Abstract: A clock has at least one display unit for the real time, at least one input unit for at least one adjustable set-time, if necessary linked to a date, that can be stored in a memory and that triggers a process when it is attained, as well as at least one display unit for the set-time(s). The input unit has at least three main input means. Each main input means allows a moment in time located in the future with respect to the time presently displayed in the set-time display unit to be reached, starting from the real time or from an adjusted set-time that has been programmed immediately beforehand with the same or another main input means. Said future moment in time represents an integral multiple or an integral fraction of an hour and/or the beginning of an explicitly named set period in time adapted to our natural time perception conditioned by culture and tradition.

Abstract: A multimode electronic timepiece includes a display, a number of manually actuated switches, and an integrated circuit programmed to keep time, to provide a plurality of operating modes, including time-of-day, in a continuous loop, and to permit an operator of the timepiece to cycle through the operating modes sequentially by selectively and repetitively actuating a first of the switches. The improvement includes at least one preselect function mode which displays information from a preselected operating mode along with information from another operating mode. The preselect function mode(s) is engaged by selective actuation of a second of the switches, and in the preferred embodiment, this switch is also used to cycle through the preselect function modes sequentially (where there is more than one preselect function mode).

Abstract: An electronic circuit for controlling an analog quartz clock, particularly for installation in automobiles, has first and second counters for generating control pulses at different rates according to whether the clock is to be operated in a normal mode, or a time-setting mode. In addition, a single 11-bit counter allows "fast" or "slow" resetting of the time by a single push button.

Abstract: A clock movement includes a circuit board, first and second motors, a minute wheel connected to the first motor by a first gear train and an hour wheel connected to the second motor by a second gear train. The first and second gear trains preferably extend in a first direction, and the first and second motors are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the first and second gear trains and extend in a second direction transverse to the first direction. A first detection device detects when the minute hand is in a predetermined reference position and a second detection device detects when the hour wheel is in a predetermined reference position. The first detection device includes a minute detection sensor mounted on the circuit board and having a first light-emitting device and a first light-receiving device. The second detection device includes an hour detection sensor mounted on the circuit board and having a second light-emitting device and a second light-receiving device.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having an analog or digital display delivering time information in silent, tactile manner in which the control elements (L, C, B.sub.1, B.sub.2) provided on the exterior of a closed housing cooperate via the intermediary of an interpretation circuit with the electronic coding means (22) to drive the vibration generating device (23) by means of pulse strings to emit vibration strings representative of an item of time information or of the accuracy of a time instruction or non-time instruction introduced by means of said control elements.The timepiece presents a conventional appearance, but enables a visually impaired person to know the time, to correct the internal time and to set an alarm time.

Abstract: A circuit for suppressing the effect of rebounds of a contactor (2) on a control signal (C) produced thereby, wherein the contactor (2) ideally changes from one position to another position and remains in the other position for a predetermined time. The circuit comprises a sampling means (3) for sampling the control signal (C) at a first sampling rate (CLKA) and providing a output signal (C.sub.i) being in either a first or a second state, a detecting means (4) for determining a change of said output signal (C.sub.i) from one of said states to the other state, and a sampling prevention means (5) for preventing the sampling means (3) from sampling the control signal (C) for said predetermined time in response to the change in said output signal (C.sub.i), in order that said output signal (C.sub.i) remains in said other state for at least said predetermined time.

Abstract: A master secondary clock system of the analog impulse type consisting of separate motor driven secondary clocks and a master control unit. The secondary clocks can be set at any time by an appropriate signal from the master clock so that even widely scattered secondary clocks can be brought at any time to the correct time. In one disclosed embodiment, the secondary clocks are moved by a series of rapid pulses form the master clock to a predetermined known time, the secondary clocks are brought into registry, the master clock calculates the time disparity between the registration time and the real time, and the secondary clocks are moved in unison to the real time.

Abstract: An electronic watch having an electronic circuit to perform advanced features that is able to distinguish between a first case in which an access code for entry into a programming mode has been correctly entered and the programming operation has been correctly done, from a second case in which the access code has not been correctly entered and/or the programming has not been done correctly. Access to a programming mode of a perpetual calendar feature built into the watch is controlled by requiring at least one manipulation of a time-setting rod in view of its attribution to at least one function other than the functions of correction of the date and day, and to control the watch in the manner of an ordinary watch in the second case and to attribute, in this case to at least one manipulation of the rod, the functions of correction of date and day.

Abstract: The sound volume controlling apparatus comprises UP and DOWN keys (42, 43) depressed manually; a time period detecting circuit (39h, 39d) for detecting time period from when the duration of UP or DOWN key depression reaches a predetermined value (e.g. 0.5 sec) to when the continuous key depression ends; a sound volume value deciding circuit (39e, 39f, 37a) for changing the sound volume value during the time duration detected by the time period detecting circuit; and sound volume changing circuit (37b, 45) for changing the sound volume in accordance with the value decided by the sound volume value deciding circuit.Since the sound volume is changed only after the key is kept depressed for a predetermined time period (e.g. 0.5 sec), it is possible to prevent the sound volume from being changed erroneously due to a short time touch to the keys.

Abstract: A talking analog clock comprises an analog mechanical clock movement in which the minutes mechanism has attached to it a switch that opens and closes for each minute elapsed. A digital synchronizing circuit is included that senses the closing and opening of the switch and uses these events to increment a digital time-keeping circuit. A directional switch attached to a winding stem and connected to the digital synchronizing circuit allows the digital time-keeping circuit to be incremented or decremented with the winding stem. The time in the current time memory is thereafter locked in synchronization with the analog time shown on the display dial. A user can therefore set the time or an alarm time in a simple way.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece which has storage means storing the positions of the pointers and controls the drive of the pointers.A transfer means acts to transfer data between a first pointer position storage means and a second pointer position storage means. A drive-stopping means activates the transfer means. At this time, the transfer means transfers the positional data stored in the first pointer position storage means to the second pointer position storage means. If the output from a voltage comparator means indicates that the supply voltage exceeds a threshold voltage value set by a threshold voltage value-setting means, then a starting control means transfers the data stored in the second pointer position storage means to the first pointer position storage means.

Abstract: A clock synchronous system which secures time synchronization in a network station including a master station and a plurality of slave stations. The system monitors, at all time, a time difference between a reference time of the master station and a present time of the slave station. When the time difference exceeds a predetermined value, the system divides that time difference by a predetermined correction number to find a time correction coefficient and gradually corrects the time difference of the slave station by the time corrections coefficient.

Abstract: The device for performing the method for detecting the zero position of a hand of a quartz watch with analogue display enables a beam of light to be generated and directed onto a reflective surface integral with a moving part bearing the hand, the reflected beam to be received on a detector and the position for which the output signal of the detector is maximal to be determined to make it correspond to the zero position of the hand when assembling the watch. This device comprises a source (1) emitting a beam of light (2) and a receiver (3) which intercepts the reflected beam (4) returned by a very reflective area (5). This area is integral with a surface of a moving part (6), for example the wheel bearing the second hand and, depending on the position of this wheel, the reflective surface may occupy a position (5) or an adjacent position (5') staggered by less than one step.

Abstract: Improvement in a multimode electronic timepiece having a display, a plurality of manually actuated actuators, including first and second actuators, and an integrated circuit programmed to keep time and to provide a current sequence of a plurality of modes for performing a plurality of timepiece functions, including at least first and second modes, said integrated circuit being programmed to permit an operator to sequentially cycle said timepiece through said plurality of modes, by selectively and repetitively actuating a first of said plurality of actuators, wherein said improvement comprises: first automatic mode selection means, including a program for said integrated circuit adapted to calculate at least first and second values respectively comprising the number of times the respective timepiece functions of said first and a second modes are performed by a timepiece operator in said current sequence, and to provide a next sequence of said plurality of modes, including said first and second modes of said cu

Abstract: An analog timepiece has a standard signal generator, a reversely rotatable minute pulse motor and a reversely rotatable hour pulse motor. Current time is measured based on a standard signal from the standard signal generator and stored in a current time memory. The current time stored in the current time memory is converted to a minute hand desired position and an hour hand desired position which are stored in a desired position memory. A minute hand indicating position indicated by a minute hand and an hour hand indicating position indicated by an hour hand are stored in an indicating position memory. The minute pulse motor and the hour pulse motor are driven until the minute hand indicating position and the hour hand indicating position coincide with the minute hand and hour hand desired positions.

Abstract: A radio-controlled timepiece contains a mechanism for the detection and correction of a hands setting. The mechanism includes a sender and a receiver for sending and receiving, respectively, a radiation beam. A hands setting mechanism includes an hour wheel, a minute wheel, and a seconds wheel, each possessing an aperture therethrough. The hour wheel has a front mirror located proximate the beam sender for reflecting a beam to the receiver. The front mirror has an interruption defined by the aperture of the hour disk in order to pass the beam through that aperture to a rear mirror disposed remote from the sender, such that a beam reflects from the rear mirror only after passing through aligned apertures in the disks. The hour wheel is movable independently of the minute wheel and seconds wheel, and the minute wheel and seconds wheel are rotatably interconnected.

Abstract: In accordance with the present improvement of the present invention, in a multimode electronic timepiece, actuation of a first actuator while the timepiece is disposed in a "home" mode will cause to be displayed an alternate mode for a first predetermined period of time. If said first actuator is released prior to the elapse of said first predetermined period of time, the timepiece will be returned to said "home" mode. However, if the operator continues to actuate said first actuator beyond this first predetermined period of time, the program is adapted upon elapse of said first predetermined period of time, to immediately display on said timepiece display for a second predetermined period of time, a message indicating to the timepiece operator that continued actuation of said first actuator will cause the timepiece to be disposed into a predetermined alternate mode.

Abstract: A numerical value setting device which accomplishes a numberical value setting or registering operation whether a power supply is interrupted or restored during its operation has a set value registering timer. The set value registering timer defines a period at the end of which the set value is registered. The set value registering timer counts different period clock pulses depending on the states of the power supply to assure that the correct numerical value is registered.

Abstract: A balanced digital time display shows elapsed normal time during an initial period of each hour and thereafter remaining normal time during a subsequent period of the hour. The elapsed normal time is shown by a current hour digit followed by incrementing elapsed minute digits, and the remaining normal time is shown by the hour digit advanced to the next hour and preceded by decrementing minute digits. Means are provided for automatically converting the remaining normal time display to the equivalent elapsed normal time display whenever the display is switched from a normal time mode to a setting mode during the subsequent period of the hour and to revert the display to the equivalent remaining normal time display after setting has been completed. This sequence enables setting the display at all times while in the condition of showing elapsed normal time and avoids problems encountered in setting previous balanced digital time displays while in the condition of showing remaining normal time.

Abstract: The operating program of a microcomputer is adapted such that once the operator initially selects a submode, the timepiece is disposed into the first operating state of that selected submode, and actuation of any actuator other than that actuator which cycles the timepiece through its plurality of modes, will dispose the timepiece only into other operating states of the chosen submode. The selected submode's operating states are completely independent of other submode operating states and thus the operator cannot dispose the timepiece into the operating states of another submode from any of the operating states of the initially selected submode. In fact the operator cannot exit the initially selected submode unless he actuates the actuator which cycles the timepiece through its plurality of modes, which will dispose the timepiece completely out of the chronograph/countdown timer mode into its next mode.

Abstract: A portable timing and alarm apparatus for alerting a child that a pre-set interval of time for playing or for observing a pre-arranged response has expired. An audible alarm signals the wearer of the apparatus that the time interval has expired. The length of the time interval is adjustable by use of a key to prevent tampering by the child. In one embodiment, the key is engaged by inserting the apparatus into a module which simultaneously allows two spaced enabling pins to engage mating switches on the apparatus that, when triggered, allow time setting adjustment thereof.

Abstract: An electronic watch having an electronic circuit arranged to control at least one function of the watch other than the usual functions of time indication, in which the manipulation of a time-setting rod and/or the position of movable elements of the watch at a given moment define the parameters which, alone or in combination, correspond to access codes which are recognized by the electronic circuit for accessing the advanced features. The present invention proposes to control the advanced features of the watch by means of a single time-setting rod. The time-setting rod of the preferred embodiment detects four parameters for determining an entered access code. These parameters are: (1) the position of the time-setting rod; (2) the rotation of the time-setting rod; (3) the direction of rotation of the time-setting rod; and (4) the rotation velocity of the time-setting rod.

Abstract: A selecting apparatus for a multimode electronic wrist instrument. A microcomputer in the wrist instrument is programmed to sequentially actuate selecting indicia similar to a cursor horizontally and/or vertically on the display to indicate a selectable function for the timepiece. At least four directional switches are operated by movement of an operator's finger with respect to a central reference position. The microcomputer is further programmed to select the selectable operating function displayed when a selecting switch is operated. In one embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating means comprises four separate directional actuators arranged about a central actuator which operates the selecting switch. In another embodiment, the manual actuating means is a single member adapted to movement in at least four directions corresponding to movement of the selecting indicia on the display and also adapted to be depressed in the center to operate the selecting switch.

Abstract: A timer apparatus in which a stored reservation date to record a program and the present date are compared and when the reserved date is past the present date the reserved date is automatically changed to the nearest future date of the same day of the week, so that user efforts are simplified and required memory space is decreased. When it is necessary to make a change in the date or day of the week being displayed, by repeating a plurality of selected display patterns within a predetermined time period it appears to the user that the date or the day of the week is being continuously and sequentially changed at a high speed, whereas only the selected patterns are being sequentially displayed.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a digital pulse train from a dial rotation indicating the direction and degree of rotation. The device incorporates two facing disks mounted to a stem and having mating teeth on adjacent surfaces. One disk is mounted for free rotation about the winding stem and projects an actuating lever arm from its periphery. The other disk is mounted for axial movement and is keyed to rotate with the shaft. Left and right micro-switches are mounted proximate the disks and positioned to be contacted by the actuating lever when it is rotated in the respective left and right directions. During this rotation the stem moves the keyed disk in the selected direction of rotation. The keyed disk engages the free disk and causes it to rotate until the actuating lever arm contacts a micro-switch. When such contact occurs, the free disk is prevented from further rotation and the keyed disk shifts over the teeth of the free disk.

Abstract: An electronically correcting electronic timepiece is provided having indicating hands for indicating the time of day or the passage of time. At least one step motor is provided for driving the indicator. A correction signal forming circuit produces drive pulses for driving the step motor to correct the indicator. A control circuit controls the correction signal forming circuit to accelerate and decelerate the indicator in a step manner during correction of the indicator.

Abstract: An electronic watch includes a "traveler's time" function which can be activated when a wearer leaves on a long trip, east or west by plane, boat or the like. This function will advance or retard the operation rate of the watch so that after a user-determined trip time has elapsed, the watch will display the actual local time at the arrival location, and the watch will resume operation at its normal rate. By glancing at the watch from time to time, a traveler can become accustomed gradually to a time change caused by his travel through different time zones so that the psychological effects of "jet lag" are minimized. The watch may also be used by a non-traveler to cause time to advance at a non-standard rate for other reasons. The watch includes a microprocessor (10), a quartz crystal (20) for providing a time standard, a display (30) for displaying the time, and a set of switches (40-90) for activating the watch's functions.

Abstract: A multimode electronic timepiece has a display, a group plurality of manually actuated switches, and an integrated circuit programmed to keep time and to provide several operating modes including time-of-day mode. The integrated circuit is programmed to permit an operator to sequentially shift the current mode of operation from one mode to the next by selectively and repetitively actuating a first switch. The improved timepiece includes an alternate mode selection when a second switch is temporarily depressed to display the operating condition of a mode other than the current mode. The display returns to the current mode when the second switch is no longer actuated.

Abstract: An electronic watch includes a "traveler's time" function which can be activated when a wearer leaves on a long trip, east or west by plane, boat or the like. This function will advance or retard the operation rate of the watch so that after a user-determined trip time has elapsed, the watch will display the actual local time at the arrival location, and the watch will resume operation at its normal rate. By glancing at the watch from time to time, a traveler can become accustomed gradually to a time change caused by his travel through different time zones so that the psychological effects of "jet lag" are minimized. The watch includes a microprocessor (10), a quartz crystal (20) for providing a time standard, a display (30) for displaying the time, and a set of switches (40-90) for activating the watch's functions. The microprocessor includes a set of registers (145 to 160) for storing the departure, destination, and traveler's times, and for controlling operation of the watch.

Abstract: A colon appearing on the display of an electronic digital timepiece between the hours and the minutes display serves as a display means for the time complexes "daylight-saving time" and "standard time", One point of the colon is surrounded by a first symbol for daylight-saving time and the other point is surrounded with a second symbol for standard time. In accordance with the selected time complex, these symbols appear on the display either continuously or for a period of time upon being recalled.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a hairspring for storing the energy provided by a step motor driving circuit and a rotor immersed in a viscous fluid controls the energy released by the hairspring to provide a constant driving force for turning the display hands of the timepiece. A frequency divider circuit counts the number of clock signals produced by an oscillator. During time correction when the hands are prevented from being driven by the energy stored in the hairspring the frequency divider retains at least a portion of the count. A recoil torque provided by the hairspring and a load torque provided by the rotor are substantially balanced at all times including immediately after the time correction activities. Time delay especially immediately following the time correction activities is avoided.

Abstract: An electronic watch includes a "traveler's time" function which can be activated when a wearer leaves on a long trip, east or west by plane, boat or the like. This function will advance or retard the operation rate of the watch so that after a user-determined trip time has elapsed, the watch will display the actual local time at the arrival location, and the watch will resume operation at its normal rate. By glancing at the watch from time to time, a traveler can become accustomed gradually to a time change caused by his travel through different time zones so that the psychological effects of "jet lag" are minimized. The watch includes a microprocessor (10), a quartz crystal (20) for providing a time standard, a display (30) for displaying the time, and a set of switches (40-90) for activating the watch's functions. The microprocessor includes a set of registers (145 to 160) for storing the departure, destination, and traveler's times, and for controlling operation of the watch.

Abstract: The present invention is a technique for operator entry of a time program into a programmable device. An operator adjustable input device having associated time indicia is employed to enter a time signal indicative of a time a selected time. A manual control state input device enables selection of one a control state. When the programmable device is in a program mode the selected control state is stored in a program memory at a location corresponding to the selected time. This program memory stores a program of control states for particular times. When in a control mode a clock signal indicative of the current time permits recall of the control state for the current time, thus permitting control in accordance with the recalled control state. In accordance with the preferred embodiment the programmable device is an electronic thermostat.

Abstract: The pushpiece mechanism for a timepiece comprises pushpiece return means arranged so that the force applied to the pushpiece passes through a maximum at an intermediate position thereof between a rest position and the pushed-in position of the pushpiece.To this end the return means are provided with two bearing elements arranged to cooperate with one another and comprising respectively a beak and a heel coupled by an elastic member, such bearing elements and elastic member being formed as a single piece.The mechanism may be applied in particular to electronic timepieces including a chronograph function.

Abstract: The circuit comprises a counter (13), a generator (11) that produces a reference signal (Sf) made up of pulses, and a two-input AND gate (10). One input of the AND gate is connected to the generator while the other input receives a signal (Sx) produced by a bouncing contact (X) as it switches from an open position to a closed position and vice versa. The output of the AND gate is connected to the clock input (C113) of the counter, which further has a reset input (R13) connected to the output of an inverter (14) whose input receives the signal produced by the contact.Opening of the contact causes the reference signal to be blocked by the AND gate and the counter to be reset. Closure of the contact causes the AND gate to open to the reference signal whose pulses then increment the counter and the latter, upon its contents reaching a predetermined value, issues an output signal (S13) in the form of a pulse.

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: 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: An analog clock comprises an oscillator circuit for producing a signal having a predetermined frequency, a circuit for frequency-dividing the output signal of the oscillator circuit so as to produce a clock pulse signal and adjustment pulse signals having a period different from that of the clock pulse signal, a manipulation part for producing an adjustment instruction signal responsive to a time adjustment made in the manipulation part, a circuit for producing a driving pulse signal from one of the clock pulse signal and the adjustment pulse signals depending on the adjustment instruction signal and for supplying the driving pulse signal to a coil for forward rotation or to a coil for reverse rotation, and a stepping motor having a rotor which is rotated in the forward (or reverse) direction by a predetermined angle responsive to an excitation of the coil for forward (or reverse) rotation by one pulse of the driving pulse signal. Hands of the analog clock are rotated by the rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A single push-pull stem control is provided for setting and operating digital time displays. The stem may be pushed into a first operative position, relative to a case housing the display and exposing it to view, in which it completes a circuit to the elements of the operating parts which generate normal timekeeping indicia in the display. Upon being pulled out of the case to a second operative position, the circuit to the normal timekeeping elements is discontinued and a circuit is established to elements of the operating parts which generate time setting indicia in the display. The stem may be turned in clockwise and counterclockwise directions while in the second position to perform setting and selecting functions, and also while in the first position to perform other desired functions.

Abstract: A programmable timing device adapted to be programmed to produce a signal after expiration of one or a multiple of timing periods. Each actuation of a programming switch representing one such timing period. And a lockout circuit effective to limit the time within which the programming switch is effective to program the device.

Abstract: The timepiece comprises a first motor for driving a second hand and a second motor for driving minute and hour hands.When the timepiece is operating normally, the first motor, which comprises at least two coils, is controlled continuously by variable voltages in such a way that its rotor is subjected to a rotating magnetic field and that the second hand moves forward by effecting at least five jumps per second. Furthermore, these voltages are preferably such that the rotor effects one revolution per minute, it therefore being possible to fix the second hand directly to the rotor shaft.The second motor is a conventional, preferably bidirectional stepping motor.

Abstract: The back cover of the case is provided with positioning means which determine more or less precisely the location where means external to the case must be placed in order to actuate each control mechanism.Such positioning means may for example take the form of grooves at the bottom of each of which is located a control mechanism and into which may be introduced a portion of the securing element of the bracelet.It might likewise comprise protuberances or portions in relief or cavities of more complex form, the remaining parts forming guide means for guiding the external actuating means toward such positioning means.This invention concerns electronic watches having a system of operating controls located in the back cover of their cases.

Abstract: Is disclosed an electronic watch which conducts switch operation by rotating the annular dial of the outer case, wherein the rotation direction and the rotation position of the annular dial is made possible to detect accurately by providing electric pattern on the reverse side of the annular dial and a switch pin on the body side of the watch whereby a large number of modes are establishable.

Abstract: A timepiece receives an externally transmitted radio signal corresponding to an accurate time of day. Disposed within the timepiece is a detecting mechanism for detecting the time of day being displayed by the timepiece. The signals are compared to determine the accuracy of the timepiece. The detection mechanism comprises an optoelectrical system which includes an emitter for directing a beam of radiation toward the sensor. The wheels of the gearworks intersect the beam ahead of the sensor to normally block the beam from the sensor. The wheels include orifices which, when aligned with the beam, permit the beam to reach the sensor, thereby providing an indication of the position of the wheels, and thus of the time being displayed.

Abstract: A watch comprising at least a minute hand, an hour hand and a knobbed shaft which can occupy an extended axial position known as a correcting position.Minute-by-minute correction or correction by whole time zones is operated with the knobbed shaft in the same extended position by the selection of the speed at which the knob is rotated. Time zone correction always uses as point of reference the real time at the moment of actuation of the knob into the extended position, and the watch includes means operative to cancel any step-by-step correction of the minute hand which may have preceded the time zone correction.

Abstract: An electronic alarm timepiece has a rotatable ring producing clicks when the ring is rotated from a first position aligned with one of the hands to a second position at which the alarm will be actuated when the hand reaches such position. The clicks are transmitted to the electronic timepiece logic through the same piezoelectric transducer which produces the alarm sound. The logic means actuates the alarm after an elapsed time which is proportional to the number of clicks counted when the ring is rotated.

Abstract: The invention provides an electronic watch having an analog display with time indicating hands, a digital display and control means including a crown adapted to act on contacts arranged so as to provide signals representing rotary and axial displacements of said crown to an electronic selection and correction circuit.Responding to movements of the crown, the electronic circuit determines the operating mode of the watch and modifies the indications given by the displays. In a special synchronizing mode the two displays are set to indicate the same information and the analog form thereof may be adjusted to coincide with the digital form.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece is disclosed which simplifies operations otherwise needed for executing a variety of functions. The electronic timepiece is characterized in that any desired alarm message may be activated by an extremely simple key operation. In addition, the alarm message timepiece can automatically set time data corresponding to respective alarm messages all at once when a battery is loaded therein.

Abstract: The liquid crystal display cell (21) indicates the date in an aperture situated at 12 o'clock. The hour wheel (31) and the center wheel (29) present coaxial pipes which pass through the dial and bear hour and minute hands. These wheels are driven by a wheel-train (30, 28, 27) actuated by the stepping motor (25) which receives its pulses from the circuit (23) controlled at a frequency of 1 Hz for example by the quartz (48). The 24-hour wheel (33) bears a contact element (46) which, once per revolution, grounds the terminal (47). The pulse which results therefrom is transmitted to a counter incorporated in the circuit (23). This counter controls the decoding circuit which controls the display cell (21). To effect the setting of the date, the stem (35) is brought into its intermediate position (II). The contact element (40) borne by the yoke (38) then grounds the terminal (41), which causes in the circuit (23) the emission of pulses at a frequency of 1 Hz which controls a repeated and rapid change of date.

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.