Abstract: Method for producing a surface of revolution of a clock or watch component comprising a step of machining, with a femtosecond laser beam, a first surface of the clock or watch component so as to obtain a second surface, in particular so as to obtain a second surface whose roughness Ra is less than 100 nm, or less than 70 nm, and then a tribofinishing step applied to the second surface so as to obtain the surface of revolution.

Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a first rotor arranged circumferentially about a central axis. A second rotor is arranged circumferentially about the central axis and couples to the first rotor for rotation therewith. A balance weight assembly is configured to balance a weight distribution of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: An inertial mass with adjustment of inertia and/or unbalance for a horological resonator, including a plurality of mobiles for adjusting inertia and/or unbalance, toothed or fluted, each mounted pivotably about a mobile axis with respect to a flange that the inertial mass includes, and with a centre of mass off-centre with respect to this mobile axis, each mobile cooperating by meshing with an inertia and/or unbalance adjustment crown, toothed or fluted, under a permanent constraint exerted by an elastic return force exerted by the crown and/or the mobile.

Abstract: Provided is a watch component made of silicon and including a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface intersecting with the front surface and the back surface, the watch component including a first recessed portion formed at the front surface side, a second recessed portion formed at the back surface side, and a communicating groove causing one of the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion to communicate with the side surface.

Abstract: The timepiece includes a tourbillon including a carriage that bears a sprung balance and a magnetic escapement device, the latter including an escape wheel set, formed of an annular magnetic structure, and a magnetic element coupled with the magnetic structure and having an oscillating movement that is synchronous with the oscillation of the mechanical resonator. The mechanical escapement is arranged so as to have alternately energy accumulation phases, from a conversion of mechanical energy supplied by the barrel into magnetic potential energy in the magnetic escapement, and transfer phases of energy accumulated in the magnetic escapement to the magnetic resonator. During the energy transfer phases, the magnetic element is subjected to a magnetic force such that the magnetic escapement then converts into mechanical energy magnetic potential energy accumulated in the preceding energy accumulation phase to be able to maintain the oscillation of the mechanical resonator.

Abstract: A device for autonomous adjustment of the active length of a balance spring includes a regulator mounted on a plate with a cock, a balance spring stud holder being pivotally mounted on the cock, the regulator being pivotally mounted on the stud holder and including a pivot arm and device for changing the active length of the balance spring by pivoting the regulator. The device includes an elastic stress device to exert an elastic, return-to-position action on the regulator, and an inertia block, mounted for free rotation on the cock and connected to the pivot arm of the regulator, arranged to move the pivot arm of the regulator between a rest position and a correction position of the device, and simultaneously act on the device for changing the active length of the balance spring.

Abstract: A device for attaching a bracelet or strap to a watch case includes a bar secured to the watch case by at least one horn and an insert integral with the end of the bracelet. The bar and the insert are complementary in order to cooperate by fitting one inside the other to form a removable assembly to make the bracelet interchangeable. The bar is formed by a cylindrical arbor having at least one flat portion. The flat portion cooperates by fitting with a housing made in the insert. The housing has a substantially rectangular opening for receiving the flat portion. The bar includes a control member for pivoting the bar from a first position A, in which the insert is positioned on the arbor, to a second position B, in which the insert is locked onto the bar.

Abstract: A timepiece resonator mechanism having a central wheel train fixed in rotation around an axis of an input wheel train subjected to a driving torque, arranged to turn continuously, and having a plurality of N inertial elements, each movable in relation to the central wheel train, and restored to the axis by elastic restoring device. The mechanism having device between all the inertial elements that are arranged to maintain all centers of mass of these inertial elements at the same distance from the axis at any time, and the elastic restoring device cause an elastic potential such as: Vtot=(d?0/dt)2·?j (Mj·Rj2), where: Vtot is the elastic potential, ?j is the sum over the js of the quantity between parentheses, (d?0/dt) is the speed of rotation to be imposed, Rj is the position of the center of mass G of the inertial element j of mass Mj.

Abstract: A method for determining an imbalance characteristic of a hairspring (5) balance (4) oscillator (3) of a timepiece movement (2), the method comprising at least the following steps: —Setting the hairspring balance oscillator in an oscillating motion at at least two amplitudes, —Determining, for each amplitude and for at least two positions of the oscillator, a piece of data representative of the oscillation period of the oscillator, —Using the data from the previous step to calculate the imbalance characteristic of the hairspring balance oscillator.

Abstract: Watch comprising a movement, with a balance comprising a ring distinct from the balance rim, elastically fixed to a flange with respect to which this ring is movable in rotation to modify the position of inertia blocks elastically carried by the flange, each able to be indexed in different stable angular positions corresponding to a different inertia of the balance, the movement including an operating member movable between coupled and uncoupled positions which includes a stop means for immobilizing the rim in a coupled position, and a control means for rotating the ring to modify the position of the inertia blocks in the coupled position, the watch including a crown controlling the control means, a rotating coupling ring controlling the coupling/uncoupling of the operating member through contactless interaction with an external adjustment tool.

Abstract: A timepiece balance spring made of micromachinable material including a plurality of stages, each forming a spiral wound spring, parallel to each other and all attached to a common axial collet or to the same balance staff, each stage including, at its respective outer end, its own attachment to a balance spring stud which are independent of those of the other stages, the attachment including a position adjustment with respect to a balance spring stud which are also independent of those of the other stages, the attachment and the position adjustment together forming built-in isochronism correction mechanism for the balance spring, and the position adjustment including a plurality of discrete position adjustment positions including housings each arranged to retain a stud.

Abstract: An integral assembly of a single or double hairspring and an unsplit collet including two portions opposite one another for receiving the balance staff, one portion including one of the bearing surfaces (2 or 3) for the balance staff and a point (10, 11) for attaching the hairspring, and the other portion including another bearing surface (4, 5 or 14) for the balance staff, the two portions being connected together by two linking portions that are less rigid than the receiving portions so as to be capable of elastically deforming during the fitting of a balance staff. According to another aspect, the invention also relates to an integral assembly of a hairspring and a collet, including at least two stages, as well as to a method for manufacturing such an assembly.

Abstract: Method for maintaining and regulating the frequency of a timepiece resonator mechanism around its natural frequency (?0) Includes a regulator device acting on the resonator with a periodic motion which requires a periodic modulation of at least the resonant frequency of said resonator, by requiring at least a modulation of the active length of a spring in the resonator mechanism, with a regulation frequency (?R) that is between 0.9 times and 1.1 times the value of an integer multiple of the natural frequency (?0). The integer is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 10.

Abstract: Mechanical timepiece movement, including at least one energy storage means fed at the input by a ratchet driven by one winding mechanism and at the output powering a going train. The movement includes first energy take-up means connected to at least one wheel set of this going train by at least a first elastic connection, this first energy take-up means cooperating with at least one wheel set driving this ratchet, in mesh with this ratchet for powering this energy storage means by reinjecting part of the energy taken up by this energy take-up means, this wheel set driving this ratchet being uncouplable under the action of at least one uncoupling mechanism active during the operation of this winding mechanism.

Abstract: A timepiece includes: a frame; a mobile body of a finishing gear train; and a tourbillon mechanism including a holder supporting a balance and at least one escapement. The tourbillon mechanism includes: an outer ring rotatably mounted onto the frame about a first axis; at least one inner ring inside the outer ring and rotatable relative to the outer ring about a second axis, the holder being pivotably mounted in the inner ring and secured to a shaft around which the inner ring is freely and rotatably mounted about a third axis; a first toothed member mounted onto the frame; a first pinion secured to the shaft of the holder to engage with the first toothed member to rotate the holder; and a unit driving the inner ring, engaging with the movable body of the finishing gear train and arranged to move the inner ring and, consequently, the outer ring.

Abstract: Balance spring boot (1) to be driven onto an index (10) for adjusting a balance spring (20) pivoting relative to an axis (D) and including two pins (2, 3), parallel to each other in one direction (D1) and arranged for limiting the radial beat of a balance spring (20) inserted between said pins, and including a means of resting on said index (10) arranged, when said balance spring boot (1) is assembled on said index (10), for adjusting said direction (D1) parallel to said pivot axis (D). Said spring boot (1) includes in a parallel direction to said direction (D1) a sight hole (4) clear so as to allow visualisation by an operator or instrument of said pins (2, 3) and the portion of a balance spring (20) inserted between them at a distance from and/or in contact with one and/or the other of said pins (2, 3).

Abstract: A mechanical oscillator isochronism corrector comprising a frame (12), a flexible blade (14) integral with the frame to act on a mechanical oscillator at a contact portion (14a) presented by the blade, and a first element for adjusting the pre-stress of the flexible blade including a pre-stress finger (22) acting on the flexible blade, the first adjustment element being integral with the frame.

Abstract: A method for adjusting oscillation frequency of a spring balance assembly. A removal and/or an addition and/or a displacement of material is/are conducted on a component of the assembly under effect of a pulse of a transformation mechanism to conduct a micromachining and/or microfusion operation on the material of the component or of an addition material to vaporize and/or displace and/or weld the material. The pulse is controlled by a controller configured to generate, sequence, interrupt any pulse and to control movements of a beam of the transformation mechanism, wherein the controller is connected to or automatically controlled by a measuring or comparing mechanism.

Abstract: A balance set for a timepiece, with inertia adjustment for adjusting inertia and/or balancing and/or oscillation frequency of the balance, with a balance including an insert inserted into a recess of a felloe connected to a hub by a joining surface. The balance includes on the felloe thereof an elastic holding mechanism including two antagonistic elastic lips which, when stressed, allow insertion of the insert into the recess and which, when released, prevent removal of the insert from the recess. A sprung balance or a timepiece can incorporate such a balance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece balance (1), with inertia adjustment including a hub (2) pivoting about a balance staff (3) and a felloe (5), connected to said hub (2) by a joining surface (6). It is wherein said felloe (5) is made in a single piece with said joining surface (6) and said hub (2) in a micro-machinable material, or silicon, or quartz, or a compound thereof, or an alloy derived from MEMS technology, or an alloy obtained by the “LIGA” method, and in that it includes at least a first resilient arm (40) including coupling means (41) arranged for cooperating, in various coupling positions, with complementary coupling means (42) comprised in said felloe (5) to form, in the coupling position, a closed loop, the inertia of which relative to said balance staff (3) is variable according to said coupling positions. The invention also concerns a sprung balance or a timepiece incorporating a balance of this type.

Abstract: Assembly for securing the outer end of the balance-spring (1) of a sprung balance device for a timepiece that includes a balance-spring stud holder (2) for housing a balance-spring stud (10), against which the balance-spring (1) can be locked, a screw (11) for locking the stud, for securing the balance-spring (1) by insertion between the stud (10) and a back face (7), the locking screw (11) including a tip (15) in the extension of the threaded body (12) at the opposite end to the screw head, and the stud (10) including a housing (16) in which the tip (15) can be inserted. The corresponding watch and method of securing the outer end of the balance-spring are also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making an isochronous balance-wheel-and-spring assembly for a horological movement in which one spring out of a series of springs is paired with a balance wheel. The spring has characteristics that vary by comparison with other springs of the series, and the spring is designed to be mounted on the staff of the balance wheel via a collet. One collet out of a set of collets of different sizes is selected on the basis of the spring's characteristics. The collets of different sizes have connection points for attachment of the spring that are located (after assembly) at different distances from the center of the balance staff, the choice of the collet of the most appropriate size facilitating the adjustment of the balance-wheel-and-spring assembly.

Abstract: A balance wheel having a thermally adjustable moment of inertia is described. In one aspect, the balance wheel includes radially movable compensation portions formed of shape memory material exhibiting a two-way memory effect. The radius of gyration of the balance wheel is therefore adjustable with temperature to compensate for thermoelastic effects in a balance spring attached to the balance wheel. In another aspect, a thermally stable balance wheel includes dynamically adjusting appendages whose expansion or contraction with temperature relative to the balance wheel cause change in its moment of inertia. The invention can compensate for both ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ thermoelastic spring behavior.

Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece balance (1), with inertia adjustment including a hub (2) pivoting about a balance staff (3) and a felloe (5), connected to said hub (2) by a joining surface (6). It is wherein said felloe (5) is made in a single piece with said joining surface (6) and said hub (2) in a micro-machinable material, or silicon, or quartz, or a compound thereof, or an alloy derived from MEMS technology, or an alloy obtained by the “LIGA” method, and in that it includes at least a first resilient arm (40) including coupling means (41) arranged for cooperating, in various coupling positions, with complementary coupling means (42) comprised in said felloe (5) to form, in the coupling position, a closed loop, the inertia of which relative to said balance staff (3) is variable according to said coupling positions. The invention also concerns a sprung balance or a timepiece incorporating a balance of this type.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a mechanical oscillator, comprising an oscillating system comprising a balance (1) and its return spring (3). This oscillator also comprises two elastic strips (9, 10) fixed by one end and acting in opposition intermittently by their other end on a connecting organ (8) secured to the oscillating system.

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: The mobile element includes a central rigid zone (2) provided with arms (6) extending radially from the central zone (2) towards a peripheral zone including teeth (8). The arms (6) are flexible to allow a small tangential and/or radial movement of the teeth (8) in order to absorb shocks. The invention is characterized in that the arms (6) are curved and bend gradually towards an orientation tangential to the rotation of the mobile element, in that the thickness of the arms gradually decreases, and finally, in that the ends of the arms form the teeth.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a mechanical oscillator, comprising an oscillating system comprising a balance (1) and its return spring (3). This oscillator also comprises two elastic strips (9, 10) fixed by one end and acting in opposition intermittently by their other end on a connecting organ (8) secured to the oscillating system.

Abstract: The mobile element includes a central rigid zone (2) provided with arms (6) extending radially from the central zone (2) towards a peripheral zone including teeth (8). The arms (6) are flexible to allow a small tangential and/or radial movement of the teeth (8) in order to absorb shocks. The invention is characterized in that the arms (6) are curved and bend gradually towards an orientation tangential to the rotation of the mobile element, in that the thickness of the arms gradually decreases, and finally, in that the ends of the arms form the teeth.

Abstract: A precision regulating device for the regulator pointer of a timepiece includes a balance cock and an index regulator mounted on the balance cock such that the index regulator is pivotable about a regulator axis. A hairspring key arranged on the index regulator at a radial distance from the regulator axis allows changing the active length of a hairspring of the oscillating system of the timepiece in response to pivoting of the index regulator. The index regulator also includes a radially directed regulator pointer. A counterpressure spring including a resilient arm has one end region fastened on the balance cock and another free end region arranged so that it forces the regulator pointer, under prestressing, in the pivoting direction and holds it in abutment against a regulating screw arranged in a rotatable manner in a threaded bore of the balance cock or a component connected to the balance cock.

Abstract: The regulating device, represented by its escapement wheel (5), is kept horizontal by being supported by a platform (3) secured to a counterweight (9) rotatably mounted about an arbour A1, pivoting in a carriage (10) rotatably mounted about an arbour A2 perpendicular to the arbour A1. Escapement wheel 15 meshes with a driving wheel (6) secured to arbour A1 and forming the output of a first differential (11) having at its inputs a kinematic corrective chain (8, 12, 14, 16, 18) and a kinematic drive chain, itself connected to the output of a second differential (21) having at its inputs the barrel wheel (7) and another kinematic corrective chain (22, 24, 26, 28) meshing with a wheel (20) secured to the carriage (10). The device can also act on an automatic winding block (40).

Abstract: A mechanical timepiece has a power source comprised of a mainspring for undergoing rewinding movement to generate a rotational force. A front train wheel undergoes rotation in accordance with a rotational force generated during rewinding movement of the mainspring. An escapement/speed-control device controls rotation of the front train wheel. The escapement/speed-control device has a balance with a hairspring for undergoing alternately repeating rotational movement in left and right directions. An escape wheel and pinion undergoes rotation in accordance with rotation of the front train wheel. A pallet fork controls rotation of the escape wheel and pinion in accordance with rotational movement of the balance. A switch mechanism outputs an ON signal when a rotation angle of the balance reaches a predetermined threshold angle or greater, outputs an OFF signal when the rotation angle of the balance does not exceed the predetermined threshold angle.

Abstract: A regulator comprising two limiting members in the form of a blanked and bent tongue of a lug and of a detachable part serving as a pin or key, respectively. Part of the side surface of the tongue bent at a 90.degree. angle projects to form a banking. The detachable limiting member, which can be rotatingly adjusted about its axis, is fitted in the entrance opening of a cut-out portion and includes a projecting edge constituting the other banking. The two bankings are visible from above between the side surface of the bent tongue and the entrance opening of the cut-out portion so that the regulation of the beat of the balance-spring can be checked under a microscope.