Length-adjustable chain link for wrist strap

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustable link (10) for a wristband, comprising a first and a second link element (20, 50). The first and second link elements are connected to each other by a telescopic adjustment mechanism so as to be translationally movable relative to each other and occupy at least two separate indexed positions. The mechanism comprises: an actuator (28) accessible from the outside of the adjustable link (10); a lock (30) rigidly attached to the actuator and arranged in a cavity (26) of one of the first and second link elements (20, 50); and an indexing member (58) arranged to cooperate with the lock (30) and rigidly attached to the other of the first and second link elements (20, 50) while extending in the direction of translational movement of the first link element (20) relative to the second link element (50). The first and second link elements (20, 50) are also configured to hide the indexed members (58) irrespective of whether they are in one or the other of the at least two indexed positions.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable link for a wristband, in particular for a watch wristband with links, so as to enable adjustment of the wristband to obtain comfort. The present invention also relates to a wristwatch having a wristband with links, the wristband incorporating one or more adjustable links for adjusting the length of the wristband. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, many solutions have been proposed for expandable watch buckles, which enable adjustment of the wristband so as to fit comfortably, especially on a watch, such that the length of the wristband can be adjusted according to circumstances (especially the ambient temperature) to achieve optimal comfort. As an alternative, adjustable links have also been proposed, such that their length can be changed to make the wristband more comfortable to wear. These solutions have the advantage that they enable more precise and easier adjustment of the length of the wristband compared to adjusting the length of a wristband with links by adding or removing links.

[0003] For example, CH695656 discloses an adjustable link that can adjust the length of its link along the longitudinal direction of the wristband according to at least two different lengths. This link includes at least two link elements, one of which can slide relative to the other link element between at least two indexing positions along the longitudinal direction of the wristband. This link also includes a locking system for locking the link elements in the indexing positions. The locking system includes a button that is connected to a lock and is mounted on one of the link elements. Actuation of the button releases the lock from an indexing device provided in the other link element to allow relative movement between the two link elements in order to change the length of the link.

[0004] The wristband incorporating this adjustable link has the following disadvantages: the wristband must be removed to change its length. Additionally, some components of the mechanism are visible outside the link, thus affecting the aesthetics of the wristband.

[0005] CH706086 discloses another example of a known adjustable link. This link includes two half-links, one of which has a rod and the other has a longitudinal channel for receiving the rod. The channel is contoured to allow the rod to pass through and cooperate with a locking device having elastic restoring ability integrated into the rod in order to lock the link in a short configuration or an extended configuration. The link enters the extended position from the retracted configuration by elastic deformation of the rod.

[0006] The wristband incorporating the above-mentioned link has the following disadvantages: the wristband must be removed to change its length. In addition, the link has gaps in its extended configuration that are prone to accumulating dirt. These gaps are difficult to access, making cleaning time-consuming. Additionally, a trapping external component is installed between the two half-links to hide the guiding and indexing devices, which makes the manufacturing of the link more complex and has a significant impact on production costs and reliability.

[0007] EP2759222 discloses a drawer-type adjustable link that includes a first half-link accommodated inside a second half-link. The first half-link includes an elastic return locking device that is designed to be accommodated in a first cavity and a second cavity of the second half-link to lock the link in a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, respectively. The length of the link is adjusted by pulling one and / or the other of the two half-links in opposite directions along the longitudinal direction of the wristband. Therefore, to easily adjust the length of the wristband, it is preferably to remove the wristband.

[0008] EP2484245 discloses a link that is provided with two half-links and particularly includes an elastic return device, enabling the position of one half-link to be adjusted relative to the other half-link while ensuring the maintenance of the position selected by the user. Therefore, this link does not have an actuator for adjusting its length.

[0009] US20170105493 discloses a link that has two half-links and an adjustment device that includes a screw that passes through one of the half-links and cooperates with a threaded hole located in the other half-link to allow for fine adjustment of the length of the link. This link does not have an actuator and does not have a telescopic adjustment mechanism that enables setting in at least two different indexing positions.

[0010] EP3795027 discloses an adjustable link that includes the features of the preamble of the independent claim. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable link that eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0012] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable link whose mechanism for adjusting its length is not visible from the outside of the link in order to improve the visual appearance of the wristband.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a link that allows for easy adjustment of the length of the wristband while the wristband is being worn.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable link that is less susceptible to dust and deposits in its extended configuration.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to provide a link with adjustable length, which has a reduced number of parts in order to make its production reliable and economical.

[0016] These objects are achieved in particular by an adjustable link for a wristband, which includes a first link element and a second link element. The first link element and the second link element are interconnected by a telescopic adjustment mechanism, so as to be able to translate relative to each other and occupy at least two separate indexing positions. The mechanism includes: an actuator, which can be accessed from the outside of the adjustable link; a lock, which is rigidly attached to the actuator and is arranged in a cavity of one of the first link element and the second link element; and an indexing member, which is arranged to cooperate with the lock and is rigidly attached to the other of the first link element and the second link element while extending along the direction in which the first link element translates relative to the second link element. The first link element and the second link element are also configured to hide the indexing member, regardless of whether they are in one position or the other of the at least two indexing positions.

[0017] In one embodiment, the actuator is arranged on a surface that extends between two lateral sides of the adjustable link and can be accessed when the wristband including the adjustable link is worn.

[0018] In one embodiment, one of the first link element and the second link element includes a connecting body, which is configured to slide in a housing with a complementary shape, and the housing is arranged in the other of the first link element and the second link element. The connecting body is also configured to hide the indexing member therein, regardless of the selected indexing position.

[0019] In one embodiment, the contour of the housing contacts the corresponding contour of the connecting body, regardless of the selected indexing position.

[0020] In one embodiment, the mechanism further includes additional coupling means for guiding the relative movement of the first link element and the second link element and / or for absorbing the mechanical stress between the first link element and the second link element.

[0021] In one embodiment, the additional coupling means is formed by at least one concave element, which is arranged in the connecting body of one of the first link element and the second link element to receive a complementary convex element that is rigidly connected to the other of the first link element and the second link element.

[0022] In one embodiment, the additional coupling means is symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal axis of the indexing member.

[0023] In one embodiment, the actuator is in the form of a button which is arranged to move the lock from a locked position, in which the lock is at rest and engaged with a detent member, to an unlocked position, in which the lock is actuated and no longer engaged with the detent member.

[0024] In one embodiment, the button is arranged to be actuated in an unlocking direction which is perpendicular to the direction of translational movement of the first link element relative to the second link element. More specifically, the unlocking direction is perpendicular to the general plane of the adjustable link.

[0025] In one embodiment, the lock further comprises an opening arranged to receive a part of the detent member.

[0026] In one embodiment, when the link is in a retracted or partially retracted configuration, the detent member crosses from one side of the lock to the other.

[0027] In one embodiment, one of the first link element and the second link element comprises a fastening part. The fastening part comprises a central part and two lateral parts which are arranged on both sides of the central part, thereby forming two gaps for receiving the lugs of the case of the watch or the fastening parts of adjacent links therein. The central part comprises a cavity for receiving the lock.

[0028] In one embodiment, the central part further comprises a blind hole in the axial extension of the lock opening so as to receive the free end of the detent member when the link is in a retracted or partially retracted configuration.

[0029] In one embodiment, the detent member is in the form of a rod which comprises at least one detent element adapted to cooperate with the lock.

[0030] In one embodiment, the detent element comprises two adjacent radially extending portions, thereby providing three detent positions.

[0031] In one embodiment, the detent member is in the form of a notched bar which comprises a plurality of notches adapted to cooperate with the lock to lock the link in a plurality of detent positions.

[0032] In one embodiment, the notched bar further comprises a longitudinal slot oriented in the direction of translational movement. A stop is arranged inside the longitudinal slot to limit the relative movement between the first link element and the second link element.

[0033] In one embodiment, the lock comprises two blind holes which are arranged on both sides of the opening. An elastic member is mounted in each hole. The elastic member is preferably a compression spring.

[0034] In one embodiment, the profile of the lock opening is complementary to the detent member so as to conform to the profile of a part thereof when the link is in a retracted configuration.

[0035] In one embodiment, the indexing member is integrally rigid.

[0036] Another aspect of the invention relates to a wristwatch comprising at least one link according to any of the above embodiments. When the wristband is worn, the actuator is provided on the visible face of the wristband. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Examples of embodiments of the invention are given in the description illustrated by the drawings, where

[0038] - Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an adjustable link according to a first embodiment;

[0039] - Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the adjustable link in different orientations;

[0040] - Figure 3 shows a top view of the adjustable link in a retracted configuration;

[0041] - Figure 4 shows Figure 3 in side view;

[0042] - Figure 5 shows Figure 3 in cross-sectional view along A-A;

[0043] - Figure 6 shows Figure 3 in cross-sectional view along B-B;

[0044] - Figure 7 shows Figure 4 in cross-sectional view along C-C;

[0045] - Figure 8 shows a top view of the adjustable link in an extended configuration;

[0046] - Figure 9 shows Figure 8 in side view;

[0047] - Figure 10 shows Figure 8 in cross-sectional view along A-A;

[0048] - Figure 11 shows Figure 8 in cross-sectional view along B-B;

[0049] - Figure 12 shows Figure 9 in cross-sectional view along C-C;

[0050] - Figures 13a to 13dShows different cross-sectional views of an adjustable link according to a first actuation sequence that moves the link from a retracted configuration to an intermediate translocated position, where the link has been lengthened by 1 millimeter relative to its retracted configuration;

[0051] - Figures 14a to 14c Shows different cross-sectional views of an adjustable link according to a second actuation sequence that moves the link from an intermediate translocated position to an extended configuration, where the link has been lengthened by 2 millimeters relative to its retracted configuration;

[0052] - Figure 15 Shows an exploded view of an adjustable link according to a second embodiment;

[0053] - Figure 16 Shows Figure 15 an exploded view of the adjustable link in different orientations;

[0054] - Figure 17 Shows a cross-sectional view along the length of the link when the link is in the retracted configuration;

[0055] - Figure 18 Shows a cross-sectional view of the link in the plane of the link when the link is in the retracted configuration;

[0056] - Figure 19 Shows a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 17 when the link is in the intermediate position;

[0057] - Figure 20 Shows a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 18 when the link is in the extended configuration, and

[0058] - Figure 21 Illustrates a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 17 when the link is in the extended configuration. Detailed Description

[0059] In the first embodiment, and with reference to Figures 1 to 2 , the adjustable link 10 includes a first link element 20 and a second link element 50, which are interconnected to be translatable relative to each other such that the link 10 can move from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration to adjust the length of the link.

[0060] According to an advantageous embodiment, the link 10 can be adapted such that it can be locked in at least one intermediate position between a retracted position and an extended position. This allows for fine-tuning of the wristband incorporating the adjustable link for comfort, since when the link moves from the retracted configuration to the intermediate position, the perimeter of the wristband can increase by a first value, and when the link moves from the intermediate position to the extended configuration, the perimeter of the wristband can increase by a second value. The first value and the second value can be, for example, approximately 1 millimeter and 2 millimeters respectively.

[0061] For this purpose, the first link element 20 includes a locking / unlocking system, and the second link element 50 has a rigid indexing rod 58 extending along the translation direction of the first link element 20 and the second link element 50. The locking / unlocking system cooperates with the indexing rod 58 so as to be able to lock the first link element 20 relative to the second link element 50 in at least two indexing positions, which at least two indexing positions correspond to the retracted configuration and the extended configuration of the link.

[0062] This system includes an actuator 28, which is generally arranged on a face that extends between two lateral sides of the adjustable link 10 and can be accessed when the wristband incorporating the adjustable link is worn. In this example, the actuator 28 is in the form of a button 28. The button 28 includes a lock 30, and the lock 30 is provided with an opening 32, which is preferably circular and is arranged to receive a section of the indexing rod 58 therein when the link is in the retracted configuration, as Figure 5 illustrated. In this example, the button 28 and the lock 30 are in one piece; however, according to a variant, two separate parts rigidly connected together can also be included.

[0063] The lock 30 produces its locking action especially by means of a locking element 34, which is arranged to cooperate with the indexing rod 58 such that when the link 10 is in the retracted configuration or the intermediate position, the translation of the indexing rod 58 is locked. This lock 30 is arranged in a cavity 26 located at the central part 24 of the fastening part 22. Two blind holes 36 ( Figure 6 ) are made in the lock 30, on both sides of the opening 32. For example, an elastic member in the form of a compression spring 38 is arranged in each hole so as to exert a restoring force to push the button 28 into the rest position. Other restoring devices can be used, especially by arranging a spring rod or a leaf spring at the bottom of the cavity so as to push the lock, and thus the button, into its rest position.

[0064] Depending on whether the adjustable link 10 is in the Figure 5 retracted configuration shown in Figure 10 , the extended configuration shown in Figure 13d or the intermediate position shown in

[0065] According to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , when the button 28 is at rest, the button 28 protrudes from the upper face of the first link element 20. The button 28 is pressed in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the indexing lever 58 so that its actuating face is substantially at the horizontal level of the upper face of the central part 24 of the first link element 20. According to a variant, when the button is at rest, the button is embedded in the body of the central part.

[0066] The fastening part 22 includes two transverse parts 40a, 40b which are arranged on both sides of the central part 24 so as to form two gaps 39 for receiving the lugs of the case of the watch (not shown) or the fastening parts of the adjacent links of the bracelet.

[0067] According to Figure 1 , the link 10 includes guiding means (which will be described later) which are intended to guide the relative displacement of the first link element 20 and the second link element 50. The first link element 20 and the second link element 50 are configured to hide the indexing member 58 and the guiding means, regardless of the indexing position of the first link element 20 relative to the second link element 50. Compared with the solutions of the prior art, this makes it possible to improve the aesthetics of the bracelet incorporating at least one link of this type. For example, for this purpose, the first link element 20 may include a connecting body 44 which includes an outer surface 44a which is visible from the outside of the link 10 when the link 10 is in the deployed configuration. The outer surface 44a is continuous so as to hide the indexing member 58 and the guiding means regardless of whether the link is in its retracted configuration, intermediate configuration or extended configuration.

[0068] The connecting body 44 is arranged to slide inside a housing 57 of the second link element 50 having a complementary shape, and the indexing member 58 is located inside the housing 57. In this example, the cross-section of the connecting body 44 is substantially rectangular; however, according to alternative embodiments, other shapes may be envisaged. The profile of the housing 57 is arranged with a certain functional clearance on the corresponding profile of the connecting body 44, regardless of the retracted, intermediate and extended configurations of the link.

[0069] The indexing lever 58 may for example include a threaded portion 61 screwed into the bottom of the housing 57, as Figure 5 illustrated. The connecting body 44 includes a passage 46 which is preferably cylindrical and which extends on the one hand from the cavity 26 receiving the lock 30 to the front face 45 of the connecting body 44 and on the other hand is aligned with the opening 32 of the lock 30 so that the lock 30 can receive a section of the indexing lever 58 through the opening 32.

[0070] According to Figure 5, a blind hole 27 (preferably cylindrical) is arranged in the central part 24 of the fastening part. The blind hole 27 is arranged on the axial extension of the passage 46 and the opening 32 of the lock 30 so as to receive the free end of the indexing lever 58 therein when the link 10 is in the retracted configuration. Thus, in this configuration, the indexing lever 58 passes directly through the lock 30.

[0071] In this example, the indexing lever 58 includes two radially extending portions 60a, 60b that extend around the entire circumference of the indexing lever 58, thereby forming a groove between the two extensions. However, in a variant, the radially extending portions may extend only over a part of the circumference of the indexing lever. The locking element 34 is in the form of a flange that is located at the lower part of the opening 32 of the lock 30 so as to bear against one or the other of the two radially extending portions 60a, 60b. In Figure 5 the retracted configuration of the link illustrated in, the flange 34 abuts against the radially extending portion 60b, thus preventing any translation of the indexing lever 58.

[0072] Pressing the button 28 disengages the flange 34 from the radially extending portion 60b, such that the link can be brought into the Figure 10 extended configuration shown in. A stop 48 is arranged at one end of the passage 46 to prevent the first link element 20 and the second link element 50 from disengaging from each other. In this example, the stop is in the form of two pins that are arranged on both sides of the indexing lever 58 so as to bear against the radially extending portion 60b.

[0073] In particular with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 12 , the connecting body 44 includes a first guiding portion 49a and a second guiding portion 49b that are arranged symmetrically with respect to the passage 46. The second link element 50 includes a first complementary guiding portion 68a and a second complementary guiding portion 68b that are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the indexing lever 58 so as to be able to translate inside the first guiding portion 49a and the second guiding portion 49b respectively. In this example, the guiding portions of the connecting body 44 of the first link element 20 are in the form of holes 49a, 49b, while the complementary guiding portions of the second link element 50 are in the form of rods.

[0074] These guiding means 49a, 49b, 68a, 68b also make it possible to absorb stresses, in particular torsional stresses, during the manipulation of the link 10 in order to change the length of the link 10. The rods 68a, 68b have the advantage of ensuring a functional play between the connecting body 44 of the first link element 20 and the housing 57 of the second link element 50, such that there is no friction between the connecting body 44 and the housing 57. This prevents scratches from appearing on the surface 44a of the connecting body 44 that will be visible in the extended configuration of the link.

[0075] Figures 13a to 13d Shows a first actuation sequence for moving the link 10 from the retracted configuration to the intermediate transposed position. In Figure 13a the retracted configuration of the link shown in, the locking element 34 of the lock abuts against the radial extension 60b, thereby preventing any translation of the pivot bar 58 of the second link element 50 relative to the lock of the first link element 20.

[0076] Pressing the button 28 is sufficient to disengage the flange 34 from the radial extension 60b, and then impart a translational movement to the second link element 50 relative to the first link 20 while maintaining the pressure on the button 28 until the locking element 34 of the lock is at the horizontal level of the groove formed between the two radial extensions 60a, 60b. At this time, release the button 28 so that the locking element 34 of the lock 30 engages in the groove, thus locking the link in an intermediate position between its retracted configuration and its extended configuration. In this example, the link has been lengthened by approximately 1 mm.

[0077] Figures 14a to 14b Shows a second actuation sequence for moving the link from the intermediate position to the extended configuration. To this end, simply press the button 28 again to release the flange 34 from the radial extension, and then impart a translational movement to the second link element 50 relative to the first link 20 while maintaining the pressure on the button 28 until the locking element 34 of the lock is on the other side of the radial extension 60a near the free end of the pivot bar 58. At this time, release the button 28 so that the locking element 34 of the lock abuts against the side of the radial extension 60a, thus locking the link in the extended configuration. In this example, the link has been lengthened by approximately 2 mm compared to its retracted configuration.

[0078] According to Figures 15 to 21 another embodiment shown in, a pivot bar 58 is replaced by a pivot strip 58 which includes a notched portion 62 and a fixed portion 66 screwed to the bottom of the housing 57 of the second link element. The notched portion 62 includes several parallel grooves which are preferably positioned at regular intervals along the direction of movement of the first link element 20 relative to the second link element 50 to lock the link in several transposed positions. The notched portion preferably includes three grooves 63a, 63b, 63c which are intended to cooperate with the locking element 34 of the lock 30 to lock the link in three transposed positions which respectively correspond to the retracted configuration, the intermediate configuration and the extended configuration. As another alternative, holes or notches of different geometries may be used instead of these grooves.

[0079] The lock 30 includes a rectangular opening 32 adapted to the shape of the notched portion 62 such that when the link is in the retracted configuration, the notched portion 62 can pass directly through the lock 30, as Figure 17As shown therein. In this configuration, the end of the notched portion 62 is received in a blind hole 27 in the central portion 24 of the fastening portion of the first link element, and the cross-section of the blind hole 27 may be rectangular.

[0080] Reference Figure 18 and Figure 21 , the passage 46 extending from the cavity 26 to the front face of the connecting body 44 preferably has a rectangular cross-section. The notched bar 58, in particular its notched portion 62, also has a groove or longitudinal orifice 64 inside which a stop, such as a pin 67 for example, is mounted, which is rigidly attached to the first link element 20. When the link 10 is in the extended configuration, this pin makes it possible to limit the relative movement by preventing the first link element 20 and the second link element 50 from disengaging, as Figure 21 shown therein.

[0081] The sequence of operations implemented to adjust the length of the link remains the same as the sequence of operations described with reference to the first embodiment. In Figure 17 its retracted configuration as shown therein, the locking element 34 of the lock engages in a first recess 63a positioned furthest from the free end of the notched portion. In this configuration, the stop 67 is arranged against an edge forming one of the distal ends of the longitudinal orifice 64, as Figure 18 shown therein.

[0082] When the link is in an intermediate position as Figure 19 shown therein, the locking element 34 of the lock engages in a second recess 63b adjacent to the first recess 63a and at a distance of approximately 1 mm from the first recess 63a.

[0083] When the link is in the extended position as Figures 20 to 21 shown therein, the locking element 34 of the lock engages in a third recess 63c located near the free end of the notched portion and at a distance of approximately 2 mm from the first recess 63a. According to this configuration, during the relative movement between the first link element 20 and the second link element 50, the stop 67 moves along the longitudinal orifice 64 relative to the second link element 50 to finally abut against the opposite edge of the orifice in order to prevent disengagement between the first link element and the second link element.

[0084] As in the first embodiment, the connecting body 44 includes a first guiding portion 49a and a second guiding portion 49b, which are arranged on both sides of the passage 46. The second link element 50 includes a first complementary guiding portion 68a and a second complementary guiding portion 68b, which are symmetrically arranged with respect to the transposition bar 58 so as to be able to translate respectively inside the first guiding portion 49a and the second guiding portion 49b.

[0085] Link 10 is intended to be integrated into a wristband, in particular a watch strap, such that when the wristband is worn, the button 28 is arranged on the visible side of the wristband, which makes it easy to adjust the length of the wristband when worn. The wristband may include several adjustable links in order to increase the adjustment length.

[0086] Various changes can be made to the adjustable link described above without departing from the invention as defined by the claims. For example, the button can be replaced with a knurled wheel with an integrated lock, the integrated lock having a cylindrical orifice coaxial with the axis of rotation of the knurled wheel. A locking element similar to the locking element described above is arranged in the opening to engage or not engage with the indexing member according to the angular position of the knurled wheel according to the two embodiments described above. According to another variant, the button can be replaced with a pull tab in order to actuate the lock not in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the wristband but in a direction parallel to this plane towards the side edge of the link.

[0087] List of reference signs

[0088] Adjustable link 10

[0089] First link element 20

[0090] Fastening portion 22

[0091] Locking / unlocking system

[0092] Central portion 24

[0093] Cavity 26

[0094] Blind hole 27

[0095] Actuator 28 (e.g. button)

[0096] Lock 30

[0097] Opening 32

[0098] Locking element 34

[0099] Hole 36

[0100] Elastic member 38

[0101] Clearance 39

[0102] Lateral portions 40a, 40b

[0103] Hole 42

[0104] Connector 44

[0105] Outer surface 44a

[0106] Face 45

[0107] Passage 46

[0108] Opening 47 (e.g., circular, rectangular)

[0109] Stopper 48 (e.g., pin)

[0110] First guiding part 49a and second guiding part 49b (e.g., holes), second link element 50

[0111] Fastening part 52

[0112] Central part 53

[0113] Lateral parts 54a, 54b

[0114] Hole 55

[0115] Housing 57

[0116] Indexing member 58

[0117] Indexing lever (first embodiment)

[0118] Indexing elements 60a, 60b (e.g., radially extending portions)

[0119] Threaded part 61

[0120] Indexing bar (second embodiment)

[0121] Notched part 62

[0122] Grooves 63a, 63b, 63c

[0123] Longitudinal orifice 64

[0124] Fixing part 66

[0125] Stopper 67

[0126] First complementary guiding part 68a and second complementary guiding part 68b.

Claims

1. An adjustable link (10) for a wristband, the adjustable link comprising a first link element (20) and a second link element (50), the first link element (20) and the second link element (50) being interconnected by a telescopic adjustment mechanism so as to be translatable relative to each other to occupy at least two separate indexing positions, the mechanism comprising: An actuator (28) that can be accessed from the outside of the adjustable link (10); a lock (30) that is rigidly attached to the actuator and is disposed in a cavity (26) of one of the first link element (20) and the second link element (50); and a translocating member (58) that is arranged to cooperate with the lock (30) and is rigidly attached to the other of the first link element (20) and the second link element (50) while extending in the direction of translation of the first link element (20) relative to the second link element (50), characterized in that the first link element (20) and the second link element (50) are also configured to hide the translocating member (58), regardless of whether they are in one or the other of the at least two translocating positions.

2. The adjustable link (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator (28) is disposed on a surface that extends between two lateral sides of the adjustable link (10) and can be accessed when the wristband including the adjustable link is worn.

3. The adjustable link (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, One of the first link element (20) and the second link element (50) includes a connecting body (44) that is configured to slide in a housing (57) having a complementary shape, the housing (57) being disposed in the other of the first link element (20) and the second link element (50) and hiding the translocating member (58) therein, regardless of the selected translocating position.

4. The adjustable link (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The mechanism further includes additional coupling means (49a, 49b, 68a, 68b) for guiding the relative displacement of the first link element (20) and the second link element (50) and / or for absorbing mechanical stress between the first link element (20) and the second link element (50).

5. The adjustable link (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The additional coupling means is formed by at least one concave element (49a, 49b) that is disposed within the connecting body (44) of one of the first link element (20) and the second link element (50) to receive a complementary convex element (68a, 68b) that is rigidly connected to the other of the first link element and the second link element.

6. The adjustable link (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The additional coupling means is symmetrically disposed about the longitudinal axis of the translocating member (58).

7. The adjustable link (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The actuator is in the form of a button (28) that is arranged to move the lock (30) from a locked position in which the lock rests and engages the translocating member (58) to an unlocked position in which the lock (30) is actuated and no longer engages the translocating member (58).

8. An adjustable link (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The lock (30) further includes an opening (32) that is arranged to receive a portion of the translocating member (58).

9. The adjustable link (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the link is in a retracted or partially retracted configuration, the translocating member (58) traverses from one side of the lock (30) to the other side.

10. The adjustable link (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, One of the first link element (20) and the second link element (50) includes a fastening portion (22), the fastening portion (22) includes a central portion (24) and two lateral portions (40a, 40b), the lateral portions (40a, 40b) are arranged on both sides of the central portion, thereby forming two gaps (39) for receiving a lug of the watch case or a fastening portion of an adjacent link therein, and the central portion (24) includes a cavity (26) for receiving the lock (30).

11. The adjustable link (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The central portion (24) further includes a blind hole (27) in an axial extension of the opening (32) of the lock (30) so as to receive a free end of the indexing member (58) therein when the link (10) is in a retracted or partially retracted configuration.

12. The adjustable link (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The indexing member is in the form of a rod (58) which includes at least one indexing element (60a, 60b) adapted to cooperate with the lock (30).

13. The adjustable link (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The indexing elements (61a, 61b) include two adjacent radially extending portions, thereby providing three indexing positions.

14. The adjustable link (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The indexing member is in the form of a notched bar (58), the notched bar (58) includes a plurality of notches (63a, 63b, 63c), and the notches (63a, 63b, 63c) are adapted to cooperate with the lock (30) to lock the link in the at least two indexing positions.

15. The adjustable link (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The notched bar (58) further includes a longitudinal slot (64) oriented in a direction of translational displacement of the first link element (20) relative to the second link element (50), and a stop (67) is arranged inside the longitudinal slot (64) to limit the relative displacement between the first link element (20) and the second link element (50).

16. A wristwatch comprising at least one adjustable link (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the wristband is worn, the actuator (28) is arranged on a visible surface of the wristband.

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