloy consisting of Nb, Ti and at least one element selected from Zr and Hf, optionally at least one element selected from W and Mo, possible traces of other elements selected from O, H, Ta, C, Fe, N, Ni, Si, Cu, Al, with the following weight percentages: a content of Nb comprised between 40 and 84%, a total content of Ti, Zr and Hf comprised between 16 and 55%, a content for W and Mo respectively comprised between 0 and 2.5%, a content for each of said elements selected from O, H, Ta, C, Fe, N, Ni, Si, Cu, Al comprised between 0 and 1600 ppm with the sum of said traces less than or equal to 0.3% by weight. The method for manufacturing the spiral spring is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a balance spring intended to equip a balance of a horological movement, including a step of producing a blank made of a niobium and hafnium alloy including between 5 and 60 wt %, preferably between 5 and 30 wt %, and more preferably between 8 and 12 wt % hafnium, a step of annealing and cooling the blank, at least one step of deforming the annealed blank in order to form a wire. The method includes, before the deformation step, a step of depositing, on the blank, a layer of a ductile material chosen from the group consisting of copper, nickel, cupronickel, cupro-manganese, gold, silver, nickel-phosphorus Ni—P and nickel-boron Ni—B, in order to facilitate the wire shaping operation. A balance spring can be produced by the manufacturing method.

Abstract: Timepiece movement including a mechanism, a spring barrel for driving the mechanism, and an equalization device connected to the spring barrel. The spring barrel includes a drum and a motor spring to exert a driving torque which is variable as a function of the degree of winding-up of the motor spring. The equalization device is driven by the spring barrel and exerts an auxiliary torque which varies as a function of the degree of winding-up of the motor spring to counter variations in the motor torque. The equalization device includes a first and second magnetic elements being displaced from each other by exerting a magnetic force which varies as a function of the relative position of the first and second magnetic elements and produces the auxiliary torque.

Abstract: A timepiece mainspring is accommodated inside a barrel, an inner end thereof is fixed to a barrel arbor included in the barrel, and an outer end thereof engages with an inner wall of the barrel. The timepiece mainspring includes a helical portion wound in a Bernoulli curve shape from the inner end in a free state having no applied load.

Abstract: A timepiece spring, as a mainspring, made of austenitic stainless steel including a base formed of iron and chromium, thickness of the spring being less than 0.20 mm, and the spring including, by mass: chromium: minimum value 15%, maximum value 25%; manganese: minimum value 5%, maximum value 25%; nitrogen: minimum value 0.40%, maximum value 0.75%; carbon: minimum value 0.10%, maximum value 1.00%; the total (C+N) carbon and nitrogen content between 0.40% and 1.50% by mass; the carbon-to nitrogen ratio (C/N) by mass between 0.125 and 0.550; impurities and additional metals with the exception of iron: minimum value 0%, maximum value 12.0%; iron: the complement to 100%.

Abstract: A split collet in which the contour of the central opening that is intended to receive a balance staff is not circular. The collet is characterized in that the contour (3) of the central opening (2) comprises a limited number of supporting parts (4, 5, 12, 14, 15) intended to co-operate with the balance shaft, said number being greater than two.

Abstract: Timepiece including a back and display element, the timepiece being inscribed between first and second mutually parallel reference planes, the first plane being tangential to the back, and the second plane lying on the same side as the display element. The timepiece contains a movement which includes a framework. The framework includes at least two components positioned one on each side of a reference axis perpendicular to the first and second planes, on each of which components there are mounted a balance and an escapement, which together respectively form a platform escapement, each balance being mounted to pivot about an axis of rotation in the corresponding component. The framework further includes at least one support element having at least one bearing surface on which at least one of the platform escapements is positioned so that the axis of rotation is inclined with respect to the reference planes and intersects them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barrel. According to the invention, the barrel further includes a device for increasing the torque of said at least one spring including additional elastic energy accumulating means provided in addition to the spiral shape of said at least one spring, said elastic means being added to said at least one spring so that the barrel torque is personalized according to the winding tension of said at least one spring.

Abstract: Clockwork movement for a wristwatch, comprising a kinematic chain including at least one belt (20, 21) for transmitting the movements and/or couples between at least two pulleys. The pulleys are held on the bottom plate or the bridges by ball bearings (151, 161, 171, 181). The movement is rewound by means of linear oscillating mass (14) charging four barrels (15, 16, 17, 18) through a couple distributor (40). The barrels are non-parallel to one another. The back cover is covered by inclined glasses (110, 120, 130) allowing the barrels, the linear oscillating mass and at least certain pulleys to be seen. The regulating organ (51) is removable.

Abstract: A barrel including a box for receiving a pivot arbour and at least one spring, wherein the at least one spiral spring is mounted between an internal wall of the box and an external wall of the pivot arbour , and can be wound to supply mechanical energy. The barrel further includes a device for increasing torque of the at least one spring including supplementary energy accumulation curves made on the spring so that the barrel torque is customized according to a winding tension of the at least one spring. The barrel can be a timepiece barrel.

Abstract: Timepiece barrel for pivotal assembly between a bottom plate and a bridge and including at least one spring housed between a pivoting drum and a ratchet and hooked between this drum at the outer end thereof and an arbour at the inner end thereof, this arbour pivoting integrally with this ratchet about a pivot axis. This barrel includes a single-piece sub-assembly, coaxial with this arbour and grouping together around a hub, this arbour and this ratchet in immediate proximity to this bottom plate, and which is pivoted on an upper shoulder in a bore of this drum on an end pipe whose outer shoulder pivots in a bore of this bridge or of a jewel comprised in this bridge.

Abstract: Timepiece gear train device (1) of reduced height with a large power reserve, driving display means (4) including a cannon-pinion (5) and an hour wheel (6), which are driven about a main pivot axis (AP), secant to a barrel (3), by a motion work (7) and including a driving wheel (8), which pivots about a secondary pivot axis (AS) external to said barrel (3) and is friction coupled to said motion work (7) on a friction surface (9) coaxial to said secondary pivot axis (AS). Said driving wheel (8) includes a driving cannon pinion (83) pivoting about a wheel body (80) along said secondary pivot axis (AS) and coupled by a friction spring (84) to a shoulder (85) of said wheel body (80) forming said friction surface (9), said driving cannon-pinion (83) cooperating with a minute wheel (14) pivoting about a minute axis (AM).

Abstract: The watch movement comprises a motor barrel (102), a fusee (104) having a main surface that has a spiral groove (148), means (192) for winding the movement arranged to drive the fusee, a going train (200) arranged to be driven by the fusee, and a wire (106) extended between the fusee and the barrel. The watch movement additionally comprises a fixed guide (155; 255) and a winding roller (157; 257) mounted to slide on the fixed guide, wherein the winding roller is arranged to guide the wire when the fusee turns and to simultaneously assure the insertion of the wire into the groove (148) and its removal therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of assembling a member, made of a first material, in the aperture of a part made of a second material having no plastic domain, using an intermediate portion made of a third material, mounted between said member and said part, According to the invention, the intermediate portion is accommodated against a shoulder of the part and is laterally locked in a resilient manner by at least one resilient locking device of the part to secure together the unit comprising the member-intermediate portion-part. The invention concerns the field of timepieces.

Abstract: A method for producing a timepiece spring includes a step for producing, by casting, a metallic glass raw material constituted of a metallic glass; a step for heating the metallic glass raw material to achieve a superplastic state; and a step for rolling the metallic glass raw material in a superplastic state to produce a sheet material. A timepiece spring is characterized by being obtained by the method for producing a timepiece spring.

Abstract: A mechanical timepiece movement, including a spiral spring, a barrel, the spiral spring accommodated in the barrel as an energy storage, the barrel transmitting energy of the spiral spring by a gear train to an oscillator, the oscillator including a balance as a regulating device, and a mechanism configured to reduce a torque generated by the barrel to reduce loss of energy stored in the spiral spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mainspring (1) including a metal strip (3). According to the invention, the metal is austenitic steel (5) in order to limit sensitivity to magnetic fields and at least the outer surface of the strip (3) is hardened compared to the rest of the strip to a predetermined depth (7) in order to harden the strip (3) in the main areas of stress while maintaining a low modulus of elasticity.

Abstract: Barrel for a self-winding timepiece including a drum of axis AA provided with an internal lateral wall having friction surfaces alternating with locking structures forming salient or inward edges at the boundary of the friction surfaces and a mainspring forming a winding including an outer coil, which is friction coupled to said internal lateral wall and free to slip against said internal lateral wall in the event of overwinding of the mainspring, characterized in that said friction surfaces are demarcated, downstream relative to the direction in which said outer coil slips, by a rounded salient edge or an inward edge.

Abstract: Clockwork movement for a wristwatch, comprising a kinematic chain including at least one belt (20, 21) for transmitting the movements and/or couples between at least two pulleys. The pulleys are held on the bottom plate or the bridges by ball bearings (151, 161, 171, 181). The movement is rewound by means of linear oscillating mass (14) charging four barrels (15, 16, 17, 18) through a couple distributor (40). The barrels are non-parallel to one another. The back cover is covered by inclined glasses (110, 120, 130) allowing the barrels, the linear oscillating mass and at least certain pulleys to be seen. The regulating organ (51) is removable.

Abstract: A driving member for a timepiece movement includes a shaft, and a drum and a rotating member both mounted on the shaft. The drum and the rotating member are able to rotate with respect to each other and include teeth on their periphery. First and second superposed spiral springs have outer ends fixed to the drum and to the rotating member respectively and inner ends connected to each other to connect the springs in series. The drum and the rotating member fit together at least in the area of the peripheral wall of the drum so as to together form a closed housing containing the springs.

Abstract: A barrel spring (10) for a mechanism driven by a mainspring, in particular for a timepiece, includes a unitary ribbon of metallic glass. The object is to integrate at least one additional function to the spring function, implemented by a functional portion integrated in the spring.

Abstract: A driving member for a timepiece movement comprises two superimposed coaxial barrels (1, 11) coupled in series, each barrel including a spring provided in a cylindrical housing rotatingly mounted on a common shaft (20). The respective housings (2, 12) of the barrels are positioned opposite each other and do not include a lid, and the springs (7, 17) are separated only by a separation washer (26) or a gap. This arrangement can be used for increasing the height (H) of the springs, and thereby the amount of energy and the power reserve of the watch for an identical global volume of the driving member, or for reducing the total height of the driving member. Such a driving member is particularly intended for watches with a high power reserve.

Abstract: The timepiece movement (1) includes a karussel (4) whose platform carries an escape wheel that cooperates with a balance (7). The platform is driven from the time display mechanism associated with a time-setting mechanism (32). The escape wheel is driven directly from the gear train. In addition to compensating for differences in rate due to gravity, the karussel of the invention proposes a new, complementary role: that of time indicator.

Abstract: The timepiece movement includes a barrel, an escapement that has an escape wheel and pinion (27, 25), a balance (19) and a gear train for transmitting energy stored in the barrel to the escape wheel. This gear train has an intermediary wheel (23), kinematically connected to the barrel by a first part of the gear train, and kinematically connected to the escape wheel (27) by a second part of the gear train, the second part of the gear train, and the escapement and balance are mounted in a rotating carriage (16) kinematically connected to the movement and arranged for rotating coaxially about the intermediary wheel (23) at a different speed from the speed of the intermediary wheel. The timepiece movement is characterized in that it imposes a speed of one revolution per minute on the carriage (16).

Abstract: Mainspring for a mechanism driven by a motor spring, especially for a timepiece, formed from a ribbon of metallic glass material. This ribbon is monolithic and has a thickness of greater than 50 ?m.

Abstract: The micro-mechanical part, for example a horological movement part, includes a silicon core (1) all or part of the surface (3) of which is coated with a thick amorphous material (2). This material is preferably silicon dioxide and has a thickness which is five times greater than the thickness of native silicon dioxide.

Abstract: The timepiece includes a chronograph whose hands are driven by a first gear train (4), which in turn drives a first resonator (5) and a watch whose hands are driven by a second gear train (8) independent of the first gear train, wherein the second gear train in turn drives a second resonator (9). The first (4) and second (8) gear trains are driven from a single energy source (10).

Abstract: A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a spring for a timepiece that comprises at least one monobloc ribbon of metal glass including at least one curvature. The method is characterized in that said method comprises the step of shaping by means of plastic-deformation said monobloc ribbon in order to obtain at least a portion of said curvature.

Abstract: A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second.

Abstract: A driving member for a timepiece movement includes a shaft, and a drum and a rotating member both mounted on the shaft. The drum and the rotating member are able to rotate with respect to each other and include teeth on their periphery. First and second superposed spiral springs have outer ends fixed to the drum and to the rotating member respectively and inner ends connected to each other to connect the springs in series. The drum and the rotating member fit together at least in the area of the peripheral wall of the drum so as to together form a closed housing containing the springs.

Abstract: The invention concerns a base module comprising a barrel device, a display device, and a power reserve indicator, all the components of the module being placed vertically relative to the flanks of the case, and the adjusting member being arranged visibly and directly accessible on the flank of the case.

Abstract: A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second.

Abstract: A timepiece having a mainspring, an output wheel that is rotated by torque output from the mainspring, a lever that pivots synchronously to the output wheel, and a pressure member that pushes the lever. The pressure member pushed the lever so that the output torque of the output wheel increases as the mainspring unwinds.

Abstract: A spring device having an inside-end wheel that moves in conjunction with the inside end of a mainspring; an outside-end wheel that moves in conjunction with the outside end of the mainspring; a torque return unit that transfers part of the output torque of the mainspring from one to the other of the inside-end wheel and outside-end wheel; a duration time indicating unit that operates in conjunction with both the inside-end wheel and outside-end wheel and indicates the number of winds in the mainspring; and a torque transfer clutch unit that disengages torque transfer between the inside-end wheel and outside-end wheel by means of the torque return unit when the mainspring unwinds and the duration time indicating unit indicates a predetermined reference number of winds.

Abstract: The balance spring is made from a photostructurable glass plate by UV irradiation, thermal treatment and etching, said glass having a Young's modulus thermal coefficient CTE0. The value CTE0 of selected zones of the balance spring are altered to a value CTEi by UV irradiation through one or several masks, possibly completed by a thermal treatment.

Abstract: Clockwork movement for a wristwatch, comprising a kinematic chain including at least one belt (20, 21) for transmitting the movements and/or couples between at least two pulleys. The pulleys are held on the bottom plate or the bridges by ball bearings (151, 161, 171, 181). The movement is rewound by means of linear oscillating mass (14) charging four barrels (15, 16, 17, 18) through a couple distributor (40). The barrels are non-parallel to one another. The back cover is covered by inclined glasses (110, 120, 130) allowing the barrels, the linear oscillating mass and at least certain pulleys to be seen. The regulating organ (51) is removable.

Abstract: The invention concerns a power reserve indicator mechanism for a timepiece of the type comprising: a mainspring (14), a power reserve indicator moving between two end positions, a differential gear (18), and an intermediate wheel set (32) including first and second parts respectively kinematically coupled to the differential gear (18) and to the indicator and a coupling member coupling said parts, which rotate conjointly while the winding of the mainspring (14) is comprised between its end positions, Said coupling member includes a friction mechanism arranged such that the first part can move with friction in relation to the second when the indicator has reached its first end position, and an elastic element arranged so as to be able to be cocked when the indicator has reached its second end position, by the movement of the first part with reference to the second part.

Abstract: Mainspring for a mechanism driven by a motor spring, especially for a timepiece, formed from a ribbon of metallic glass material. This ribbon is monolithic and has a thickness of greater than 50 ?m.

Abstract: The invention concerns a power reserve indicator mechanism for a timepiece of the type comprising: a mainspring (14), a power reserve indicator moving between two end positions, a differential gear (18), and an intermediate wheel set (32) including first and second parts respectively kinematically coupled to the differential gear (18) and to the indicator and a coupling member coupling said parts, which rotate conjointly while the winding of the mainspring (14) is comprised between its end positions, Said coupling member includes a friction mechanism arranged such that the first part can move with friction in relation to the second when the indicator has reached its first end position, and an elastic element arranged so as to be able to be cocked when the indicator has reached its second end position, by the movement of the first part with reference to the second part.

Abstract: A balance spring comprising a flat spiral coil and a non-elastic inner attachment part formed by laser beam cutting. The spring has an outer attachment plate in the plane of the coil formed with a channel which receives and protects the outer winding of the coil. The outer attachment plate has a curved attachment edge which allows the location of the oscillator dead point to be varied without affecting spring frequency.

Abstract: In order to improve the isochronisms of the mechanical movement of a watch, the regulating members comprise at least two tourbillions mounted on a common rotating support driven by one or several barrel springs, such that the tourbillions make an orbital movement around the axis of rotation of the support. The tourbillions are connected by respective going trains to a differential gear, one of whose elements is immobilised by friction.

Abstract: A timepiece comprising a main energy storing device, a gear train coupled to the main energy storing device, a tensioning element coupled to the gear train, the tensioning element configured to be driven about a tensioning axis in cyclic steps, a tensioning control system configured to control the tensioning element, a storage hairspring having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the tensioning element, a wheel connected to the second end of the storage hairspring, a clockwork movement rotatably driven by the wheel, an escapement coupled to the clockwork movement and a device configured to be switched in a stepwise manner and driven rotatably in cyclic steps by an element of the gear train.

Abstract: The balance spring is made from a photostructurable glass plate by UV irradiation, thermal treatment and etching, said glass having a Young's modulus thermal coefficient CTE0. The value CTE0 of selected zones of the balance spring are altered to a value CTEi by UV irradiation through one or several masks, possibly completed by a thermal treatment.

Abstract: A watch movement with a mechanical source of energy is provided. In one implementation, the watch movement comprises a frame intended to support moving parts and defining upper and lower faces. The distance between the upper and lower faces may define a movement thickness. Further, springs may be provided for storing the energy, each being housed in a barrel. At least three barrels may be provided, the first and the second of which are superposed and the third of which is placed laterally to the other two and within their thickness.

Abstract: To provide a residual wound quantity display mechanism of a timepiece, in which it is possible to change a way of a display without changing a basic structure, and a timepiece with the mechanism concerned.

Abstract: A running reserve indicator is provided for a mechanical clockwork provided with a main barrel for driving a gear-train and at least a second barrel for driving a gear-train allocated to an auxiliary function which is performed during a determined period. With the indicator, the running reserve displayed with the aid of a hand and a dial is always equal to the running reserve of the barrel having the smallest reserve.

Abstract: The invention concerns a watch with a mechanical movement of the type comprising at least two regulating systems (SR1, SR2) each including a mechanical oscillator and an escapement. The movement includes as many sub-assemblies (SE1, SE2) as there are regulating systems, each of said sub-assemblies including a regulating system (SR1, SR2), a barrel (B1, B2) and a going train transmitting energy from the barrel to the regulating system inside the sub-assembly. A differential display gear (Da) connects the barrel or the going train of each sub-assembly to the display (A) to average out the rate of the two sub-assemblies. In a preferred embodiment, the two sub-assemblies are mounted on a common rotating support (5) and their regulating systems are tourbillons which make an orbital movement about the center of the watch dial.

Abstract: A spring-barrel arrangement for a timepiece includes a fixed plate-like component with a circular cutout. A spring barrel is rotatably mounted in said circular cutout by its corresponding circular outer contour. A barrel core is coaxially rotatably mounted relative to the spring barrel and is enclosed by a helical tension spring. An inner end of the spring is connected to the barrel core and its outer end connected to the spring barrel. A crown wheel with a toothed ring is fixed to the spring barrel and a first wheel of a wheel train of the timepiece is fixed to the barrel core. The circular cutout is formed through the plate-like component and the spring barrel has two supporting regions which extend radially beyond the diameter of the circular cutout and are each in abutment against one of the mutually opposite side surfaces of the plate-like component.

Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece with mainspring of the so-called fly tourbillon type, the tourbillon having a balance bridge (2) forming a cage with a collet (1) and a single protruding ball bearing (5) supporting said so-called fly tourbillon assembly. Said so-called fly tourbillon assembly is visible on the dial side (15) and is designed as an independent tourbillon module. Said tourbillon module is separable from the clockwork (13) by being detached on the rear side of the clockwork (13) and by being removed on that same side.