Abstract: A timepiece has a basic movement including at least one barrel (12) and a set of hands (14) for displaying the time now, the set of hands being situated at a first level, a mechanism for a supplementary function connected to at least one hand (18a) for displaying the supplementary function, the hand being situated at a second level and on a different axis from the set of hands (14), and an automatic winding mechanism for the barrel (12), including an oscillating mass (24) consisting of a carrier (24a) and a heavy sector (24b) situated at the periphery of the carrier. The carrier (24a) pivots in a plane situated between the first and second levels.

Abstract: An oscillating weight for an automatic watch is arranged to carry a bearing defining an axis of rotation (A—A) and is intended to be mounted on the frame of the watch. The mass member of the weight has a center of gravity (G) shifted with respect to the axis of rotation. In this weight, this mass member includes two parts that can be moved one (10, 18) in relation to the other (24), and arranged such that their relative movement causes a radial movement of the center of gravity (G) of the mass member. The mass member also has a securing device (13, 14, 16b) cooperating with the first and second parts, capable of occupying a first state in which the parts can be moved with reference to each other, and a second state in which the parts are rigidly secured to each other.

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 oscillating winding weight for a timepiece including a heavy portion secured to a connecting element connecting said heavy portion to an arbour fixed to the movement, said weight being intended to be rotatably mounted on said arbour, characterised in that said connecting element is made of a transparent or translucent material.

Abstract: In an electronic watch including a so-called automatic winding dynamo, structures of parts themselves and layout of the parts are improved to achieve a reduction in thickness of the electronic watch. Bearing portions for a rotational shaft (211) of a dynamo rotor (21) are made up of hole jewels (212, 214) and ring-shaped caps (213, 215). The cap (215) covers, from the outer side, one end surface (216) of the hole jewel (214) which locates on the side facing a dynamo rotor (21), and defines a lubricant holding annular slot (G3) between the cap and an outer circumferential surface of the rotational shaft (211). Accordingly, even with the dynamo rotor (21) rotating at a high speed, a lubricant is prevented from scattering to the surroundings from the annular slot (G3). Spacings between adjacent parts can be narrowed and the thickness of the electronic watch can be reduced.

Abstract: An oscillatory mass operative to drive the rotor of a current generator adapted to charge a capacitor feeding the clockwork of an electronic watch is situated above the dial of the watch, which dial serves as a supporting plate for this mass. The arm of the mass is articulated at the center of the clockwork by means of a ball-bearing carried by the plate constituting the dial. The hours division is of relatively small diameter, leaving free the annular part of the dial opposite which the peripheral portion of the mass moves. The dial serves at the same time as a supporting member for the outer journal ring of a ball-bearing supporting the oscillatory mass and is secured to the frame of the clockwork by means of screws. The outer journal ring of the ball-bearing supporting the mass is rigid with a pinion meshing with a pinion of gearing coupled to the rotor of an electric generator driven by the said mass.

Abstract: Case clocks, especially of the so-called tall-case or grandfather type, equipped with at least one suspended elongated weight, preferably contained within a weight shell or casing, are provided with at least one narrow annular memorializing band surrounding the weight or shell and retained thereon, the annular band carrying on an exposed surface indicia commemorating a particular event to be memorialized. Preferably, the memorializing band slidably encircles the weight or shell, the latter including at its lower end a radially projecting detent, of bead shape for example, to limit the downward movement of the band. A plurality of such bands can be stacked vertically end-to-end on each weight or shell. The weight and bands are visually exposed through doors or other openings or transparent panels in the clock case.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically winding a weight driven clock includes a common traveler member mounted for reciprocating movement between a rest and reversal position, a pulling member associated one with each weight of the clock and adapted to exert a pulling force on its supporting chain, a latch mechanism for each pulling member for selectively coupling same for movement with said traveler member, a weight sensing mechanism for sensing the arrival of each weight of the clock in a clock unwound position thereof for operating the latch mechanism of the pulling member associated with such weight and for initiating movement of the traveler member from its rest position, whereby a pulling force is exerted by the pulling member on the chain of its associated weight when placed in the unwound position thereof for lifting such weight into a clock wound position thereof coincident to the arrival of the traveler member in its reversal position, and a device for sensing the arrival of the traveler member in its revers