Abstract: A magneto-optical recording medium comprising a transparent substrate, a first dielectric layer on the substrate, a magneto-optical recording layer on the first dielectric layer and a metal reflecting layer on the magneto-optical recording layer, optically with a second dielecric layer between the magneto-optical recording layer, wherein the magneto-optical recording layer has a Curie temperature Tc of from 100.degree. C. to 200.degree. C. and a layer thickness of from 15 nm to 60 nm, the metal reflecting layer has a layer thickness of not less than 60 nm and a product .lambda.d of a thermal conductivity .lambda. by the layer thickness d of from 2.5 .mu.W/K to 20 .mu.W/K, and the following formula is satisfied: Tc.ltoreq.-10.times..lambda.d+300. This magneto-optical recording medium has an improved stability under repeated recording and erasing, or continuous erasing, operations without a loss of a high recording sensitivity thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a transparent scratchproof watch case closure element, characterized in that it is realized by sintering a pressed part or a injected part having a general shape similar to that of said closure element, said part being essentially formed of a powder or a mixture of powders of ceramic material and in that said closure element is transparent in the visible spectrum.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ornamental container detachably attached to a wrist watch. The ornamental container is pivotally connected to an upper supporting frame which cooperates with a pair of lower U-shaped fixing members to sandwich a watch case of the wrist watch between them. The ornamental container is filled with ornamental articles, such as cute floating articles drifting on dual-liquid, and is normally closed to the supporting frame over the dial of the wrist watch. When a werarer wants to check time, the ornamental container can be pivotally lifted to expose the dial.

Abstract: A watch saddle for providing ventilation and spacing between a user's wrist and a wristwatch.

Abstract: A rotatable indicator ring for a wristwatch is an assembly of a first ring of hard resin material rotatably mounted and retained ont he watch bezel, and a soft elastomeric second ring extending beyond and locked to the first ring. The first ring has decorative or functional indicia and the second ring has a frictional surface facilitating turning the assembly and protecting the watch from impact and shock.

Abstract: Shock absorbing members are attached to an outer rim of a back surface of a wristwatch case body at 6- and 12-o'clock portions thereof, and they extend outward and curve downward. Each of the shock absorbing members has rising portions extending from its both side ends and which are freely swingably attached to the wristwatch case body to a circumferential surface of the wristwatch case body. In addition, a part of a front surface and the circumferential surface of the wristwatch case body are covered by a first cover member made of soft synthetic resin, and the first cover is partly covered by a metal-made second cover member. When shock is applied to the front and circumferential surfaces of the wristwatch case body, the shock is reduced or absorbed by the rising portions of the shock absorbing members. When shock is applied to the back surface of the case body, the shock is reduced or absorbed by the shock absorbing member.

Abstract: A wrist watch and band protector. The wrist watch and band protector has a substantially circular body portion, a pair of extensions formed on and emanating from the body portion such that each extension of the pair of extensions are disposed mutually opposite each other on the body portion and are colinear, and fastener for fastening each extension of the pair of extensions around the wrist watch so that the wrist watch crystal, the wrist watch in general, and the wrist watch band, are protected from breakage.

Abstract: A time standard assembly for a global positioning system (GPS), such as for a space vehicle, has a natural-frequency atomic frequency standard (NAFS) which is operated at its natural resonant frequency in order to output an upset-proof natural frequency signal. The assembly includes a frequency synthesizer unit (FSU) and microprocessor data unit (MDU) which are hardened by combining them together and enclosing them in one integral unit which is shielded from the electromagnetic pulse of an upset event. Multiply redundant NAFS, FSUs, and MDUs are used to improve reliability and for maintaining units on-line and in standby. A dithered clock frequency signal is generated by the FSU according to a dither algorithm performed by the MDU, and the MDU generates encoded clock data using the dithered clock frequency signal. The MDU includes an upset recovery mechanism for resetting its registers and counters using the upset-proof natural frequency signal from the NAFS upon detecting the occurrence of an upset event.

Abstract: A is particularly useful in a specialized activity, such as piloting an airplane, in which a user's forearm is held vertical and with the radial aspect or "edge" of the wrist oriented toward the user's eyes. The mount is for use with a timepiece or other instrument that has a legible face and controls, with the controls preferably above and below the legible face. The mount includes a relatively rigid, standard-size casing that fits loosely on the radial aspect of the wrist, held by a wristband. Along opposite edges of the casing are inward-directed retaining flanges. A relatively compliant insert pad is secured in the casing, between the flanges. The pad is custom fitted, and preferably individually custom-molded, to conform closely to the radial aspect of a particular individual user's wrist. The casing carries the timepiece or other device on the radial aspect of the wrist, with vertical elements of the legible face parallel to the long dimension of the forearm.

Abstract: The watch case comprises a middle cum bezel unit (14,16), a glass (18) secured to the unit and a bell-shaped cap (20). The glass (18) is formed with a heel (28) extending radially towards the periphery of the case. The glass (18) further defines with the bezel-forming portion (16) of the unit a groove (30) by means of which the cap (20) is secured and positioned.

Abstract: The watch case (1) of this invention includes a caseband-bezel (2) of plastic material overlaid with a metal cap (5). The cap is a metallic leaf formed to match the relief of the bezel (15) and caseband (16) which it overlays. The cap is secured to the caseband-bezel by tabs (50) folded into receptacles (51) provided by the caseband-bezel.

Abstract: The wrist watch of this invention includes a caseband (18) and a baseplate (20) formed as a single piece to give a baseplate-caseband (10). The baseplate-caseband is entirely coated by a thin protective layer (60) of substantially constant thickness. In order to protect the portions of the caseband exposed to exterior stresses (shocks etc.) the baseplate-casband is borne by two longitudinal struts (1) fastened on either side of the caseband. These struts are provided in a manner such that they exhibit a greater resistance to said exterior stresses than does the baseplate-caseband. In particular the longitudinal struts (1) are coated with a protective layer (61) of greater thickness than the layer (60) which coats the baseplate-caseband.

Abstract: The watch case (1) of this invention includes a caseband-bezel (2) of plastic material overlaid with a metal cap (5). The cap is a metallic leaf formed to match the relief of the bezel (15) and caseband (16) which it overlays. The cap is secured to the caseband-bezel by glue preferably located in a receptacle (33) provided within the thickness of the caseband and extending at least partially along the periphery of said caseband.

Abstract: A sports wrist watch protector comprising a continuous band portion, dependent side portions and a central aperture transverse to the length of the band through which the watch crystal and encircling bezel may be accessed. The band portion comprises an elastomeric fabric of laminate material for universal sizing. The elastomeric fabric of nylon, lycra, terry, plush or velcro laminated on one or both sides to a neoprene core, having differential stretch, with stretch along one axis greater than the perpendicular axis. The length of the band (circumference) is oriented along the greatest stretch axis so that upon stretching the depending side edges curl around the watch band. The central aperture is perpendicular to the band axis (circumference) and is either oval or rectangular in shape in the relaxed position, so that it stretches in the operative position to a round or square shape to conform with the shape of the wearer's watch.

Abstract: A perimetrical watch protector has a protector or guard portion located perimetrically of the face of the watch and has resilient retainer lugs formed integrally with said protector or guard portion. The retainer lugs include downwardly extending resilient lugs which overlie the adjacent portions of the edge of the watch, and retainer bands are formed integrally therewith which engage the back of the watch.

Abstract: A watch guard is comprised of an integral body of resilient material having a first or central part adapted to overlie a watch and having a central opening facilitating the viewing of the watch face for time observation. Second watch guard parts extend from the watch guard first part at respective opposite ends of the first part for engagement with the wristband of the watch. An enhanced self-bias exists as between the second parts and the first part based on respective differences in thicknesses thereof, whereby, although both such parts are resilient in nature, the first part definitively supports the second parts for biased pivotal movement relative to the first part.

Abstract: A watch comprises a watch case, a glass, a wristlet, a cap and spindles, the watch case being constructed in one piece, the glass being sealed to the watch case, the cap at least partially covering the upper side of the watch, the wristlet being formed of two half wristlets. The half wristlets are secured one on each side of the case by means of the spindles which secure the cap to the watch case.

Abstract: A watch middle cum plate is described that comprises an annular middle-forming portion and a plate-forming portion which is surrounded by the middle-forming portion and which is formed with recesses for receiving components of the watch movement. The middle cum plate is provided with a protective coating of which a first part essentially covers the plate-forming portion and of which a second, thicker, more resistant part covers at least the visible surfaces of the middle-forming portion.Such middles cum plates may be made from flat brass blanks by machining recesses in their central portion for receiving components of a watch movement, by applying to the blanks a layer of material that is chemically more inert than brass to form the first part of the above coating, stacking and assembling the blanks such that at least the above central portions of the blanks with the recesses are masked, and applying to the visible regions of the stacked and assembled blanks the above second part of the coating.

Abstract: A protective overlay is provided for preventing scratching or chipping of the crystal of a wristwatch, while permitting visual determination of the time of day. The overlay comprises a circular disk of a transparent high static vinyl sheet material adapted for stick-on attachment to a glass or plastic watch crystal without use of an adhesive. The exposed or front side of the disk bears selected decorative ornamentation and is covered by a transparent surface layer which seals the ornamentation against smudging and the like.

Abstract: The watch case of this inveniton includes means for fixing the crystal to the case having surfaces exposed at the exterior of the watch thus susceptible to being scratched. Such visible surfaces are protected by an armour formed essentially of a substrate made from a metallic carbide and a material covering the substrate such material having a hardness greater than 5000 HV.sub.0.25.

Abstract: A watch protector has a guard member extending across the face of the watch and two ring members, each attached at an end of the guard member. Each ring member has a cross-piece extending between opposite sides of the ring member for dividing the ring member into two openings, one closer to the guard member, and the other more distant from the guard member. At least one of the openings of each ring member receive portions of the watch band. The guard member having a vertical dimension extending upward from the face of the watch greater than the vertical dimension of the ring members when the ring members are aligned with the guard member for added protection.

Abstract: A buffer is made so as to be attached to the glass face of a wristwatch so that the glass of the watch is protected from damage by touching rock or so on. The buffer is attached to the watch straps by attachments made at the ends of the buffer. The buffer is made of a flexible substance such as rubber, and is also made so as not to obstruct the reading of the time of the watch.

Abstract: A protective cover is provided for a watch crystal, which is initially in the form of a depressed portion in a plastic cover member, the convex side thereof being adherent to the crystal. To achieve full application, the depression is inverted over the surface of the crystal, and is then excised from the remainder of the sheet or film. The cover member is preferably provided as a component of a package which also includes a backing board and interposed insert piece, the latter being used to strip the cover member from the backing board.

Abstract: A wrist watch, particularly a water-tight wrist watch, has upper and lower housing parts, a watch mechanism received in the lower housing part, a watch glass, a dial member, a spacer member, and an elastic element in the lower housing part arranged so that the upper housing part presses the watch mechanism via the watch glass, the spacer member and the dial member against the elastic element. The upper housing part has a collar extending over the spacer member and lying on a step portion of the watch glass.

Abstract: A water-resistant shaped case construction for a wristwatch with a bell-shaped molded crystal with a central viewing portion and a depending wall forming part of the case including an integral pendant for the stem, a stainless steel bezel shell clamping a sealing gasket between the rim of the crystal wall and the caseback by a snap-fit attachment between the bezel and the case back. The improvements include a shoulder on the crystal wall cooperating with the rim of the caseback to control the clamping action on the gasket.

Abstract: A timepiece in the form of a miniature digital clock includes a front side with a window portion to receive a transparent window for viewing time display means disposed inside the clock housing and an actuator-receiving portion adjacent the window portion to receive slide switches, push switches or other switch means to control the functions of the clock. A multifunctional member is pivotably mounted on the housing and includes an open portion and adjacent cover portion. The multifunctional member is pivotable to a first position where the cover portion overlies the actuator means to prevent accidental actuation of the clock actuator means during travel and the open portion overlies the window portion of the clock to permit viewing of the time display means when the actuator means is covered. The member is also pivotable to a second position behind the clock housing such that the member functions as an adjustable stand means for supporting the timepiece on a table or the like.

Abstract: A cover for a wrist watch to protect the watch, watch crystal, and wrist band thereof. The watch cover comprises an elongated flexible strap member having a central opening therein, and a housing affixed to the strap member adjacent the opening. An opening in the housing is contiguously aligned with the strap opening to receive a secondary crystal therethrough, whereby the watch and watch crystal are positioned within the housing and secondary crystal, the elongated strap and housing having included thereon an ornamental sheath member defined by a decorative, soft, fabric-like material. An adjustable fastening device is mounted to the strap member so as to secure the protective watch cover around the entire wrist watch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sealed touch type switch of minimal dimensions adapted for ease of assembly into an electrical device. A flexible membrane with a conductive layer providing a depressible upper contact, an insulating and spacing member and optionally a stationary lower contact are preassembled in a sandwich construction, the flexible contact membrane and the insulating and spacing member having integral stem portions bonded together to define an insulated lead adapted to be bent for ease of final assembly. The switch may have a thickness as small as 0.010 inch and a diameter as small as 0.100--0.200 inch.

Abstract: A retaining spring for fixedly retaining a case band and a back cover of a wristwatch case, which retaining spring comprises a fixing portion secured to one of the case band and the back cover, a weakened or torsionable portion extending from the fixing portion, and an engaging portion connected to the fixing portion through the weakened or torsionable portion and engaging with the other one of said case band and said back cover.

Abstract: A sealed, shaped watch-case has a rim formed with a rectangular interior defined by a wall in which a annular groove is formed around the rim interior. The watch movement is supported in the rim by an elastically compressible retaining ring held in compression axially of the case by a circular, annular retaining part formed with radially outwardly extending projections. These projections are insertable into the rim by disposing them at corners of its rectangular interior until they are level with the groove so that rotation of the retaining part locates them in the groove to lock the retaining part in position. The case also has a base welded to an annular frame which is an interference push fit on the retaining part.

Abstract: A watchglass fixing structure in which a watchglass fixing member is provided with an annular groove having a groove width approximately equal to the combined thicknesses of the outer diametric portion of a watchglass and the outer circumferential portion of a backing ring, a flange at the upper portion of said annular groove, the inner diameter of the flange being smaller than the outer diameter of said watchglass, and with an inner circumferential surface at the lower portion of said annular groove, the diameter of the inner circumferential surface being larger than the outer diameter of said watchglass. The watchglass is fitted into an upper half of said annular groove of said watchglass fixing member through a waterproof packing, while the outer circumferential portion of said backing ring is inserted into a lower half of said annular groove.

Abstract: An underwater diver's instrument case for tethering an underwater watch and depth gauge to a pressure gauge suspended from a hose leading from a regulator mounted on a scuba tank. The case includes a housing formed with a compartment defining pressure gauge and depth gauge cavities. The housing includes a retainer which retains the pressure and depth gauges in their respective cavities. The cover is formed with windows overlying the faces of the respective gauges to enable viewing thereof. Thus, the case may be conveniently mounted to a pressure gauge conventionally suspended from a scuba diver's air regulator by means of a hose and the depth gauge will be readily available for convenient viewing during a dive much the same as the pressure gauge.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having a molded casing made of resin for incorporating in one body, timepiece components including a windshield, display means including an electro-optical display element or pointers, timepiece driving means, battery cell case and external switch means.