Abstract: A timepiece having a mode displaying function includes an external operating member that is rotatable by a user. A sliding pinion rotatable by the external operating member rotates a transmitting gear. A correction transmitting wheel is rotatable by the transmitting gear. A motion control gear is fixed to the correction transmitting wheel. A motion control spring member having a motion control part contacts with a respective motion control face of the teeth of the motion control gear to regulate the rotation of the correction transmitting wheel during the rotation of the motion control gear. A mode displaying plate is rotatable by the correction transmitting wheel and displays the modes of the timepiece. The mode displaying plate is fixed to a display gear which has a plurality of teeth. A spring member has an urging surface for contacting with a respective motion control face of the teeth of the display gear.

Abstract: This invention concerns a timepiece of the mechanical and/or electromechanical type. Such piece comprises a first display mechanism (1), in particular a date display, a second display mechanism (2) such as a moon phase display, rapid correction means (4) for both display mechanisms (1, 2) and a driving organ (6) which controls such display mechanisms (1, 2) and which can absorb equally the displacement of one or the other of these mechanisms, such piece being characterized in that the rapid correction means (4) comprises meshing means (64) common to both mechanisms (1, 2), mounted for rotation and adapted to operate alternatively upon one or the other of such two mechanisms (1, 2) under the action of control means (72, 74). This invention is applicable to calendar and moon phase watches having a center date hand.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a horological movement provided with shaft guide means.This movement has horometric means (H) capable of supplying a time information and at least one control member (34) composed of the shaft and adapted to act on the horometric means (H), this control member (34) being guided axially and/or in rotation by the intermediary of guide means, this movement also being characterized in that said guide means are composed of three guide pieces (38, 40, 42) mounted and maintained sandwiched on one another to form therebetween a seating in which the control member (34) is freely received.

Abstract: The earth ring (8) bears the lunar disc (9) which pivots in a hollow of the surface (8a). On its outer periphery it possesses teeth (17) for driving it from the final wheel set (15) of the stepping transmission gear train (15,24,12). The driving wheel set (12) is activated one step per day from the date wheel. The pinion (20) of the lunar disc (9) is in mesh with the outer teeth (22), normally fixed but which may be displaced by means of the correction arrangement controlled by the stem (30) when it is turned in a predetermined sense. The same correction arrangement also enables one to act on the transmission train (12, 14,15,17). The stem (30) is then driven in a sense opposite to the above which displaces the sliding pinion (36) and enables correction of the position of the lunar disc (9) relative to the earth ring (8) this latter normally effecting a complete rotation in twelve months and the lunar disc (9 ) a complete rotation in about 29.5 days.

Abstract: A dual center wheel (38), provided with a plurality of dual center wheels (36) for display of times in different time zones, driven on a hands wheel for displaying the current time, and a dual adjustment member (49) adjusted by an external adjustment member (9), is formed from a gear (38a) and a pair of planetary wheels (44, 45) supported on the gear (38a). The dual center wheel (38) is also provided with a dual wheel (43), for which the rotation is regulated by means of a jumper spring, which engages one of the planetary wheels (44), and with a dual hour wheel (46) which engages the other planetary wheel (45) rotating on the same shaft as the dual wheel (43). The dual hour wheel ( 46 ), of which rotanional speed is reduced as a result of the rotation of the dual center wheel (38), makes one turn of an integer fraction of a rotation for a one pitch rotation of the dual wheel ( 43 ).

Abstract: This unidirectional correction arrangement (1) for a display device exhibiting a circular element (2) provided with teeth (3) includes a cylindrical element (4) around which is wrapped a helical spring (5), one of the ends of which serves as a finger (6) adapted to come into contact with a tooth (3). When the cylindrical element (4) is driven in rotation in a sense (A) for which the force (F1) exerted on the finger by the tooth is directed in a sense tending to wrap the spring around the cylindrical element and to tighten it therearound, the circular element (2) rotates. Such circular element (2) will not be driven when the cylindrical element (4) is driven so as to rotate in a sense (B) for which the force (F2) exerted on the finger by the tooth is directed in a sense tending to open the helical spring.

Abstract: A double faced watch has a movement driving a first gearing actuating a first hands array cooperating with a first dial and a second dial 31 on its opposed face cooperating with a second hands array 32, 33', 43. An automatic winding mass 19 is pivoted concentrically to the two hands arrays by a bail bearing the internal housing of which is fastened on a sleeve giving passage to an axle 7, 7', carrying one hand of the first hands array. This axle 7, 7' is used as a driver for the driving of the second hands array. A time setting stem 55 is axially slidable between two positions, in one of which its rotation sets one of the hands arrays and in the other of which its rotation sets the other hands array. A tilting member 62 (FIG. 6) ensures that the setting stem 55 slides in the opposite direction from a sliding pinion 47 so that the stem 55 and pinion 47 are alternately in driving relation with one or the other of the drive trains of the two hands arrays.

Abstract: An improved reduction gear assembly with friction drive/slip coupling for a timepiece movement, comprising a metal pinion member having a toothed pinion and a coaxial stem extending from an abutment surface on said pinion, including (1) a cylindrical portion, (2) a frustum portion tapering from a smaller diameter to a larger diameter (3) a terminating tapered end portion; and a plastic wheel member having a toothed wheel and first and second coaxial journals extending from opposite sides of the. A central passage in the journals has a constricted section therein with a diameter slightly less than that of said larger diameter of said frustum portion on said metal pinion member with the frustum disposed in said constricted passage with a snap fit, whereby a friction drive/slip coupling is provided between the metal frustum portion of the metal pinion member and the constricted passage of the plastic wheel member.

Abstract: An improved setting mechanism for a timepiece of a known type having a frame, a gear train, a detented setting stem rotatably mounted and axially slidable in the frame and having a toothed setting pinion which is engageable and disengageable with a plurality of crown teeth arranged on one of the gear train members, the stem setting pinion being arranged on a first axis and the crown tooth gear being arranged on a second axis. The improvement comprises offsetting the first axis so that it does not intersect the second axis and skewing the crown teeth in the direction of offset so that the setting pinion engages the crown teeth from a non-radial direction to facilitate engagement on only one side of the pinion. The offset further facilitates a stem extension in a non-interfering position.

Abstract: A multifunction analog electronic watch includes at least two operating mechanisms to control the operation of a displayed multifunction in response to external regulation. The timepiece includes at least two clutch wheels, each clutch wheel disposed on and movable along an associated one of the operating mechanisms. A single setting element is coupled to each operating mechanism and to each clutch wheel for positioning the latter.

Abstract: A hand adjustment structure for a wristwatch which has a spur gear structure disposed intermediate the minute and the hour gears of the watch includes a crown gear structure on one side of the spur gear disc for engagement with the pinion of a time setting shaft by which the spur gear structure can be rotated and together therewith the watch's minute and hour hands radial projections are stamped axially out of the spur gear disc in a circular array so as to form the crown gear structure integrally with the spur gear disc.

Abstract: A three hand movement of the type having a frame, a stepping motor mounted in the frame, a manually actutable timesetting stem disposed in the frame and a gear train driven by the stepping motor to rotate coaxial members carrying "seconds", "minutes", and "hours" hands. An improved dual reduction gear assembly comprises a first rotatable member with a toothed wheel and a second rotatable member having first and second pinions driving the "hours" and "minutes" wheels. A timesetting gear is adapted to be clutched to the "minute wheel". A friction coupling connects the first and second rotatable members during timekeeping. During timesetting, the friction coupling slips to disengage the toothed wheel from the first and second pinions, so that the second rotatable member separately functions as a reduction gear during timesetting.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece in which a gear train is driven and the hand is moved by a stepping motor and, more particularly, the timepiece which surely permits time correcting owing to the simple structure even if the gear train is formed of plastic materials. One end of the third wheel and pinion engaged with the center wheel is guided or held by the operating lever interlocked with the external control member. When the external operating member is moved into the axis direction, this operating lever is rotated and the third wheel and pinion is radially removed from the engagement of the center wheel and pinion.

Abstract: In a time-setting mechanism for an analog time-piece, when an operation member is moved in its axial direction, a pinion provided on the operation member is brought into mesh with a gear which is normally rotated in an interlocked relation to hands. When the operation member is turned in this state, the torque thereof is transmitted via the pinion and gear to the hands for time-setting. The pinion and gear are made of synthetic resins, and the pinion is made of a resin material having higher flexibility than the resin material of the gear.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting a timepiece display includes a winding stem which extends within the timepiece and without the timepiece. The winding stem is movable from a normal carrying position to a first changing position. A convex region is formed on the winding stem. A sliding pinion is mounted about the stem. A first calendar correction operating wheel is loosely fit about the stem in the normal carrying position. The convex portion of the stem engages the first calendar correction operating wheel to provide a friction fit when the outside operating member is in the first step changing position to conduct date correction.

Abstract: An electronic wristwatch includes an electronic circuit such as a lead frame with extending conductive strips providing a first battery contact terminal and switch contact terminal for operating and setting the wristwatch. A multipurpose switch actuator makes continuous electrical contact between the wristwatch battery and the first contact terminal, and makes selective switching contact with the second contact terminal when actuated by a push-pull detented stem. The stem is removable when twisted using a tool so as to unseat the detent spring, so that it can be pulled from the watch frame, and is also reinsertable without disassembling the watch. The switch actuator serves various other functions, including spring biasing of the stem detent and holding the electronic circuit lead frame in the watch frame.

Abstract: An improved contact spring in a movement for a timepiece having a frame, a stepping motor, an energy cell, a circuit driving the stepping motor with a switching terminal for disabling the stepping motor, a gear train driven by the stepping motor, and a manually actuatable stem disposed in the frame. The improved contact spring comprises a shaped member of electrically conductive spring metal with a battery contact portion and a circuit supply portion respectively engaging the energy cell and the supply terminal of the circuit. The contact spring has a spring biased first arm actuated by movement of the stem, said first arm having a braking portion adapted to supply a braking force to a member of the gear train when the stem is actuated. The arm may further include a switching portion adapted to make and break contact with the switching terminal of the circuit to disable the stepping motor when the stem is actuated.

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: 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 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 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 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: 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 movement includes a control stem slidably guided in a radial passage of a base plate. Pulling on this control stem brings a return spring acting on the stem into contact with a stud which is carried by the substrate of an electronic circuit module of the movement. This connects a conductive lead to ground, which controls an operation function of the timepiece. The pull-out control stem and associated return spring can be replaced by a push-in member and by a return coil spring located in said passage. The stud is then positioned in a hole of the substrate of the electronic circuit, which hole is situated opposite to the longitudinal axis of the passage. Pressure exerted on this push-in member places a portion thereof into electrical contact with the stud and this connects the lead to ground, as before. Thus, the movement can according to choice be completed for operation either by a push-in control movement or by a pull-out control stem movement.

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: 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: Mechanism for controlling the function of an analogue watch permitting the display of the state of at least one of the functions.It comprises a disc 16 for displaying the states; a lever 8 articulated to the pull-out piece 6 and on which a push button 18 acts; a pawl 10 articulated at the end of the lever 8; a wheel 12 meshing with the wheel 14 which bears the disc 16. For one position of the pull-out piece 6, the push button 18 moves the lever 8 in such manner that the pawl 10 causes the rotation of the wheel 12 and of the indicator 16. For the other positions, the push button 18 has no effect.

Abstract: In an electronic wristwatch a hands mechanism is adjusted manually by a pull-out stem. When the stem is pulled out, it displaces a correction wheel to operatively connect the stem with the hands mechanism. The correction wheel is moved tiltingly so that only a force-transmission side thereof (adjacent the hands mechanism) is raised and lowered. The opposite side of the correction wheel serves as a fulcrum for such tilting motion. The force-transmission side thus moves within a chamber conventionally provided in the hands mechanism and thus minimizes the height of the watch.

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: In an electronic timepiece having a central processing unit for processing current time and other data, and equipped with a crown and switch means coupled thereto for providing a correction signal comprising a pulse train of relatively high frequency, a bidirectional counter is provided for counting the correction signal pulses, with successive count totals in said counter being transferred in parallel form to be processed by the central processing unit. Processing of the high frequency correction pulses can thereby be performed even with the low maximum frequency which is generally available in an electronic timepiece for use as the clock signal to operate the central processing unit.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece is provided with a correction signal generating system for producing correction pulses to modify current time or other data. The system includes a rotary switch, coupled to a timepiece crown to be rotated thereby and having a plurality of fixed and movable contacts, with the number of movable contacts being less than the number of fixed contacts, and circuit means for producing a train of correction pulses from either of two output terminals in accordance with the direction of rotation of the timepiece crown. Correction pulses from one of these output terminals serves to increment the quantity being corrected, while correction pulses from the other output terminal serve to decrement that quantity. Gearing may be provided between the crown and the switch rotor, to increase the maximum rate of generation of correction pulses.

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: In an electronic timepiece the digital display of time functions is corrected by the manipulation of a multi-contact rotary switch. Rotation of the switch in one direction corrects one displayed function, e.g., hours and minutes, and rotation of the switch in the other direction corrects another displayed function, e.g., day and date. The rate of display correction is responsive to the rate of switch rotation. Rotational direction is electronically determined by detecting which contact in the rotary switch is the first to close. Rate of switch rotation is determined by measuring the time required in cyclic actuation of the rotary switch contacts.

Abstract: A setting device for analog-display motor vehicle clocks having an operating knob made of injection-molded plastic, which knob is turnable and elastically displaceable axially within a central passage opening in the cover glass against the action of a spring, the knob being provided with a driver for engagement into the pointer shaft. The driver, and at least two guide pins which are provided with grappling hooks, are formed of plastic integrally in one-piece with the operating knob. The guide pins are dimensioned in such a manner with respect to their material and length that the operating knob is inserted from the front side of the cover glass through the passage opening with deflection of the hooks with the guide pins and is secured against falling out after the hooks engage through and return into their original unstressed position.

Abstract: A switch structure for an electronic timepiece including a multi-position external operational member is provided. The structure includes a click lever and a switch lever, each operationally engaged with the external operational member. Rotation of the external operational member pivots the switch lever for making a first switching connection. Axial displacement of the external operational member shifts the switch lever for making a second switching action upon operation of the external operational member. In a digital electronic timepiece including the switch structure, adjustment of time may be made when the click lever is in a first position and a calendar adjustment may be made once the click lever is in a second position.

Abstract: A water resisting crown structure for electronic wristwatches comprises a guide pipe secured to a watch case, a crown stem slidably engaged in the guide pipe, and a crown locked to the guide pipe by a thread engagement. The guide pipe has an outwardly extending large diameter portion having a thread thereon. The crown stem is connected to a correcting means such as hands and calendar correcting means of the electronic wristwatch and has a non-circular flange on an outer end portion. The crown has an inner cylindrical portion and an outer cylindrical portion which are coaxial with the guide pipe and crown stem. The inner cylindrical portion has a non-circular inner wall engaged with the non-circular flange of the crown stem. The outer cylindrical portion has an inner thread adapted to be engaged with the thread of the guide pipe for locking the crown. A packing is provided in the annular space between the outer cylindrical portion and the inner cylindrical portion of the crown.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece equipped with a rotatable operating member which actuates a switch, and means for detecting the direction of rotation of the operating member to utilize a signal produced by the switch for correction of information displayed by the timepiece, the information to be corrected being selected in accordance with the direction of rotation of the operating member.

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: An electronic timepiece having a stepping motor which can be driven at a normal frequency and at a relatively faster correction frequency includes a manually actuable switch and circuitry responsive to two successive actuations of the switch within a first predetermined time period for effecting a change in the motor drive from the normal frequency to the correction frequency and responsive to a third actuation of the switch after a predetermined time period from said change, to return the motor drive to the normal frequency.

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: A rotate switch mechanism for actuating time correction displayed by an electronic timepiece comprising a rotatable crown and stem, a toothed wheel rotatably connected to the stem and a switch assembly. The switch assembly contains a switch blade precisely positioned within the periphery of the teeth of the toothed wheel and deflected thereby, with rotation of the crown, to make contact with either of two switch contacts.Circuitry responsive to each switch closure is provided for incrementally effecting time correction, forward and backward, with clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the crown, respectively.