Abstract: A damping device, more particularly for a watchcase, includes a case (1) the back (7) of which has an extension provided with a groove (13) holding a gasket (14). The device further includes a support (2, 3) the lower segment (2) of which has a compression chamber (18) cooperating with the extension of the back of case (1), this extension being able to move axially, and in air-tight fashion, in this chamber (18). This lower segment (2) of the support is linked to a ring (3) against which case (1) leans in its rest position.

Abstract: A timepiece having an external case, a sound source disposed inside the external case, an internal filter that is gas permeable and waterproof and is disposed opposite with a gap to the external case and the sound source, and a communication opening that communicates the space between the external case and the internal filter with the outside. The internal filter is a porous thin film that has a large number of small holes and assures waterproofness preventing water from passing the small holes for at least ten minutes when in contact with water at normal pressure.

Abstract: A water-proof watch case and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. First, a design of a case and a bottom lid is decided, and a mold according to the design is fabricated accordingly. Next, a hard plastic material is injected into the mold to form the case and the bottom lid. Next, a soft plastic material is injected at an outer rim of the case to form at least one button, and a soft plastic material is injected at a conjunction between the case and the bottom lid to form a water-proof gasket. Finally, the hard and soft plastic materials are heated to adhere the button and the water-proof gasket to the outer rim of the case and the conjunction between the bottom lid and the case respectively.

Abstract: A timepiece having an external case, a sound source disposed inside the external case, an internal filter that is gas permeable and waterproof and is disposed opposite with a gap to the external case and the sound source, and a communication opening that communicates the space between the external case and the internal filter with the outside. The internal filter is a porous thin film that has a large number of small holes and assures waterproofness preventing water from passing the small holes for at least ten minutes when in contact with water at normal pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a watch case comprising a case middle (16), a bezel (18) mounted so that it can turn on the middle and defining between them an annular chamber (36) and a gap (40) open towards the outside of the case, a glass (22) mounted in sealed fashion on the bezel, a seal (42) inserted between the bezel and the middle and arranged in said chamber (36). According to the invention said seal comprises a ring (44) of annular shape made of a material of the highly elastically deformable type, of annular shape, and the cross section of which comprises two lips (44a), one bearing against the bezel (18), the other against the case middle (16), and a compression member (48) arranged in said chamber on the side of the gap, inserted between and collaborating with said lips in order to compress them against the bezel and against the case middle, respectively.

Abstract: In an electronic watch containing an electric battery assembly of large size, particularly a battery assembly including several batteries or accumulators (41, 42), the diameter of a removable cover (20) closing a large bottom opening of the back cover (14) of the watchcase is limited by the fact that the cover is provided with a bayonet fitting device having locking members (56) radially directed towards the interior. These locking members catch on a fixed support (22) having one or more housings for the battery assembly. They are arranged at the top of a substantially cylindrical annular portion (50) of the cover. A sealing gasket (52) is placed around this annular portion and compressed radially against a cylindrical surface (16) of the periphery of the opening in the back cover, which ensures water-resistance even if the bayonet fitting is not screwed all the way in. According to a variant, the cover can form the entire back cover of the case.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for data entry into a portable object, in particular a watch, with display screen comprising a control button (1) consisting of an elastic mass (2) wherein is housed a permanent magnet (3) and a positioning analogue magnetic sensor (4) with Hall effect for example, arranged inside the object opposite to and spaced apart from said control button (1), said sensor being adapted to measure the movements of the magnet (3) in at least one direction for data entry. The control button (1) is arranged in a blind housing (7) of a non-magnetic wall (5) of the object structure, to be mechanically uncoupled from the sensor, said wall not in contact with said sensor acting as sealing protection for the sensor.

Abstract: To provide a wrist watch having a small rim width while ensuring the strength of a glass rim. A movement with hands and a dial plate is assembled into a barrel from a side of a glass rim. A water-proof packing is arranged between a glass rim and the barrel. Machine screws are mounted inside the water-proof packing to fix the barrel and the glass rim together.

Abstract: There is disposed a middle comprising a metallic inner middle (20) in which a movement (30) is housed, and a metallic outer middle (21) covering at least a part of the inner middle, and an elastic shock absorber (35) disposed between the inner middle and the outer middle.

Abstract: A waterproof electronic kitchen timer having a casing that can withstand gentle washing under a kitchen faucet for removal by detergents of grease and other soils.

Abstract: A device for locking the rotatable bezel of a watch and for rendering the winding button thereof watertight comprises a plastic washer connected to a flat surface of said button, coaxially thereto, so as to engage with circumferential knurling of the rotatable bezel, when the button is in a returned position, adjacent to the casing of the watch, in order to ensure the locking of the bezel. The device further comprises a seal which is carried by the button so as to be compressed between it and the casing when the button is in said returned position, in order to ensure watertightness of the button. Pressure means, movably supported by the casing, in a first position axially press the button holding it in said returned position and, in a second position, permits the outwards movement of the button to a rewinding and resetting position.

Abstract: The invention concerns an acoustic alarm safety device comprising a case (2), a vibrating element (20) associated to a membrane (22) so as to make it vibrate, electrical means for providing a control signal to said vibrating element, and means (18) for actuating the electrical means.This device is characterized in that it further comprises a pierced backcover (28) attached to said case (2) and arranged so as to protect it, and so as to allow a vibration of the set of the vibrating element-membrane (20, 22), said backcover being attached to said case in a manually removable manner, and a fitted ring (26) to which is attached said membrane (22), said ring (26) and said membrane (22) being associated to the case in such a way that the set ring-membrane (26, 22) ensures the waterproofness of the case (2).

Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece, specifically a wrist watch, including a fluid resistant container (19) provided with a framework (20) of plastic material housing the horometric components. Such fluid resistant container (19) is closed by a crystal (22) and by a cell holder compartment lid (40) keyed to the framework and it is fitted out with a stem (26) on such framework rendered fluid resistant. The container is assembled and maintained in place in a metallic case (2) by snap securing means, in particular a bezel (18) which axially compresses a flange (20a) of the framework (20) and a toroidal seal (42) against the case (2). The case can thus be manufactured with loose tolerances. The assembled fluid resistant container and horological movement can be tested prior to its assembly in the case (2).

Abstract: Desiccation capsule (20) for the interior (32) of an article comprising a first compartment (27) containing a desiccant (30). One wall (22) of the first compartment is perforated by a first opening (25) obturated by a semi-permeable membrane or a filter (23). The moisture on the interior of the article flows through this membrane and is absorbed by the desiccant.One of the walls (29) of the first compartment is transparent and permits the user of the article protected by the capsule to observe any change of colour or of appearance of the desiccant following the absorption of moisture. The capsule can then be withdrawn thanks to non-permanent fastening means (36) of screw or clip type and replaced by a new capsule. It is also possible to reuse the same capsule by heating the desiccant. A stopper (41) permits transport and stocking of the capsule prior to use.

Abstract: A watch with improved water-proof and pressure-resistance characteristics is disclosed. It comprises: (a) a casing, a bottom cover affixed to the casing, a screw winding crown, and a receiving port on the casing for receiving the screw winding crown; (b) a first double-thread coupling arrangement provided between the screw winding crown and the receiving port; and (c) a second double-thread coupling arrangement provided between the casing and the bottom cover. The first double-thread coupling arrangement comprises an externally and internally threaded annular section provided on the screw winding crown, a matching externally and internally threaded annular recess provided in the receiving port, and a first packing ring provided between the receiving port and the screw winding crown.

Abstract: The crystal-bezel unit (1, 20) allows dismantling of the timepiece from above and can be moved rotatingly relative to a caseband (4), where a joining gasket (10) including at least one active portion is disposed between the crystal-bezel unit and the caseband. An optional fixing means (20) holds the fixed and rotating units together.

Abstract: A watch case (M) including a caseband (1) and a back cover (4) which can be engaged with and clamped in the caseband by imparting a rotational movement to the back cover (4) through a predetermined angle (.OMEGA.) around an axis of closure (O--O'). The back cover (4) and the caseband (1) include wall portions (16, 24) of complementary undercut forms the peripheral profile of which comprises four sections (38, 48) in circular arc form each centered on a center (C.sub.c, C.sub.f) separated from the axis of closure (O--O') . The sections (38, 48) are connected among themselves by a reentrant section (40, 52). Each back cover section (48) is associated with a caseband (1) section (38).

Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece of the type including: a case (2); a power cell compartment (4) formed by a housing (6) arranged in the interior of the case (2) so as to receive an electrical energy source formed by a power cell (P); and means for closing the housing (6), such means including a movable cap (14) capable of being mechanically latched onto the case (2) and a gasket seal (16) shaped to be interposed between the cap (14) and the case (2), such timepiece being characterized in that the gasket seal (16) is a seal with a full lip extending over the entire frontal surface (SF) of the power cell (P) and assuring, in addition to the sealing of the housing (6), an axial bearing of the power cell (P) towards the bottom of the housing (6).

Abstract: A timepiece includes a case (2), a crystal (10) fixedly mounted on the case (2) and a rotatable bezel (16) guided in rotation relative to the crystal (10) and said case (2), said bezel (16) furthermore being associated with a ratchet mechanism (M) and is characterized in that said bezel (16) includes sealing means (36, 40) against solid impurities, such means being intended to isolate at least the ratchet mechanism (M) from the exterior and to prevent solid impurities from becoming embedded at least between said bezel (16) and the crystal (10) and in that it additionally includes means (24, 44) enabling the driving of such impurities towards the exterior of the timepiece.

Abstract: A wristwatch comprises an outer case having a longitudinal retaining bore. A hollow, generally cylindrical plastic seal is disposed in the bore. The seal includes upper and lower portions, the lower portion being of reduced diameter. The upper portion includes a radial notch and an upper recess disposed above the notch. The lower portion includes a radially inwardly projecting flange and a lower recess disposed below the flange. A watch movement includes a collar which is seated on the flange so as to be radially and longitudinally positioned within the seal. A watch face is disposed above the movement and is mounted in the notch. The watch face engages the watch movement to longitudinally retain the watch movement. A crystal is mounted in the upper recess, and a bottom cover is mounted in the lower recess.

Abstract: The watch has at the top edge of its case, on opposite sides, flanges which project radially inwards and the underside of which is at a distance from the watch-glass edge. To close the watch and press the watch glass against a packing resting on an inner case shoulder, there are two shackle-shaped clamping slides which each have two legs and which can be pushed from the two opposite flange-free case sides into the slits located between each of the flanges and the watch-glass edge. When the clamping slides are pushed in, the packing is compressed strongly enough by the watch glass pressing against it, in order to achieve perfect water-tightness. The invention relates in particular to a watch which has a molded case produced from plastic and or rectangular or even oval shape.

Abstract: A wristwatch includes an assembly comprising a hard plastic seal in the form of a hollow tube in which are mounted a crystal, a movement and face, and a bottom cover. That assembly is inserted as a unit into the bottom end of an opening of a clamping ring. A portion of the opening overlies a portion of the tube to limit the extent of upward movement of the tube in the opening. The opening of the clamping ring includes an inwardly facing groove into which a portion of the tube may project to axially secure the tube. A setting shaft projects through the clamping ring and tube and is surrounded by an O-ring mounted in a recess of the tube. The clamping ring comprises a case and a bezel mounted thereon. Different bezels can be employed to change the appearance of the wristwatch.

Abstract: The watch case comprising a middle (2) containing a lining (4) and a back (9) detachably mounted in a lower opening of the middle by means of a pressure device. A band (12) of synthetic material constituting a seal is formed on the periphery of the opening, that band being made in one piece with the lining and connected to it by portions of synthetic material crossing appropriate passages (15) of the middle. The side walls (16) of the opening are at least partially devoid of lining and they work together with opposite surfaces (17) of the back in order to assure pressure coupling of the latter and compression of the band (12).

Abstract: A leak resistant watch casing is designed to accomodate a thin movement. It comprises a casing ring (7) supporting the movement (5) around which an elastic binding (10) is removably mounted. The binding is of rectangular cross section with the smaller sides of the rectangle being pressed against the case-band (1) and the back cover (11) when these elements are secured together. The binding includes an orifice (17) situated proximate two U-formed openings provided in the periphery of the case-band and back cover in order to accomodate the stem (15) of a control element.

Abstract: A case or housing for a clock, particularly for use in moist rooms, has a cup-shaped dome portion with an opening that is closed by a cover glass at the side of the observer and while a rear portion is closed by a back cover. A support plate which is provided in the dome portion divides the case into several inner spaces and bears a clock movement that can include a dial. In order for the case to be suitable for moist rooms, such as bathrooms, communicating with the case inner space which is adjacent the interior face of the cover glass are air circulation passages which communicate with the outside.

Abstract: A case body is fixed to a glass by means of an interposed ring of a vulcanizable elastomer, this ring being bonded by vulcanization either directly to the glass or to a metallized coating applied to the glass, as well as to the upper surface of the case body. The metallic coating is applied to an annular zone at the periphery of the underside of the glass. Instead of this coating, the inside surface of the glass may be frosted in that zone.

Abstract: A bezel (6) is composed of two parts (12 and 13) which may be formed by machining and are thereafter joined to one another by welding, soldering, brazing, or cementing. A peripheral rib (14) of a wall (2) of the case back (1) extends within the U-shaped profile formed by the two bezel parts (12 and 13). The rib (14) surrounds a gasket (15) fitted on the inner arm (13a) of the U-shaped profile (12, 13), the outward face of which being frustoconical and flaring downwards, for holding the gasket in place, thus facilitating assembly.

Abstract: A structure of a watch case, which comprises a watchglass, a case band member composed of a cemented carbide alloy and having a flange formed at an upper portion thereof and an annular surface formed at a lower portion of the flange, a watchglass supporting ring brazed to the case band member and having an upper surface for supporting a bottom surface of the watchglass, a packing for providing a waterproof and a back cover secured to the case band member. The packing is provided between the outer periphery of the watchglass and an annular groove. The annular groove is formed by the flange and annular surface of the case band member and the upper surface of the watchglass supporting ring.

Abstract: A watchcase (1) comprising essentially a body (15) to the top surface of which is held a flat crystal (2) by means of fixation members (4) providing grooves in which the edges of the crystal are secured after having been laterally engaged therein, and a sealing strip against the perimeter of the bottom face (11) of the crystal. The grooves of the fixation members (4) are bounded by two facing surfaces between which the crystal is engaged, the top groove surface (6) bearing against the top face (8) of the crystal. The case further comprises means (12) for applying the sealing strip (10) against the bottom face (11) of the crystal only after the crystal has been engaged in the grooves.

Abstract: A water-resistant device for a watchcase of a diver's watch having a case body, a back and a glass. The device comprises an O-ring for sealing the watchcase, an annular leaf spring having an elasticity in the axial direction of the watchcase, and a bezel for the glass for compressing the leaf spring so as to urge the glass to the O-ring for maintaining watertightness of the watchcase. The O-ring and leaf spring are such that when the glass is moved by the difference between the pressure in the watchcase and atmospheric pressure, gases in the watchcase leak out through a gap formed by the movement of the glass.

Abstract: A watchcase (1) comprises a flat crystal (3) of hard material held by pressure between elastically deformable opposite side walls (4) of a recess (5) formed at the top of the body (2) of the watchcase. The bottom face (8) of the crystal (3) compresses a seal (9) arranged around the opening of the body. The restoring force exerted on the bevel of the crystal by the facing surface of the walls (4) as well as the rigidity of the crystal make it possible to make tightly sealed watchcases in which the crystal is held on the body over a portion of its margins only.

Abstract: At the time of the casing of a watch in the back of which a diaphragm (19) is placed, an insulating and inert transparent liquid is caused to penetrate into the interior of the case by placing the whole in an enclosure under negative pressure. The air is exhausted, and the liquid in question comes to occupy the space included between the module (1) and the walls of the case. A small quantity of air contained under the diaphragm (19) expands under the effect of the negative pressure and causes this diaphragm to swell, which gives a compensating volume allowing thereafter the thermal expansion of the liquid within the case and without subjecting the walls of the latter to stresses.

Abstract: The bottom of the watertight wrist-watch casing is composed of a metallic piece (1) having its edges (2) bent up at right angles, and of a thin elastomer layer (3) lining the inner face of piece (1), to which it strongly adheres by means of a metal/elastomer junction. This bottom is secured to the caseband (9) by means of screws (24) which cause the bottom edges (2) to bear against the caseband (9), thereby pressing the thicker periphery of layer 3 against the caseband (9), to form a tight seal between the bottom and the caseband.The layer (3) is molded with two projections (6) serving as a substitute for the conventional case screws, and with four pillars (7) which hold the dial (18) in abutting engagement with the bottom of a lodging (17).

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: The glass (1) of the wrist-watch casing carries the ornamental pieces of the casing visible face surrounding the watch dial (17). These pieces comprise a frame (2) of precious or semi-precious material or a very thin metallized layer (31) deposited under the glass (1). The frame (2) is glued in an indissoluble and resistant manner under glass (1) and a spacing frame (3) is similarly glued under frame (2). The collar (6) of tapped sockets (5) is caught and glued in lodgings (7) provided in the face of frame (3) which is glued to frame (2). The unit composed of these pieces (2, 3, 5) and the glass (1) are removably secured to the caseband (8) by means of screws (9) crossing the caseband and engaging sockets (5) fitting borings (19) of the caseband.Under the metallized layer (31) a single spacing frame (25) of base metal is necessary and sockets (5) are welded in lodgings (26) of that frame.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a bezel in a watch case through a packing and for mounting a glass in the bezel through a packing. The watch case has an axially extending, inside engaging portion and an annular groove provided in a lower portion of the inside engaging portion, and the bezel has an inside annular groove. Each of the packings is adapted to be engaged with the corresponding annular groove.

Abstract: A bezel (6) is composed of two parts (12 and 13) which may be formed by machining and are thereafter joined to one another by welding, soldering, brazing, or cementing. A peripheral rib (14) of a wall (2) of the case back (1) extends within the U-shaped profile formed by the two bezel parts (12 and 13). The rib (14) surrounds a gasket (15) fitted on the inner arm (13a) of the U-shaped profile (12, 13), the outward face of which being frustoconical and flaring downwards, for holding the gasket in place, thus facilitating assembly.

Abstract: A watchcase comprises a case body, a back cover connected to the back of the case body and a bezel connected to the top of the case body. A support member is connected to either the back cover or the bezel and comprises an outwardly extending flange, and oppositely disposed beads extending outwardly from the flange. The beads are configured to coact with recesses which are oppositely disposed in the inner surface of the case body so as to be received therein upon insertion of first one bead in its respective recess followed by the displacement of the support member relative to the case body so as to temporarily dispose the beads in extreme positions with respect to the recesses, and the beads are maintained in their respective recesses upon the return displacement of the support member so as to move the beads from their extreme positions. The beads are normally biased out of their extreme positions when inserted in the recesses.

Abstract: A mounting structure for the glass in a watch case comprising a bezel having an overhang, a plastic joint engaged with the inside of the bezel, and an inner supporting ring engaged with the bezel with the plastic joint interposed therebetween. The glass is held by the overhang of the bezel and the upper surface of the inner supporing ring at the beveled peripheral portion. The bezel or the inner supporting ring is engaged with the watch case interposing a plastic joint.

Abstract: An improvement in the combination of a cylindrical outer frame which is coaxially rotatably mounted on the outside of a cylindrical inner frame as disclosed. The improvement which maintains a sealed condition between the two frames includes a first circumferential groove on the outside of the inner frame, this groove having sloped sidewalls. A second circumferential groove is provided on the inside surface of the outer frame opposite the first groove, the second groove having parallel sidewalls. A sealing ring is positioned within the space defined by the first and second grooves and contacts opposing sidewalls of the two grooves. A biasing means is provided for axially biasing the inner and outer frame with respect to each other so as to assure the sealing condition established by the sealing ring.

Abstract: A rocker switch for actuation from outside the bezel or case of a watertight wristwatch employs a rocker arm making contact with the bezel through its pivot pin and having a stem for contacting internal terminals. The handle of the rocker arm is imbedded in adhesive elastomer which is also adhered to the bezel to provide spring action and a water-resistant seal.

Abstract: A hatch locking mechanism is disclosed for a battery compartment having a mouth opening in the rear side of a wristwatch. The mechanism includes an inner cover adapted to be received within the battery compartment mouth and a central support shaft extending outwardly therefrom. An outer cover is slidably mounted around the support shaft and adapted to overlie the inner cover and battery compartment mouth. A first resilient seal member is disposed between the outer periphery of the inner cover and battery compartment mouth, and a second resilient seal member is disposed between the covers adjacent the support shaft. A lever pivotally connected to the support shaft is operable to bias the covers together and the seal members into sealing engagement when moved to a locking position to secure the hatch locking mechanism to the wristwatch and close the mouth of the battery compartment.

Abstract: An external operation device for electronic timepieces having a switch unit made up of an array of a plurality of electric switches is inserted in an external member of a timepiece and said electric switches being electrically connected to an internal module.

Abstract: A waterproof sport watch utilizing a solid state digital watch module which is completely enclosed in a sealed casing, with no protruding buttons or other actuating devices. The module is fixed in a casing having a removable back, sealed by an O-ring, for battery and servicing access. The front of the watch is enclosed by a transparent cover, also sealed by an O-ring, the cover being rotatable to indexed positions and having integral cams which actuate the watch module controls, a stopwatch action being obtained by squeezing the cover at one indexed position. The watch is particularly suitable for use by divers and is very easy to operate under water.

Abstract: A structure for fixing a watchglass of a watch case, which comprises a watchglass fixing member having a ring-shaped recess and a flange formed at an upper portion of said recess, a watchglass having an outer diametric surface formed with an inclined guiding surface below said outer diametric surface, and a synthetic resin ring disposed in said recess of said watchglass fixing member and sandwiched between said recess and said watchglass and having a protrusion formed when said watchglass is press fitted into said synthetic resin ring, said protrusion serving as means for retaining said watchglass in a fixed place.

Abstract: Waterproofing of a watchcase is achieved by a sealing ring disposed between the periphery of the watch glass and a bezel portion of the case and confined between the glass holder ring on which the watch glass rests and an inturned lip portion of the bezel which retains the watch glass. By being disposed between the periphery of the watch glass and the bezel, the sealing ring is concealed from view by the inturned lip portion of the bezel and a more attractive watch is thereby achieved. A second sealing ring is provided between the bezel portion of the case and the case back to provide a seal therebetween.

Abstract: A device for mounting, displaying and protecting instruments, such as timers, comprised of a water-tight, buoyant case that can be optionally worn on the person or mounted pivotably in a bracket or holder for remote display. Provision is made for manual operation of enclosed instrument without penetration of seals.

Abstract: An alarm watch has an electro-acoustic transducer with a sound releasing cavity containing a vibrating plate for releasing an audible alarm sound. The surface of the vibrating plate exposed to the open air is treated with a water-repellant material having the property to shed or repel water so that when water enters into the sound releasing cavity and wets the vibrating plate, the vibrating plate readily throws off the water thereby obtaining rapid recovery of the alarm sounding function.

Abstract: A watch (1) comprising essentially a body (15) to the top surface of which is held a flat crystal (2) by means of fixation members (4) providing grooves in which the edges of the crystal are secured after having been laterally engaged therein, and a sealing strip against the perimeter of the bottom face (11) of the crystal. The grooves of the fixation members (4) are bounded by two facing surfaces between which the crystal is engaged, the top groove surface (6) bearing against the top face (8) of the crystal. The case further comprises means (12) for applying the sealing strip (1) against the bottom face (11) of the crystal only after the crystal has been engaged in the grooves.