Deformable watch case

Abstract

The present invention relates to a watch case (1) comprising: a structure (15) arranged to support a watch movement, and an intermediate member (2) comprising an outer housing connected to the structure (15) and arranged to house the structure, the housing comprising a network of hinge elements (20) forming an outer wall of the outer housing, the hinge elements being movable relative to each other so that the outer wall is deformable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of watchmaking, and more specifically to the field of watch exteriors, particularly watch cases including operable or maneuverable parts. Background Technology

[0002] One of the basic functions of a watch case is to house and protect the movement from environmental factors and shocks, thus protecting the mechanical components and lubricating fluids. Furthermore, watch cases are typically rigid, regardless of whether they are made of metal or plastic.

[0003] It is also known that some watch cases include external rubber elements arranged on rigid parts to absorb shock or create a particular appearance.

[0004] In other watch case constructions, such as those described in document EP0703512, there are buttons obtained by deformable elements arranged in the watch case, thereby enabling the mechanical part that can actuate the buttons. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to propose a novel case construction, thereby opening up new aesthetic and interesting possibilities in implementation and use. In particular, the proposed new possibilities offer an improved user experience.

[0006] This invention relates to a watch case, the watch case comprising:

[0007] - Structure, which is arranged to support the watch movement, and

[0008] - An intermediate component comprising an outer housing connected to and arranged to house the structure, the housing comprising a network of hinge elements that together form an outer wall of the outer housing, the hinge elements being movable relative to each other and hinged to each other so that the outer wall is deformable.

[0009] Deformability here refers to the deformation of the walls while maintaining the dimensions of the hinge elements, without deforming the material itself. This refers only to the relative displacement of the hinge elements relative to each other, allowing for deformation. Therefore, the degrees of freedom provided for the design between the hinge elements determine the possible deformations. Thus, the watch case can have countless shapes, depending on the forces it bears, whether from the wearer's pressure or the force of gravity acting on the walls, which can deform under their own weight when free. Furthermore, the "middle section" refers to the central part of the watch case in which the movement is housed. The back and bezel are directly or indirectly attached to the middle section to close the case via the crystal mounted on the bezel. Moreover, and in other words, the hinge elements are hinged to each other. "Hinged" means that the hinge elements are linked while maintaining their ability to move relative to each other.

[0010] This enables the development of watch cases with deformable outer walls, providing designers with new possibilities for designing case shapes and offering users more opportunities for tactile interaction with their watches, as well as the possibility of deforming and playing with them. In particular, the hinged elements linked together to form a network allow the outer walls to at least partially regain their initial shape and volume after being subjected to compression, bending, or stretching.

[0011] Preferably, the hinge elements are formed as a single unit. Preferably, adjacent hinge elements are hinged together, or at least some adjacent hinge elements are hinged together.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the wall is elastically deformable.

[0013] This allows the watch case to return to its nominal shape after being deformed due to stress (such as being pressed).

[0014] Advantageously, each hinge element includes an outer panel.

[0015] Advantageously, the hinge element includes an interlacing element, preferably a helical interlacing element, so that the hinge elements engage with each other.

[0016] This allows the hinged elements to be held and engaged together to ensure the mechanical strength of the watch case.

[0017] Advantageously, at least one hinge element is supported by an elastic member, such as an elastic mesh.

[0018] This allows the outer wall to be given elastic properties upon deformation, and the outer wall returns to its initial shape after deformation under the action of the elastic member. When the outer wall is held in place by the elastic member, if the elastic force is greater than the weight of the wall, the outer wall will no longer deform completely freely, especially under its own weight.

[0019] Advantageously, the watch case also includes angular portions, and the resilient member includes resilient engaging portions, each resilient engaging portion being arranged around or on at least one angular portion.

[0020] This allows the corner portion to be isolated from the outer wall via elastic members, and avoids excessive rigidity of the wall at the level of the corner portion.

[0021] Advantageously, the watch case includes a back side. The structure has a portion projecting toward the back side of the watch case, and this portion is capable of cooperating with the back side to guide displacement of the structure during deformation of the outer case. Alternatively or additionally, the back side has a portion projecting toward the interior of the watch case, and this portion is capable of cooperating with the structure to guide displacement of the structure during deformation of the outer case.

[0022] This allows for the guidance of the structure or container's displacement and the deformation of the casing to maintain an aesthetically pleasing predefined curve.

[0023] Advantageously, the back side has curvature, with the center of curvature located on one side of the back side.

[0024] Advantageously, the watch case includes angular portions, and the center of curvature is also located on one side of one of the angular portions.

[0025] Advantageously, a gap is formed between the container and the outer shell, or between the portion of the structure at the level of the container and the outer shell.

[0026] This allows for the necessary clearance to ensure the displacement of the containers within the watch case when the user presses the case.

[0027] Advantageously, at least one hinge element is preferably decorated with decorative elements, such as gemstones, by inlay.

[0028] This enables the development of an effective and safe technique for securing decorative elements, thereby improving the retention and aesthetics of the decorative elements.

[0029] Advantageously, the outer housing includes a removable element or aperture arranged to allow access (typically via a key) to a means for adjusting and / or winding the movement housed in the container.

[0030] This makes it easy to access the mechanism used to adjust the watch, and thus improves the functionality available on the watch case.

[0031] Advantageously, the watch case includes a back, a structure for supporting the watch movement, a crystal that closes the case, and a middle section including a deformable outer housing that houses the structure to allow relative displacement between the back and the crystal.

[0032] A second aspect of the invention relates to a watch comprising a watch case according to the first aspect.

[0033] Advantageously, the watch includes a strap attached to the watch case. The strap is at least partially made of a hinge element that is integral with the hinge element of the watch case.

[0034] Another aspect of the invention relates to a jewelry piece comprising an attachment or connection member and a body, the body comprising an outer housing comprising a network of hinge elements that together form an outer wall of the outer housing, the hinge elements being movable relative to each other to allow the outer wall to deform.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer wall is elastically deformable. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, which is given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] - Figure 1 A first embodiment of a watch case according to the invention is presented, the watch case having a deformable outer wall having a network of hinge elements.

[0038] - Figure 2 A second embodiment of the watch case according to the invention is presented, the watch case having a lower elastic mesh.

[0039] - Figure 3 The sectional and front views of the third implementation scheme are presented.

[0040] - Figure 4 A sectional view and a front view of the fourth embodiment are presented, which has a dome-shaped back surface to which the strap strands are fixed.

[0041] - Figure 5 The fifth implementation scheme is presented, in which the flexible grid is formed in two parts.

[0042] - Figure 6 This presents a detailed view of the hinge element as seen from above.

[0043] - Figure 7 A detailed perspective view of the two hinge elements as seen from below is presented.

[0044] - Figure 8 Detailed perspective views of the two hinged elements are presented.

[0045] - Figure 9 The sectional and front views of the variant used to fix the bezel are presented. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a watch case 1 with a deformable outer wall is presented.

[0047] The watch case 1 is shown in a sectional perspective view to show its interior. The watch case 1 (also referred to as case 1) includes a middle section 2, which is enclosed by a crystal 10 and a back 11 to generally define a volume specifically for housing the movement. The crystal 10 and the back 11 are conventionally mounted on opposite surfaces of the case 1, with the crystal 10 mounted on the upper surface and the back 11 mounted on the lower surface.

[0048] Typically, the case 1 houses the dial 14 and the 12h and 12m hands, with one hand indicating the hour 12h and the other indicating the minute 12m.

[0049] The watch case 1 also includes a structure 15 arranged to support the watch movement. The watch movement can be housed in a container 30, thus forming a sealed container. The watch movement allows the 12h and 12m hands to be driven. The intermediate component 2 also includes an intermediate portion 25, which is fixed to the structure 15 and is visible from the upper surface of the watch case 1.

[0050] The intermediate component 2 forms a side portion of the case 1, and a gap 15b is formed in the middle surface of the intermediate component 2 between the intermediate component 2 and the container 30, or between the intermediate component 2 and the structure 15. The structure 15 and the container are arranged in a volume substantially defined by the intermediate component, the watch face, and the back. The structure 15 can be a single-piece or multi-piece structure.

[0051] The intermediate component 2 includes an outer housing that includes a network of hinge elements 20 forming an outer wall of the outer housing, which is deformable.

[0052] The network of hinge elements 20 consists of a sufficient number of hinge elements 20, which are connected together and can move relative to each other, thereby ensuring the flexibility of the case 1. Figure 1 In the example shown, the network of hinge elements 20 comprises approximately 500 hinge elements 20. It should be noted that the number of hinge elements 20 can be adapted to the size of the watch case 1 in terms of diameter and thickness (e.g., a case diameter of 40 mm, 36 mm, and a thickness of 8 mm to 12 mm), and also to change the flexibility of the watch case 1 by adjusting the dimensions of the hinge elements themselves. For example, the number of hinge elements can range from 200 to 1000, depending on the size of the watch case 1, but is not limited to these examples.

[0053] Each hinge element 20 includes an outer panel 20p visible from the outside of the case 1, a hinge element base 20b, and an interlocking element 20e. These panels define the outer wall by positioning adjacent panels substantially continuously. The hinge elements 20 can be made of any suitable material, such as gold, platinum, rose gold, platinum, or a suitable metal.

[0054] The interlacing element 20e is arranged to allow the hinge elements 20 to be connected together. In other words, the hinge elements 20 interlace with each other via their interlacing element 20e. Thus, the hinge elements 20 engage with each other. The interlacing element 20e is preferably helical, wherein the diameter of the interlacing line is preferably about 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0055] Therefore, the "network of hinge element 20" refers to a set of mesh openings that are more or less densely interwoven to form a grid, lattice, or cross-linking. In other words, it is preferably a fabric with a metallic mesh, that is, a flexible and thin kit obtained by the regular assembly of preferred metallic wires or interlocking fibers (by engaging with single wires or by weaving with multiple wires), or formed by a continuous single piece made by three-dimensional printing (also known as 3D printing). In this case, the interwoven pieces and panels are advantageously arranged as a continuous piece. Reference Figures 6 to 8 The hinge element 20 is presented and described in more detail.

[0056] The panel 20p can be configured to support and hold the decorative elements 20d. These decorative elements can be, for example, gemstones, microstones, or organic stones. The mobility of the panel 20p allows for reflections and light effects to be created within the set gemstones.

[0057] In addition to or instead of inlay, it can also provide smoothing of panel 20p or texture on panel 20p, or provide surface heat treatment to give, for example, a satin-like or colored appearance.

[0058] As described above, the case 1 is deformable, meaning the intermediate piece 2 is deformable, and a portion of the intermediate piece 2 is movable relative to the structure and / or relative to the container 30 and the watch movement within the container 30. The intermediate piece 2 allows relative movement between the crystal 10 and the back face 11, which is along the vertical axis Z passing through the crystal 10 and the back face 11 and / or along the horizontal plane XY passing through the horizontal axes X and Y, relative to the watch case 1 placed on its back face 11. The horizontal plane XY is preferably the main plane of the container 30 or the main plane of the dial 14.

[0059] This resulted in a new type of watch case that offers a raw aesthetic and allows the user to interact tactilely with their watch, transforming it or creating light effects on the 20p dial or the set gemstones.

[0060] While an accessible winding rod at the center is conceivable, such an arrangement could be complex and potentially affect the deformability of the center. Preferably, access to the movement is provided through the back of the case, for example, by arranging an opening in the back of the case, thus enabling access to the back of the container. The container can then have a time setting and / or winding mechanism, for example, operable via a key.

[0061] Figure 2 A second embodiment of watch case 1 is presented, which has a lower elastic mesh.

[0062] In different implementations, as many reference numerals as possible should be included in the figures for elements common to other implementations.

[0063] The second implementation plan and special provisions Figure 1 The difference in the first embodiment shown is the presence of an elastic member 22 supporting the hinge element 20, which is preferably located at the base 20b of the hinge element. The elastic member 22 is preferably located in the lower layer, that is, it is located below the network of the hinge element 20 and is at least partially covered by the network of the hinge element. In other words, the elastic member is arranged between the hinge element 20 and the container 30. The elastic member 22 may be made of an elastomer or silicone.

[0064] The elastic member 22 can be an elastic mesh 22, also known as a buffer. The elastic mesh 22 forms a framework that supports and holds the network of the hinged element 20. The elastic mesh 22 can be manufactured by 3D printing.

[0065] Preferably, the elastic mesh 22 comprises a network of elastic elements, wherein solid portions 22b are separated by perforated portions 22t. The solid portions 22b are preferably arranged to face the base 20b of the hinge elements in order to elastically retain them.

[0066] Therefore, when a user presses the middle piece 2 at the level of one or more panels 20p, the hinge elements 20 are held elastically, that is, they return to their initial position once the user's press is complete.

[0067] This also provides resistance to the user's pressure, which is comfortable for touch and allows for play with the walls of the case.

[0068] The perforated portion 22t of the elastic mesh 22 also contributes to the good mechanical strength of the mesh, especially by limiting blistering, plastic depressions or deterioration of the elastic mesh 22.

[0069] Preferably, the mesh openings of the repeating pattern of the elastic mesh 22 are diamond-shaped in the top view.

[0070] Preferably, the elastic mesh 22 consists of meshes with sizes similar to or proportional to (or corresponding to) the mesh sizes of the network of the hinge element 20. In practice, the mesh sizes of the hinge element network and the elastic mesh are not the same.

[0071] As a variant, the elastic mesh can be wider or looser, meaning the mesh openings are larger and, for example, only half the size of the base 20b of the hinge element to ensure elastic support.

[0072] In the first and second embodiments, the intermediate portion 25 may be a first row of fixed hinge elements compared to the movable hinge element 20. Therefore, apart from the fixed first row, each hinge element is movable relative to its adjacent or neighboring hinge elements.

[0073] Those skilled in the art can conceive of other solutions for manufacturing the elastic member 22, such as filling the horizontal position of each hinge element with gel.

[0074] Figure 3 The sectional view and front view of the third implementation scheme are presented.

[0075] Structure 15 has a flat surface on one side of the back surface 11. The back surface 11 has a partially flat surface on one side of the container 30. In other words, the surfaces of structure 15 and back surface 11 facing each other are flat or form planes.

[0076] Therefore, container 30 can move along the vertical axis Z and / or along the horizontal plane XY. It also has degrees of freedom of rotation along axis X, along axis Y and / or along axis Z.

[0077] The case 1 also includes connecting members, such as cables 52, 53, which connect the attachment portions (such as corner portions 54) of the case 1 together. Structure 15 has a dome surface (or dome surface crown) facing the cables 52, 53 to improve the guidance of the container 30 when the user presses the center piece 2 or the watch crystal 10. This mounting of the strap relative to the case is particularly suitable for deformable cases according to the invention. As an alternative to this mounting of the strap, a strap can be provided that is mounted through the case 1 and passes through the case 1 via a slot arranged in the center piece. Thus, the strap may include a single main portion arranged to surround the wrist and with or without attachment portions in the center piece. Alternatively, the strap may not include attachment and / or connecting portions. The strap may be disposed within the internal volume of the case 1, between structure 15 and the back face 11. This method of attaching the watch strap is described in detail in the applicant’s patent application entitled “Watchcomprising a movable strap”, filed on the same day as this application, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0078] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view and a front view of a watch case according to a fourth embodiment are presented, the watch case having a domed back, to which the strap strands are fixed.

[0079] The watch case 1 is associated with a strap having two strands 50, 51, which are connected to the watch case 1 via a corner 54. The two strands 50, 51 may be made of leather or any other suitable material and are connected together by a pin buckle or folding clasp.

[0080] In one embodiment, the strap may be at least partially made of a network of hinge elements similar to the network of hinge elements in the case 1. Advantageously, the hinge elements of the case and the strap are printed and formed integrally during the same operation. The hinge elements forming the strap can be connected to conventionally formed strap portions via links or flexible strands, or connected to clasps. A portion of the hinge elements, or, where appropriate, a conventionally formed portion, can be sized according to the wearer's wrist size to adjust the overall length of the strap.

[0081] It should be noted that the watch strap is adaptable to all embodiments of the watch case 1 described in this specification.

[0082] Cables 52 and 53 are made of any suitable material, such as titanium, especially grade 5 titanium, which allows for limiting the elongation of the kit when tension is applied at the horizontal level of the strap, so as not to damage the network of the hinge element 20.

[0083] In a fourth embodiment of the case 1, the back face 1 also includes a dome portion 11b, the dome shape of which is oriented toward the interior of the case 1. In other words, the dome back face 11b protrudes toward the interior of the case 1.

[0084] This allows the structure 15 and container 30 to be guided on the curved portion 11b during the pressing of the structure 15 onto the dome portion 11b.

[0085] Furthermore, a dome-shaped (or spherical) lower portion can be provided for structure 15, the dome shape being oriented on one side of the back face 11. Thus, the dome-shaped lower portion of structure 15 can cooperate and be guided by the dome portion 11b of the back face 11, or, in the absence of the dome portion 11b, be guided by the back face 11 itself.

[0086] In addition, the cooperation between the lower part of the dome of structure 15 and the dome part 11b of the back 11 allows point contact between the two parts, thereby generating unstable movement of the container 30, ultimately improving the aesthetics of the case 1.

[0087] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the dome portion 11b of the rear face 11 is centered. Lateral offset can be provided in the plane XY of the dome shape, that is, for example, the dome shape can be moved toward one of the corner portions, or for example, toward the "6 o'clock" position, or toward the "3 o'clock" position, or toward the "9 o'clock" position.

[0088] In the third and fourth embodiments, the middle portion 25 fixed to the structure 15 is attached to the bezel 24, and the bezel 24 is screwed to the structure 15 by screws 26.

[0089] The intermediate component 2 may also include a slot 27, which is arranged to allow the strands of the watch strap to pass through.

[0090] Figure 5 A fifth embodiment is presented, in which the elastic member 22 is formed in two parts. A first elastic engagement portion 23a encloses one of the corner portions 54, and a second elastic engagement portion 23b encloses another corner portion 54 located on another strand of the strap. The corner portions 54 are connected by cables 52 and 53.

[0091] Note that one or two corner portions 54 can be provided on one side of the first strand 50 of the watch strap, and one or two corner portions 54 can be provided on one side of the other strand 51 of the watch strap.

[0092] The flexible mesh within the two sections 23a and 23b enables improved flexibility of the middleware. For clarity, in... Figure 5 Not shown in the diagram. Therefore, in the central region between the two parts of the elastic member 22, the intermediate member 2 has greater or freer deformability.

[0093] The elastic members can be divided into multiple subgroups, distributed below the outer shell, around the periphery of structure 15, or only in the middle portion below intermediate member 2.

[0094] An elastic member 22 in the form of an elastic leaf is disposed between the intermediate member 2 and the container 30 or structure 15. The elastic member 22 may also include a gel, such as a toroidal surface composed of gel, or the intermediate member 2 may be filled with gel.

[0095] More generally, a support member can also be provided between the structure and the shell. This support member can be elastic, having an elastic component as described above, but it can also be rigid to form a stop against deformation of the outer shell. The support member can also be a combination of elastic and rigid portions.

[0096] Figure 6 A detailed view of the hinge element 20 as viewed from above is presented.

[0097] Here, "top view" refers to the view taken from outside the case 1 perpendicular to the surface of the case when the hinge elements 20 are assembled into a network of hinge elements 20 to form the outer housing of the intermediate part 2.

[0098] As described above, each hinge element 20 includes an outer panel 20p. Figure 6 In the example shown, each hinge element 20 includes four interlacing elements 20e, preferably helical interlacing elements.

[0099] The hinge element 20 is represented by a rhombus 20d disposed on the outer panel 20p. As an example, the panel 20p has a size of approximately 1.60 mm per side.

[0100] Figure 7 A detailed perspective view of the two hinge elements 20 as seen from below is presented.

[0101] Here, "bottom view" refers to the view taken from inside the case 1 when the hinge elements 20 are assembled into a network of hinge elements 20 to form the outer housing of the intermediate part 2.

[0102] As described above, each of the hinge elements 20 includes a hinge element base 20b.

[0103] The hinge elements 20 are interlaced: the interlaced piece 20e of the hinge element 20 interlaces with the interlaced piece 20e of another adjacent hinge element 20. Therefore, the interlaced pieces 20e are in an engaged position, that is, they remain in contact with each other, with a gap between them. This allows the hinge elements 20 to be engaged together so as to connect them.

[0104] A gap can be provided between the panels 20p of the hinge element 20. The gap between the two hinge elements 20 is typically 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm at the level of the panel 20p. This gap does not contradict the fact that the surfaces of the panels are substantially continuous with each other to form an outer wall.

[0105] Figure 8 Detailed perspective views of the two hinge elements 20 are presented.

[0106] The hinge elements 20 are interwoven with each other via interlacing members 20e. The hinge elements 20 are typically 1.6 mm high.

[0107] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view and a front view of the variant used to fix the bezel 24 are presented.

[0108] The intermediate component 2 includes a retaining lug 28, which can be printed and integrated with the rigid first row of hinge elements. The bezel 24 is secured to the retaining lug by screws 29.

[0109] It should be understood that various modifications and / or improvements that are obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in this specification.

[0110] In particular, consider the following possibilities: having different numbers of interlaced pieces 20e, such as two or three interlaced pieces for each hinge element 20; having interlaced pieces 20e with different shapes; not joining all the hinge elements 20 together but joining only a portion of them (e.g., half of them).

[0111] Those skilled in the art can conceive of different variations of the above embodiments. Thus, it is possible to engage the interlacing member 20e with the middle portion of the case 1, rather than with the interlacing member 20e of the adjacent hinge element 20. This middle portion can be the elastic member 22 or another lower portion of the case 1.

[0112] It can have another general shape for the case 1, which is represented by a deformed torus or pad with rounded corners, but it can also be triangular, elliptical or conical.

[0113] Structure 15 can be arranged to hold container 30, which can be made into the form of a claw and attached to the upper part of intermediate member 2. In this case, the dome portion of structure 15 will be replaced by an equivalent dome shape on container 30.

[0114] Those skilled in the art may also envision a variant in which the back is also made of hinged elements that extend the middle section. Their dimensions can then be adjusted to allow for the fabrication of the entire surface. The movement can be accessed through an aperture or a removable panel for adjustment / winding operations. This variant allows for a great deal of flexibility in the case. A buffer can be inserted between this structure and the back to prevent direct contact between the structure or container and the back.

[0115] According to an additional embodiment, the principles of the above construction can be used to manufacture jewelry pieces such as rings, earrings, necklace pendants, etc. Such jewelry pieces include attachment members (e.g., clasps) or connecting members (such as buckles) and a body. The body includes an outer shell comprising a network of hinged elements forming the outer wall of the outer shell, these hinged elements being movable relative to each other to allow the outer wall to deform. The outer wall can also be elastically movable, particularly by adding a lower elastic member. All descriptions and variations above relating to the production of hinged elements and supports (whether elastic or not) are applicable to the production of jewelry pieces according to the invention.

Claims

1. A watch case (1), the watch case comprising: - Structure (15), which is arranged to support the watch movement, and - Intermediate component (2), the intermediate component comprising an outer housing connected to the structure (15) and arranged to accommodate the structure, the outer housing comprising a network of hinge elements (20) forming an outer wall of the outer housing together, the hinge elements being movable relative to each other and hinged to each other so that the outer wall is deformable. Each hinge element includes an interlacing element (20e), and the hinge elements (20) engage with each other through the interlacing element to form a mesh structure.

2. A watch case (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The hinge element is formed as a single unit.

3. A watch case (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The outer wall is elastically deformable.

4. The watch case (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each hinge element (20) includes an outer panel (20p).

5. The watch case (1) according to claim 3, wherein at least one hinge element (20) is supported by an elastic member (22).

6. The watch case (1) according to claim 5, the watch case further comprising corner portions (54), and wherein the elastic member (22) comprises elastic engaging portions (23a, 23b), each elastic engaging portion (23a, 23b) being disposed around or on at least one corner portion of the corner portions (54).

7. The watch case (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the watch case includes a back side (11). The structure (15) has a portion protruding toward the back surface (11) of the watch case (1), and the portion is capable of cooperating with the back surface (11) to guide the displacement of the structure (15) during deformation of the outer case, and / or The back side (11) has a portion that protrudes toward the interior of the watch case (1), and the portion of the back side is able to cooperate with the structure (15) to guide the displacement of the structure (15) during deformation of the outer case.

8. The watch case (1) according to claim 7, wherein the back surface (11) has a curvature, the center of which is located on one side of the back surface (11).

9. The watch case (1) according to claim 8, wherein the watch case (1) includes angular portions (54), and wherein the center of curvature is also located on one side of one of the angular portions (54).

10. The watch case (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the watch movement is housed in a container, and a gap (15b) is formed between the container (30) and the outer housing.

11. The watch case (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one hinge element (20) is decorated with a decorative element (20d).

12. The watch case (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer case includes a removable element arranged to allow access to a means for adjusting the watch movement housed in the container (30).

13. The watch case (1) according to claim 1, wherein the interlacing is a spiral interlacing.

14. The watch case (1) according to claim 5, wherein the elastic member (22) is an elastic mesh.

15. The watch case (1) according to claim 11, wherein at least one hinge element (20) is decorated with a decorative element (20d) by inlay.

16. The watch case (1) according to claim 15, wherein, The decorative element is a gemstone.

17. A watch case (1), the watch case comprising a back face (11), a structure for supporting a watch movement, a crystal (10) enclosing the watch case (1), and a middle member (2), the middle member comprising a deformable outer housing accommodating the structure to allow relative displacement between the back face (11) and the crystal (10), the deformable outer housing comprising a network of hinge elements (20) forming an outer wall of the deformable outer housing, the hinge elements being movable relative to each other and hinged to each other to allow the outer wall to deform. wherein Each hinge element includes an interlacing element (20e), through which the hinge elements (20) engage with each other to form a mesh structure.

18. A watch (100) comprising a watch case (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The watch (100) according to claim 18, comprising a watch strap connected to the watch case, characterized in that, The watch strap is at least partially made of a hinge element, which is integral with the hinge element of the watch case.

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