Abstract: Synthetic resin shaft and gear portions are molded to be capable of slipping each other. During a normal timepiece operation, the shaft and gear portions are integrally rotated. During a hand setting operation, the shaft portion is rotated with slip on the gear portion. In this slip structure of a timepiece, at least one of the shaft and gear portions is formed of an oil-containing resin material.

Abstract: A digital timepiece operates in a normal mode and in a set mode for setting time. A keyboard is sequentially actuated for carrying out a switching operation, an entering operation to enter time data to be set, and an executing operation. A counter is connected to the keyboard for producing a first output when the entering operation is not initiated within a relatively short interval after carrying out the switching operation and producing a second output when a relatively long interval lapses after the initiation of the entering operation. A control circuit is connected to the keyboard and to the counter for switching from the normal mode to the set mode in response to the switching operation and for switching from the set mode to the normal mode in response to either of the first and second outputs.

Abstract: A basic clockwork, initially arranged in such a way as to comprise two supplementary indicators, of the date and of the days of the week, which have been removed, is provided with an additional module carrying supplementary indicators, which can number two, three or even four. These indicators being separate from the basic clockwork, their position can be chosen very freely by a constructor. In order to prevent having to provide the clockwork with one or several supplementary control members, for the correction of said indicators, a correcting mechanism of the basic clockwork, comprising a control stem operating a sliding pinion is used. A shaft of the sliding pinion has been extended up to a frame of the additional module and carries a pinion meshing, according to the sense in which the control stem is operated, either with a wheel belonging to a correcting gear train of one of the supplementary indicators, or with a pinion belonging to a correcting gear train of another supplementary indicator.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes a plurality of light-receiving elements arranged to receive external light, a light-receiving condition discriminator for discriminating a light-receiving condition of each light-receiving element, and a circuit to be controlled in response to an output signal from the light-receiving condition discriminator. The light-receiving condition discriminator discriminates that the light-receiving condition of a central one of three light-receiving elements among the plurality of light-receiving elements is different from those of end light-receiving elements, and thereupon generates an output signal.

Abstract: The setting system of this invention includes a contactor provided with a blade adapted to come into repeated contact with a contact stud thereby to act on an electrical circuit. The contactor is operated by a stem bearing a crown and has a lock which prevents the blade from coming into accidental contact with the stud (for instance following a shock) when said stem is in its pushed-in rest position.

Abstract: A timepiece hand adjustment mechanism especially for small wristwatches comprises a control shaft with a squared key structure formed thereon and a coupling lever operating member with squared central passage disposed on the key structure so as to be movable therewith. The coupling lever operating member has a collar of which a section projects into an elongated opening in a coupling operating lever so that the lever can be pivoted by axial movement of the control shaft for coupling the adjustment mechanism while, at the same time, it can be rotated for adjusting the hand position.

Abstract: A clock construction and method for making the same are provided, the clock construction comprising a frame, an interval timer carried by the frame, and a selector shaft rotatably carried by the frame while being axially movable relative thereto and being operatively interconnected to the timer to set the same to a selected time period upon rotation of the selector shaft. The timer has a cam member rotatably disposed on the shaft and has a slot in one side thereof. The shaft has a drive member disposed in the slot to rotate the cam member in unison with rotation of the shaft in any axial position of the shaft. A spring is disposed between the frame and the drive member to tend to maintain the shaft in one axial position thereof. The spring is confined completely within the slot of the cam in all axial positions of the shaft relative to the frame.

Abstract: A device for setting a numeric display (11) comprises a continuously turnable potentiometer (12) by which the setting area can be repeatedly passed through by turning in the same direction. The potentiometer and the display are connected to a computer (10), preferably a microcomputer. The computer is arranged to repeatedly sense the instantaneous resistance value of the potentiometer or a parameter representing said value. Further, the computer is arranged to store the first one (T.sub.1 high) of a series of measurement values and for each subsequent measurement value (T.sub.2 high) in the series to determine if the difference between the present and the first measurement value exceeds a reference value (T.sub.diff), in which case the display (11) is operated to increase or decrease its value by one step of a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A gear train mechanism stop device is used in a timepiece having clock signal producing IC, a stepping motor for generating a given rotational movement in response to a clock signal produced from the IC, at least hour and minute hands, and a gear train mechanism for transmitting the rotational movement from the motor to hands so as to make the hands move in a given movement, which is selectively engaged with a specified gear in the gear train mechanism so as to stop rotation of the specified gear.

Abstract: The timepiece of this invention comprises at least one hand making a revolution in twelve hours and a disc making a revolution in twenty-four hours. A crown enables simultaneous setting of the hand and disc display when pulled out to the second position. When rotated in one sense while in the first pulled-out position the crown sets the disc only. Between the disc and the hand there is interposed a speed reducer provided with a hollowed-out gear containing a jumper spring. The jumper engages a star wheel, itself fixed to a pinion which meshes with teeth borne by the disc. In operating the disc through this mechanism it is displaced through one hour intervals by the action of the end of the jumper on the teeth of the star wheel.

Abstract: A motor actuates a wheel train which drives center hour and minute hands as in an ordinary analog-display watch. Another motor actuates a chronograph train which drives a chronograph sweep seconds-hand, a minute-register hand, and an hour-register hand offset toward 6 o'clock. A lever actuates a column wheel which starts and stops the second motor by means of a control lever integral with a stem. A hammer resets the chronograph gears. An electronic circuit comprises a liquid-crystal display element which displays the hundredths of a second when the chronograph is running or the date when the chronograph is not running.

Abstract: This mechanism is intended for time setting of an analog mechanical display in a timepiece. It comprises a manually operable crowned stem (1) arranged to be toggled into at least two axial positions the active one of which is drawn-out relative to the neutral pushed-in position. The stem is provided with a toothed pinion (3) which meshes with an axially displaceable pinion (6). Such pinions are placed side-by-side and a mechanism including a trigger piece (9), a rocking lever (10) and a slider (21) slaves the axially displaceable pinion to the stem. The arrangement is compact and readily integrated into a thin timepiece.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having hands incorporates a correction system whereby the user can rapidly and easily check that the operations of the hands are synchronized, and can adjust the state of synchronization if necessary, by initiating an operating mode in which the hands should rotate to indicate a predetermined reference time value. This checking and adjustment can be carried out at any time, irrespective of the current state of timepiece operation.

Abstract: A multiple function, multiple digit meter includes a light directing structure (18) for providing uniform illumination to digits (14) of display (12). A block (20) of clear plexiglass has a surface (22) facing the display (12). Edges (24, 26) of the block (20) have notches (27, 28) for receiving incandescent bulbs (30) to direct light into the block (20). The block (20) has a back surface (32) which curves upward moving away from the bulbs (30) toward the center (34) of the block (20). Surface (32) is reflective to direct light toward the display (12). The configuration of the surface (32) causes an increasing percentage of light received at the surface (32) from the lamps (30) to be reflected toward the display (12), with increasing distance from each lamp (30). The panel meter (40) has a first manually actuated means (70) for selecting one of the multiple functions of the meter (40) and a second manually actuated means (72) for changing a displayed value of a selected function.

Abstract: A writable non-volatile memory circuit for use in portable electronic devices such as electronic timepiece, wherein there is improved the power consumption and there is provided a volatile memory with a serial input for writing the data into the non-volatile memory and for checking the data.

Abstract: The various pivoting members--setting-lever (3), rocker lever (14) and correction lever (16)--of a setting mechanism having a setting stem (2) are held in place and pivoted by means of a metal bridge (90) an arm (9) of which forms the setting-lever spring. The setting-lever, the rocker lever and the correction lever are interposed between the plate (1, 10, 11) of the movement and the bridge which not only provides for holding them in position but also provides for pivoting thereof. For that purpose, these three pivoting members each carry an arbor (4, 15, 17), which is fitted thereto and which has two end sections (4a, 15a, 17a; 21) projecting outside of said pivoting member. One of these end sections (21) engages without appreciable clearance into a corresponding hole (101) in the bridge and the other end (4a, 15a, 17a) is located with substantial clearance in a corresponding hole (20) in the plate and serves for the prepositioning of said pivoting element on said plate.

Abstract: A time set apparatus includes twelve hour set switch keys and twelve minute set switch keys. Each of the hour set switch keys designates one of 1 o'clock to 12 o'clock. Each of the minute set switch keys designates one of 0, 5, 10, . . . 50 and 55 minutes. The minute set switches are coupled to an interpolation circuit. The interpolation circuit counts how many times any one of the minute switch keys is depressed, and generates an interpolation data. When 10 o'clock key and 30 minute key is once depressed and then the 30 minute key is further depressed by three times, the interpolation data indicates "3" and the set time becomes "10:33".

Abstract: An electronic watch having a multiple of modes includes mode selection means operable from the outside and a plurality of external operating buttons for modifying the contents of indication of the watch or for issuing an operational command in each mode. Auxiliary indication means is provided directly with the mode selection means. Alternatively, the auxiliary indication means may be provided separately from the mode selection means but in an interlocked fashion with it. The indication surface of the auxiliary indication means carries at a position corresponding to each of the external operating buttons a symbol or characters which represent the function of said each of the external operating buttons in each selected mode.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece of analog display type is provided with at least one other additional function mode such as an alarm mode in addition to a current time mode of operation. When changeover from one function mode to another is performed, by actuation of an external operating member, information indicated by the timepiece analog display is rapidly changed over to correspond to information for the new function mode, e.g. is rapidly changed over to indicate an alarm time when changeover from the current time mode to the alarm time mode is performed, and rapidly changed to indicate current time when the reverse mode changeover is performed.

Abstract: A manually operable setting stem 1 has three stable axial positions defined by a pull out piece 4 cooperating with notches in the head 8a of a spring 8. The illustrated position is a pushed in, neutral position. In an intermediate pulled out position, a return bar 9 moves a sliding pinion 12 into engagement with a gear 17 in mesh with a gear 18 which is in turn in mesh with a gear 19 whose axis can swing about the axis of the gear 18. In the intermediate position, rotation of the stem in one sense adjusts a data ring 14 via a star-wheel 20 on the gear 19; rotation in the other sense adjusts the pre-set alarm time via a gear 21. In the fully pulled out position the return bar slides the pinion 12 further inwardly and with it the gear 17 which meshes with a gear 24 for setting the time indicating mechanism. The stem can be pushed in beyond the stable pushed in position to engage the tip 1a of the stem with an electrical contact. Such operation alternately turns the alarm mechanism on and off.

Abstract: A time correcting device for a time signalling timepiece including a time striking construction having an hour wheel pipe onto which an hour hand is attachingly pushed and a rotation detector linked to the rotation of the hour wheel pipe to control signalling numbers of a time striking device, an hour wheel inserted onto the hour wheel pipe with clearance, a click disc formed on the either one of the hour wheel pipe or the rotation detector in the time striking construction or said hour wheel, and a click apparatus facing to the click disc and fixed to the either other one of the hour wheel pipe, the rotation detector or the hour wheel, whereby the click action between the click disc and the click apparatus enables the intermittent rotation between the hour wheel pipe and the hour wheel so that the direct time correction on the hour hand can be performed with separation from a minute hand.

Abstract: The correction device of the invention makes it possible to activate, in the same axial position of the crown, two different modes of correction of the data displayed by the watch, it being possible to make those corrections in both directions, depending on the direction of rotation of the crown.The second correction mode is activated only after a reversal of direction of the correction made according to the first mode.This device contains, notably, memory means 11, 12, associated with each direction of rotation of the crown, and selection means 21, 31, 22, 32, for choosing the mode and the direction of correction activated in accordance with the direction of rotation of the crown, on the one hand, and a possible reversal of that direction, on the other.

Abstract: A battery-operated watch or clock has a knob which is axially shiftable been a first terminal position recessed in a rear housing wall and a second terminal position projecting therefrom. In the recessed position, in which the knob is manually rotatable upon removal of a battery cover surrounding same, its rotation resets both the minute and hour hands of the timepiece to enable its adjustment, especially upon a replacement of a spent battery. In the projecting position, such rotation only displaces the hour hand to facilitate a changeover between standard and daylight-saving time or an adjustment to a different time zone.

Abstract: The invention provides a positioning mechanism for a center wheel in a tiiece enabling precision positioning for the seconds or minutes hand relative to the dial divisions. It comprises a jumper spring (1) friction mounted onto the base plate and cooperating with the teeth (3) of the center wheel (4) and a wheel member (29) interposed between the center wheel (4) and the motor pinion (14). The wheel member includes a pinion (17) meshing with the center wheel as well as a gear (16) friction mounted relative to said pinion and meshing with the motor pinion. The positioning method consists of immobilizing the motor pinion then turning the center wheel to bring the end of the jumper spring into coincidence with a tooth space thereof. The invention is employed to position exactly the seconds or minutes hand of an electronic timepiece having a stepping motor.

Abstract: A timepiece having both analog and digital display includes a single stem operated correcting mechanism which adjusts each display independently. A correcting pinion, slidably mounted on a winding stem, provides for engagement at both ends thereof. In a first axial position of the winding stem, one end of the pinion engages a wheel train for correcting the analog display when the stem is rotated. In a second axial position of the winding stem, the correcting pinion engages a spring biased cam whereby electrical switches are intermittently opened and closed when the stem is rotated for correcting the digital display. Advancement or retardation of the displays depends on the direction of stem rotation.

Abstract: The watch comprises an oscillator, a frequency divider, display means capable of displaying at least hours and minutes, and a correction circuit controlled by a rotary time setting stem which is capable of assuming at least two axial positions, one being a rest position which is occupied by the stem when the watch is functioning normally and an operative position for jointly correcting the minutes display and the hours display. The correction circuit is so arranged as to provide for correction of hours display alone in response to a particular rotary movement of the stem in its rest position.This particular rotary movement may comprise, in regard to the stem, rotating at least through a minimum angle in a time interval which is less than a predetermined period, for example at least two revolutions in less than two seconds. The minutes and hours displays are changed and the hours display is corrected in the forward direction or the backward direction depending on the direction of rotation of the stem.

Abstract: The mechanism has a sliding and rotary stem 2 for controlling two functions of a digital display watch. The stem 2 carries a fixed pinion 4. An intermediate gear 6 is mounted rotatably at the end of a rocking lever 32. Pivotal movement of the lever 32 against the action of a spring 36 is produced by the stem 2. In a first position of the stem 2, the gear 6 is in mesh with a date setting wheel 8 but out of mesh with the pinion 4. In a second position, the gear 6 is engaged by the pinion 4 and remains in mesh with the wheel 8. In a third, fully pulled out position, the gear 6 remains engaged by the pinion 4 and is pulled out of mesh with the wheel 8 and into mesh with a time setting wheel 10.

Abstract: A second hand correction device comprising a second hand correction member which may be moved manually in inward and outward directions and in forward rotation and reverse rotation directions and a cam wheel, having a plurality of cams, which is fixed to the second hand axis. The second hand correction member is moved in such a direction as biased under an engagement with the cam wheel when the same is lowered, and engages with the cam at the rear half of its stroke. Subsequent lowering operation of the second hand correction member will cause the rotation of the cam wheel and thereby the second hand will be rotated by a specified angle to enable a repetitive continuous correction for the second hand.

Abstract: A process and an arrangement for the electronic interruption and the cancellations of the interruption of input pulses of a manually rotatable pulse generator in an electronic storage for the purpose of locking the storage condition, including a pulse generator, a first and a second counter, a comparator which is influenced by the two counters, as well as an input key. At the coincidence of the two counter contents, the pulse flow from one impulse-generating element should be so interrupted that the content will be unchanged and also remain constant even when further counting pulses are generated by the input arrangement.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having a stepping motor and a drive circuit responsive to a control signal for applying electrical drive pulses having polarities determined by the control signal for rotating the rotor of the stepping motor. The control circuit normally operates in a mode for applying a control signal to the drive circuit effective to control the drive circuit to apply alternate polarity electrical drive pulses to rotate the stepping motor rotor in a normal direction. Resetting circuitry is operable for correcting the time kept by the timepiece. A detecting circuit detects whether the stepping motor rotor is in a position to be rotated by a forthcoming drive pulse after resetting. If the stepping motor rotor is not in a position for rotation a detection circuit signal is applied to the control circuit so that the control signal controls the drive circuit to apply an electrical pulse effective to rotate the stepping motor rotor after resetting.

Abstract: An electronic module for a timepiece and comprises a display cell and an electric control circuit including contact means for operation by at least one push-button. The contact means includes at least one contact and release spring in order to close a control circuit by acting on a circuit board forming part of said circuit. The contact spring is constituted by a single piece of a metallic frame of the display cell, the spring a cut-out of such frame which is electrically connected to one pole of a source of electrical energy.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having a minute hand and an hour hand which are controlled by a control circuit of the timepiece to display and to program, in addition to their own parameters, other parameters such as date, month, second, alarm time, or other, non time-related, parameters, which can be selected by push-button or pull-switch control means.

Abstract: A manually operated control mechanism for permitting a high frequency detection signal to be selectively produced is provided. A selection circuit is coupled to a divider circuit for receiving therefrom a low frequency timekeeping signal and a higher frequency detection signal. The selection circuit is normally disposed in a first mode and transmits the low frequency timekeeping signal applied thereto and is adapted to be disposed into a second mode to thereby transmit the higher frequency detection signal applied thereto. A manually operative member is adapted to be coordinately displaced between a first non-engaging position and a second position wherein the manually operative member engages said selection circuit to thereby dispose same in a second mode in order to effect the transmission thereby of the higher frequency detection signal.

Abstract: A time setting mechanism for a wristwatch having wheel train and time indicating hands driven by the wheel train, wherein first and second gear means are coaxially rotatable independently of one another, with the first gear means being drivably connected to a control stem and the second gear means being drivably connected to the wheel train. A shift gear is movable to engaging and disengaging positions by the action of a change-over means actuated by the control stem, to provide and interrupt drive connection between the first and second gear means.

Abstract: In a timepiece movement, more particularly a quartz wrist watch movement, having a low-torque stepping motor, there is provided a differential mechanism which drives the hands and makes it possible to move the hour-hand alone in jumps. A cannon-pinion having a toothing acts as a sun gear. A planet gear is mounted on an hour-wheel which acts as a planet carrier. A ring gear takes the form of an annulus having internal teeth which is normally stationary but is controlled by a stem and can be rotated by jumps to cause the planet gear to roll along the cannon-pinion toothing, thus causing the planet carrier and consequently the hour hand to jump.

Abstract: Touch sensitive key switches of an electronic watch which control functions of the watch such as time setting, are gated to reduce the power consumption of the watch. The key switches are capacitive and are fed signals derived from the time standard oscillator of the watch. A change in the key switch signals when the switches are touched by the user activate the time setting functions. Gates are provided coupling the signals derived from the oscillator to the key switches so that the signals are applied to the key switches either under control of the user or during repetitive time periods, reducing the time the signals are applied to the key switches and the power necessary to continuously supply such signals to the key switches.

Abstract: A watch having epicyclic speed reduction gearing to drive the hour hand from the minute hand with quick hour setting device to change the hour hand without affecting the timekeeping function being measured by the minute hand.

Abstract: A system for correcting the accuracy of a reference signal in an electronic timepiece comprises an electronic timepiece including a reference signal frequency correction means for increasing or decreasing the reference signal frequency in a digital fashion with the use of a low frequency signal, and a quartz tester arrangement for measuring the accuracy of the reference signal frequency. The quartz tester arrangement indicates the displacement of the reference signal frequency from the standard signal frequency with the use of five lamps, each of which is selected to be enabled in accordance with the detected value of the displacement. The reference signal frequency correction means in the electronic timepiece includes five manually operable switches corresponding to said five lamps and functions to increase or decrease the reference signal frequency in a digital fashion in response to the closing of the switches corresponding to the enabled lamps.

Abstract: A timepiece is described having an electromechanical analogue display for rtain information and an electronic digital display for other information. Synchronizing means for the displays may consist of a signal generator associated with the analogue display driving mechanism and arranged so that at predetermined periodic intervals the signal generator may be operated so as to provide a synchronizing signal to the digital display.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic timepiece in which an input terminal of the integrated circuit is used as an output terminal. During the manufacturing of the timepiece it is important to check the running of the frequency of the oscillator and the operation of at least part of the frequency divider chain. However, in a timepiece, the places available for obtaining measurements could be very limited, and the timepiece does not generally have an output terminal adapted to connect the signal to be measured to an external counter. The purpose of the invention is to utilize an already existing input terminal as an output terminal for permitting a precise and rapid checking of the frequency of the oscillator by measuring, on that terminal, a signal of intermediate frequency delivered by the frequency divider chain.

Abstract: A slip mechanism for a timepiece comprises a rotational shaft having a pinion, a gear and a spring wherein the rotational shaft has a flange for supporting the gear, a mounting portion formed adjacent the surface of the flange for rotatably mounting the gear and slots formed above the mounting portion for engagement with the spring. The slots coact with recessed portions of the spring for preventing the spring from rotating with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having improved means for rapid setting of time, date or alarm time, whereby the number of setting pulses generated for each actuation of an external actuating member is varied depending upon the time intervals between successive actuations.

Abstract: A device for adjustment of an electrical clock with a clockwork train, the latter having an hour pointer driven via an hour gearwheel and via an hour intermediate wheel, a minutes pointer which is driven by means of a minutes gearwheel (the hour intermediate wheel being coupled in clock drive operation with the minutes gearwheel) and a minutes intermediate wheel, as well as having additional gearwheels with a first transmission ratio, the minutes intermediate wheel being coupled with a motor via the additional gearwheels. The minutes gearwheel is decouplable from the minutes intermediate wheel for the coarse adjustment of the minutes pointer and, by means of at least one additional gearwheel with a second transmission ratio which is more direct than the first transmission ratio, the minutes gearwheel is coupleable with the motor.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece displaying both the time and the temperature. A tsducer which may take two positions is provided to reach this result: the first position incorporates the transducer within the timepiece and allowing the correction of the frequency drift of the time base which determines the time the second position projecting the transducer out of the timepiece case in order to measure, for example, the temperature of the ambient air. There is also provided an automatic switching system which adapts the transducer to the frequency correction or to the temperature measurement depending on the position of said transducer.

Abstract: A month correcting mechanism for calendar timepieces comprises a month indicating dial having a toothing and a month dial correcting lever assembly adapted to be engaged with the toothing of the month indicating dial. By manually actuating the month dial correcting lever assembly, the month indicating dial may be rotated independently of the date dial to correct the indication of the month.

Abstract: This invention relates to a battery powered electronic wristwatch having a time changing device accommodated in a recess in the base plate of the watch which device operatively is connected to the adjustment shaft manipulatable externally of the watch casing to alter the position of the hands of the watch. The time changing device includes a pivotable setting lever which cooperates with the adjustment shaft and a spring for controlling the movement of the setting lever. A fixed body portion of the spring has a portion of its periphery shaped so as to conform to a peripheral portion of a base recess for accommodating the watch battery.

Abstract: Timepiece comprising means for attaining the function of measuring the time, a time display means, at least part of which is mechanically formed, a means for changing the displayed content of the time display means in response to the operation of an external actuating member and a means for setting information for setting the condition of a timepiece function in accordance with the operation of the external actuating member, the time display means serving as the display of the information to be set upon the setting of the information whereby there may be easily effected the setting of functions except the time setting without increase of the complication of the display means.

Abstract: An electric clock with a quartz oscillator, a frequency divider connected following the latter and an output stage driven by the latter, in the output of the output stage there being disposed a single phase stepping motor which acts on a clockwork gear train driving the hour indicator and the minute indicator, as well as a storage battery supplying the operating voltage and a charging circuit for the battery. The single phase stepping motor and the clockwork gear train form a self-contained construction assembly. The quartz oscillator, the frequency divider, the output stage and the charging circuit are arranged on a single printed circuit board. The printed circuit board and the construction assembly are connected with one another via two electrically conducting pins secured on the excitation coil. The printed circuit board and the construction assembly are secured in common on a carrier plate, the latter having an opening for the hour tube and the minute tube, respectively.

Abstract: An electrically driven timepiece has a high frequency oscillator, a frequy divider and a time display capable of displaying at least minutes and seconds wherein correcting and setting of the display is obtained by means of a single user accessible switch capable of assuming at least two positions including a neutral and an active position and a sequential discriminator circuit which includes a plurality of memory devices, a timing chain and a bistable circuit controlled by the switch so that cycles of impulses applied to the switch within predetermined time periods by the user will result in the addition of a unit count to the seconds display or the blocking of the display advance or the driving of the display at a higher than normal rate in accordance with the cycle pattern employed.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having an intermittent driving means for rotating the second hand step by step, in which the second hand may be driven in two or more ways, one of by a large step as driving the second hand at the rate of one step per second and the other is by a small step such as driving the second hand at the rate of ten steps per second. There is provided a large step driving pulse producing circuit, a small step driving pulse producing circuit, a transducer for transducing the pulse into the rotating motion, a large step transmitting means, a small step transmitting means, a train for transmitting the rotating motion to the second hand, and means for changing the pulses applied to the transducer and for changing the transmitting means.