Exterior member, exterior member unit, and timepiece

Abstract

The invention provides an exterior member, an exterior member unit and a timepiece. A timepiece case is appropriately externally mounted by using the exterior member made of a brittle material. The exterior member (30) is made of a brittle material, and in a state in which the exterior member (30) is disposed around the timepiece case (2), which is a rigid body, the planar region of the inner surface of the exterior member (30) comes into contact with the planar region of the outer surface of the timepiece case (2). When the front bezel (4) in the exterior member (30) is disposed around the timepiece case (2), a first contact surface (41a) is in contact with a first case-side plane (26a) of the timepiece case (2). When the side bezel (5) is disposed around the timepiece case (2), the second contact surface (51a) is in contact with a second case-side plane (26b) of the timepiece case (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an exterior component, an exterior component unit, and a timepiece. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-169968 discloses a wristwatch with a crown protection component. The protection component is fixed to the side of the outer case with bolts. Using brittle materials such as sapphire for exterior components like this protection component is difficult to do without damage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to suitably cover a watch case with an exterior member made of a brittle material.

[0005] Solutions to Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the exterior component of the present invention is an exterior component made of a brittle material, characterized in that when arranged around a watch case as a rigid body, a flat area on the inner side surface abuts a flat area on the outer side surface of the watch case.

[0007] Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the watch case can be suitably covered with the exterior member made of a brittle material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a front view of the main part of the timepiece according to the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of the timepiece according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the clock at line III.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the clock at line IV.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the contact surface between the side bezel and the watch case according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the clock taken along line VI.

[0015] Figure 7It is an exploded perspective view of the corner bezel according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Partial cross-section of the watch at line VIII.

[0017] Figure 9A It is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the division method of the exterior member according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9B It is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the division method of the exterior member according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the timepiece 100 of this embodiment is a wristwatch worn on a user's wrist. Specifically, the timepiece 100 includes a timepiece case 2 and a bezel unit 3. In the following description, the X, Y, and Z directions in the timepiece 100 refer to the directions shown in the respective figures. Specifically, the X direction refers to the 3:00-9:00 direction in an analog timepiece, the Y direction refers to the 12:00-6:00 direction, and the Z direction refers to the front-to-back direction of the timepiece 100 (the timepiece case 2). In the Z direction, the front side, which is the visible side, is referred to as the "upper side," and the back side is referred to as the "lower side." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the central axis Ax of the timepiece case 2 along the Z direction is referred to as the "radial direction," the direction of rotation about the central axis Ax is referred to as the "circumferential direction," and the side closer to the central axis Ax within a plane perpendicular to the central axis Ax is referred to as the "inner side (inner diameter side)," and the side farther away is referred to as the "outer side (outer diameter side)."

[0020] The watch case 2 is formed into a substantially square cylindrical shape in a front view (top view), the opening on the front side (upper side) is closed by a transparent windshield member 23 that transmits visible light, and the opening on the back side (lower side) is closed by a back cover 24 (see FIG. Figure 3 The material (raw material) of the watch case 2 is a metal such as titanium or stainless steel, or a hard resin such as carbon. However, the watch case 2 can be a rigid body, and its material can be any material other than a brittle material, without any special limitation. In this embodiment, the object is a "rigid body", for example, it is preferred that the rigidity of the object is greater than that of the brittle material in contact, but the object is at least not an elastic material. The watch module 10 (see Figure 3 The watch module 10 includes, for example, a time display unit that displays the time, a battery as a power source, a circuit board on which a control circuit is mounted, and the like. Furthermore, the top view shape of the watch case 2 is not limited to a rectangular cylindrical shape, and may be, for example, a polygonal shape other than a quadrilateral, or a circular shape.

[0021] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the outer side surface of the watch case 2 is formed with a stepped portion 25, which is located on the outer diameter side in stages from the upper side to the lower side, extending substantially around the entire circumference. The stepped portion 25 has a stepped surface 25a that is substantially perpendicular to the Z direction and faces upward. The portion of the watch case 2 above the stepped portion 25 forms a cylindrical portion 26 having a rounded square shape when viewed from above. The windproof component 23 is embedded in the inner diameter side of the cylindrical portion 26 via a first gasket 231.

[0022] The bezel unit 3 is an example of an exterior component unit of the present invention, and includes two front bezels 4, two side bezels 5, four corner bezels 6, an upper bezel 7, and a spacer 81. The exterior components 30 (front bezel 4, side bezels 5, corner bezel main body 61 described later, and upper bezel 7) in the bezel unit 3, except for the retaining components 62 of the corner bezel 6 and the spacer 81 described later, are made of a translucent material that allows visible light to pass, such as sapphire glass. However, the material (raw material) of the exterior component 30 is not limited to a translucent material, and a wide range of brittle materials such as inorganic glass, ceramics, and shells are included. In addition, the exterior component 30 is not particularly limited, but all surfaces are mirror-finished to a predetermined smoothness.

[0023] The two front bezels 4, two side bezels 5, and four corner bezels 6 in the bezel unit 3, excluding the upper bezel 7, are arranged as a whole in a ring shape in a plane perpendicular to the Z direction and cover the outer side surface of the watch case 2. Among them, the front bezel 4 and the side bezel 5 are an example of the second component of the present invention, and are arranged on the side (outer side) of the watch case 2. More specifically, the front bezel 4 and the side bezel 5 are arranged along the four sides of the roughly square watch case 2 corresponding to the four sides of the watch case 2. The corner bezel 6 is an example of the third component of the present invention, and is arranged between two adjacent ones of the multiple front bezels 4 and the side bezels 5 (that is, the corners of the four corners of the watch case 2).

[0024] Two front bezels 4 are arranged on either side of the watch case 2 in the Y direction. Each front bezel 4 is formed into a shape extending in the X direction corresponding to the Y-direction side of the watch case 2. Furthermore, each front bezel 4 is arranged so as to cover the upper side of a band mounting portion 29 in the watch case 2, to which a band (not shown) is mounted. Each front bezel 4 is formed into a generally inclined plate shape corresponding to the shape of the band mounting portion 29, gradually moving downward as it moves away from the central axis Ax in the Y direction.

[0025] The inner diameter end 41 of each front bezel 4 is fixed to the watch case 2 by abutting against it. Specifically, the central portion of the inner side surface of the end 41, excluding the two sides in the X direction, becomes a planar first abutting surface 41a. The portion of the watch case 2 corresponding to the first abutting surface 41a becomes the two side portions in the Y direction of the outer side surface of the cylindrical portion 26 and the planar first case side plane 26a that is roughly orthogonal to the radial direction. When each front bezel 4 is arranged around the watch case 2, the first abutting surface 41a abuts against the first case side plane 26a of the watch case 2. The lower surface of the end 41 of each front bezel 4 abuts against the step surface 25a of the watch case 2 via the double-sided tape 83a. In other words, the lower surface of the end 41 and the step surface 25a of the watch case 2 are bonded by the double-sided tape 83a.

[0026] like Figure 2 、 Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, two side bezels 5 are arranged on both sides of the watch case 2 in the X direction. Each side bezel 5 is formed in a shape extending in the Y direction corresponding to the side portion of the watch case 2 in the X direction.

[0027] The end 51 on the inner diameter side of each side bezel 5 is fixed in contact with the watch case 2. Specifically, the central portion of the inner side surface of the end 51, excluding the two sides in the Y direction, becomes a planar second abutting surface 51a. The portion of the watch case 2 corresponding to the second abutting surface 51a becomes the two side portions in the X direction of the outer side surface of the cylindrical portion 26 and a planar second case side plane 26b that is approximately orthogonal to the radial direction. When each side bezel 5 is arranged around the watch case 2, the second abutting surface 51a abuts against the second case side plane 26b of the watch case 2. The lower surface of the end 51 of each side bezel 5 abuts against the step surface 25a of the watch case 2 via the double-sided tape 83d. In other words, the lower surface of the end 51 of each side bezel 5 is bonded to the step surface 25a of the watch case 2 by the double-sided tape 83d. The height of the end 51 of the side bezel 5 in the Z direction is approximately the same as that of the end 41 of the front bezel 4. In addition, in Figure 5 In the figure, the second contact surface 51 a and the second housing side plane 26 b are shown with a dot pattern for easy understanding of the range, but the surface conditions of these planar regions are not particularly limited.

[0028] The inner side surface of the end portion 51 of each side bezel 5, excluding the second abutting surface 51a, on both sides of the Y direction forms a curved first curved surface 51b. The portion of the watch case 2 corresponding to the first curved surface 51b is the corner portion of the four corners of the outer side surface of the cylindrical portion 26, forming a curved first case side curved surface 26c. Preferably, when each side bezel 5 is arranged around the watch case 2, the first curved surface 51b is separated (not abutted) from the first case side curved surface 26c of the watch case 2. Thus, the second abutting surface 51a of each side bezel 5 can be more reliably abutted against the second case side plane 26b of the watch case 2. In addition, the first curved surface 51b of the side bezel 5 and the first case side curved surface 26c of the watch case 2 only need to be at least partially separated, and for example, they can also partially abut due to processing errors.

[0029] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 6 As shown, a U-shaped escape groove 52 opening downward is formed in the portion of each side bezel 5 corresponding to the plurality of operating buttons 9. Each operating button 9 is fixed to a portion of the watch case 2 below the cylindrical portion 26 in a state that it extends in a direction intersecting both the X-direction and the Y-direction and roughly along the radial direction. Each operating button 9 includes a decorative part 91, a button tube 92, and a button 93. The decorative part 91 is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape and is arranged in the escape groove 52 in a state where it is not in direct contact with the side bezel 5 with a buffer body 94 (for example, made of nitrile rubber) sandwiched between it. The side bezel 5 is pressed radially inward by the decorative part 91 through the buffer body 94. The button tube 92 is inserted into the decorative part 91 and is screwed to the watch case 2 while the decorative part 91 is pressed by the flange portion extending to the outer diameter side. The button tube 92 and the watch case 2 are sealed by an O-ring 95. The button 93 is inserted into the button tube 92 and supported so as to be radially depressible. In addition, when the timepiece 100 has a crown in an analog display mode, the side bezel 5 can avoid contact with the crown by the same structure as in this embodiment.

[0030] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 7 as well as Figure 8As shown, four corner bezels 6 are arranged at the corners between the front bezel 4 and the side bezel 5 in the watch 100 when viewed from above. Each corner bezel 6 has a corner bezel body 61 and a retaining component 62 that retains the corner bezel body 61. The corner bezel body 61 is formed into a roughly prism-like shape that is long in the Z direction. The surface of the corner bezel body 61 corresponding to the inner diameter side of the watch case 2 is formed into a stepped shape having a step surface 61a facing downward. The retaining component 62 has a groove that is open radially outward and along the Z direction, and the corner bezel body 61 is accommodated in the groove. The retaining component 62 has a step surface 62a facing upward that corresponds to the step surface 61a of the corner bezel body 61 in the groove. The corner bezel body 61 is bonded to the retaining member 62 by an adhesive in a state where the step surface 61a is in contact with the step surface 62a of the retaining member 62 in the X direction and the end surface 61b on the inner diameter side is in contact with the groove bottom surface 62b of the retaining member 62 in the radial direction. However, the method of joining the corner bezel body 61 and the retaining member 62 is not limited to an adhesive, and for example, a double-sided tape may be used. A convex portion 621 extending in the Z direction is formed on the surface on the inner diameter side of the retaining member 62. At each of the four corners of the watch case 2, a groove portion 28 extending in the Z direction is formed corresponding to the convex portion 621 (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 2 ). Each corner bezel 6 is arranged at the corner of the watch case 2 by fitting the protrusion 621 of the retaining component 62 into the groove 28 of the watch case 2. The top surface of the protrusion 621 of the retaining component 62 and the bottom surface of the groove 28 of the watch case 2 are bonded by double-sided tape 83e. At this time, the downward step surface 621a formed at the lower end of the protrusion 621 of the retaining component 62 abuts the upward step surface 28a in the groove 28 of the watch case 2. The retaining component 62 is an example of a spacer of the present invention, and is circumferentially located between the front bezel 4 and the side bezel 5, or between the front bezel 4 or the side bezel 5 and the corner bezel body 61. The material (raw material) of the retaining component 62 is a metal such as titanium, stainless steel, or a hard resin such as carbon. However, the retaining component 62 can be a rigid body, and its raw material can be a material other than a brittle material, without any particular limitation.

[0031] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3As shown, the upper bezel 7 is an example of the first component of the present invention, and is arranged above the watch case 2. The upper bezel 7 is formed into a square ring shape corresponding to the shape of the watch case 2 when viewed from above, and has a flange portion 71 extending inwardly throughout the entire circumference. The upper bezel 7 is fixed to the watch case 2 by being pressed into the outer diameter side of the cylindrical portion 26 of the watch case 2. A second gasket 82 is arranged between the upper bezel 7 and the cylindrical portion 26 in such a way that they do not directly contact each other. The second gasket 82 is made of a different material from the first gasket 231 and has a lower hardness (softer) than the first gasket 231. The flange portion 71 of the upper bezel 7 is arranged above the cylindrical portion 26 and the first gasket 231 in such a way that they cannot be seen from the front side.

[0032] The upper bezel 7 secures the annular front bezel 4, side bezels 5, and corner bezels 6 by sandwiching them in the Z direction with the watch case 2. Specifically, the end 41 of each front bezel 4 is secured between the stepped surface 25a of the watch case 2 and the lower end face of the upper bezel 7, while the end 51 of each side bezel 5 is secured between the stepped surface 25a of the watch case 2 and the lower end face of the upper bezel 7. The retaining member 62 of each corner bezel 6 is secured between the stepped surface 28a of the watch case 2 and the lower end face of the upper bezel 7, while the corner bezel body 61 is secured between the stepped surface 62a of the retaining member 62 and the lower end face of the upper bezel 7.

[0033] The upper bezel 7 is arranged so that it does not directly contact the front bezel 4, the side bezel 5, and the corner bezel 6 (corner bezel body 61), with a metal spacer 81 (for example, titanium) interposed therebetween. The spacer 81 is formed into a square ring plate corresponding to the upper bezel 7 when viewed from above, and is arranged below the upper bezel 7 over the entire circumference of the watch case 2. Double-sided tape 83b is affixed to the lower surface of the spacer 81, and this double-sided tape 83b adheres the spacer 81 to the front bezel 4, the side bezel 5, and the corner bezel 6 (corner bezel body 61 and retaining member 62). Double-sided tape 83c is affixed to the upper surface of the spacer 81, and this double-sided tape 83c adheres the spacer 81 to the upper bezel 7. The material (raw material) of the spacer 81 is a metal such as titanium or stainless steel, or a hard resin such as carbon. However, the spacer 81 can be rigid and its raw material can be any material other than a brittle material, and there are no particular restrictions.

[0034] Next, the procedure for assembling the bezel unit 3 to the watch case 2 will be described. The watch module 10 is previously housed in the watch case 2, and the windshield member 23 and the back cover 24 are attached, followed by the assembly of the operating button 9. Furthermore, the four corner bezels 6 are assembled.

[0035] First, if Figure 2 as well as Figure 8As shown, four corner bezels 6 are attached to the four corners of the watch case 2. Specifically, the corner bezels 6 are positioned at each corner of the watch case 2 by engaging the inner diameter side projections 621 of the retaining member 62 of the corner bezel 6 with the grooves 28 of the corners of the watch case 2. Each corner bezel 6 is adhered and temporarily fixed to the bottom surface of the groove 28 of the watch case 2 using double-sided tape 83e attached to the top surface of the projections 621. At this time, the downward-facing step surface 621a formed on the lower end of the projections 621 of the retaining member 62 is brought into contact with the upward-facing step surface 28a within the groove 28 of the watch case 2.

[0036] Next, if Figure 2 、 Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the two front bezels 4 and the two side bezels 5 are sequentially mounted on the watch case 2. With the first abutting surface 41a of each end 41 radially abutting the first case side plane 26a of the watch case 2, the lower surface of each end 41 is temporarily secured by bonding it to the stepped surface 25a of the watch case 2 using double-sided tape 83a. With the second abutting surface 51a of each end 51 radially abutting the second case side plane 26b of the watch case 2, the lower surface of each end 51 is temporarily secured by bonding it to the stepped surface 25a of the watch case 2 using double-sided tape 83d. At this point, the upper end surfaces of the front bezel 4, side bezel 5, and corner bezel 6 are approximately aligned in height within a plane approximately perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0037] Next, the spacer 81 is placed on the watch case 2. With double-sided tape 83c and 83b attached to its upper and lower surfaces, the spacer 81 is placed on the watch case 2 so as to be inserted through the cylindrical portion 26. The spacer 81 is temporarily fixed to the upper surfaces of the front bezel 4, side bezel 5, and corner bezel 6 by bonding with the double-sided tape 83b on its lower surface.

[0038] Next, the upper bezel 7 is mounted on the watch case 2. Having previously positioned the second gasket 82 on the outer diameter side of the cylindrical portion 26 of the watch case 2, the upper bezel 7 is press-fitted from above onto the outer diameter side of the cylindrical portion 26 via the second gasket 82. The upper bezel 7 is pressed in through the spacers 81 until it fully abuts against the front bezel 4, side bezels 5, and corner bezels 6. This secures the front bezel 4, side bezels 5, and corner bezels 6 while being sandwiched between the watch case 2 and the upper bezel 7.

[0039] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the exterior member 30, made of a brittle material, is positioned around the rigid watch case 2, a planar area on its inner side abuts a planar area on the outer side of the watch case 2. Specifically, the watch case 2 includes a first case-side plane 26a and a second case-side plane 26b, which are planar areas on the outer side. The front bezel 4 of the exterior member 30 includes a first abutting surface 41a, which is a planar area on its inner side, and the side bezel 5 includes a second abutting surface 51a, which is a planar area on its inner side. When the front bezel 4 is positioned around the watch case 2, the first abutting surface 41a abuts the first case-side plane 26a of the watch case 2. When the side bezel 5 is positioned around the watch case 2, the second abutting surface 51a abuts the second case-side plane 26b of the watch case 2. This brings the front bezel 4 and the side bezel 5, made of brittle material, into surface contact with the rigid watch case 2, thereby suppressing movement of the front bezel 4 and the side bezel 5 during an impact. Typically, support components used to mitigate shock are made of elastic materials. However, using elastic materials to support brittle materials such as sapphire can lead to excessive deformation and damage during impact. Therefore, by suppressing the movement of the front bezel 4 and side bezel 5 during impact, damage to the exterior component 30 can be minimized. This, in turn, improves the shock resistance of the timepiece 100. Consequently, the exterior component 30, made of a brittle material, allows the watch case 2 to be properly encased.

[0040] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the side bezel 5 is positioned around the watch case 2, the first curved surface 51b on the inner side of the side bezel 5 is separated from the first case-side curved surface 26c on the outer side of the watch case 2. This allows the second contact surface 51a of the side bezel 5 to more reliably contact the second case-side flat surface 26b of the watch case 2. Furthermore, similarly to the side bezel 5, the curved surface area of ​​the front bezel 4 other than the first contact surface 41a can be separated from the curved surface area other than the first case-side flat surface 26a of the watch case 2.

[0041] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the multiple exterior components 30 (front bezel 4, side bezel 5, corner bezel 6 (corner bezel body 61), and upper bezel 7) are arranged around the watch case 2 so as not to contact one another. This prevents the exterior components 30 from directly contacting one another and potentially being damaged. Consequently, the watch case 2 can be appropriately enclosed by the multiple exterior components 30.

[0042] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, metal spacers (spacers 81, retaining members 62) are interposed between the multiple exterior components 30. This prevents damage caused by contact between the multiple exterior components 30. Furthermore, the retaining members 62, which serve as spacers and are disposed between the front bezel 4 and the side bezel 5, may be formed integrally with the watch case 2.

[0043] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a spacer 81 is provided between the upper bezel 7 (first component) disposed above the watch case 2 and the front bezel 4 and side bezels 5 (second components) disposed to the sides of the watch case 2. This prevents damage caused by contact between the front bezel 4 and side bezels 5 and the upper bezel 7.

[0044] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the plurality of exterior components 30 include an upper bezel 7 positioned above the watch case 2, and a plurality of front bezels 4 and side bezels 5 positioned to the sides of the watch case 2. In other words, the exterior component 30 is divided into multiple pieces in both the vertical and circumferential directions. This facilitates contact between each exterior component 30 and various portions of the watch case 2. Furthermore, since the exterior component 30 can be divided into multiple pieces in various directions, it is easy to polish and mirror-finish each surface of the exterior component 30.

[0045] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the watch case 2 is formed into a substantially polygonal shape having multiple sides when viewed from above, and the front bezel 4 and the side bezel 5 (second component) are arranged corresponding to the multiple sides of the watch case 2. This allows the front bezel 4 and the side bezel 5 to appropriately contact the respective sides of the watch case 2 and appropriately cover the outer surface of the watch case 2.

[0046] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the exterior member 30 includes the corner bezel 6 (corner bezel body 61 ) disposed between the adjacent front bezel 4 and side bezel 5 . This allows the corners of the watch case 2 to be appropriately exteriorized in addition to the sides.

[0047] Furthermore, the embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the exterior member 30 for the watch case 2 is arranged so as to be divided into a plurality of parts both circumferentially and vertically relative to the watch case 2. However, the plurality of exterior members of the present invention can be arranged around the watch case in a manner that does not contact each other, and the manner in which they are divided is not particularly limited.

[0048] For example, in the above embodiment, the front bezel 4 and the side bezel 5 correspond to the sides of the watch case 2, and the corner bezel 6 is arranged between the front bezel 4 and the side bezel 5, but the circumferential division method is not limited to this. Figure 9AAs shown, each exterior member 30A may be arranged so as to include a corner of the watch case 2 and span two adjacent sides. In this case, either of the two flat regions 31a on either side of the exterior member 30A abuts against the opposing flat region 26d of the watch case 2. Furthermore, in this case, the curved region 31b between the two flat regions 31a of the exterior member 30A is preferably separated from the opposing curved region 26e of the watch case 2.

[0049] Or, as Figure 9B As shown, each exterior member 30B can also be arranged on a corner of the watch case 2 and a portion of its adjacent side. However, it is preferably divided in a manner that does not interfere with the operating button 9 (or the turning handle) and does not make assembly difficult. In this case, the flat area 32a of the exterior member 30B abuts the flat area 26f of the watch case 2 opposite thereto. In addition, in this case, it is preferred that the curved area 32b other than the flat area 32a of the exterior member 30B is separated from the curved area 26g of the watch case 2 opposite thereto.

[0050] The position of the abutment surface of the exterior member 30 against the watch case 2 is not particularly limited, as long as it appropriately restricts the movement of the exterior member 30. For example, it may be located at an end rather than the center of the exterior member 30. The abutment surface is preferably set to ensure as large an area as possible, corresponding to the aforementioned division of the exterior member 30.

[0051] In addition, the lower surface of the exterior component 30 (for example, the lower surface of the upper bezel 7) which is a light-transmitting material may be coated or vapor-deposited with an opaque layer, so that internal components such as double-sided tape cannot be visually identified from the front side.

Claims

1. An exterior component comprising a brittle material, characterized in that: When arranged around a watch case as a rigid body, a flat area on the inner side surface abuts against a flat area on the outer side surface of the watch case.

2. The exterior component according to claim 1, wherein: When arranged around the watch case, the curved surface region on the inner side surface is separated from the curved surface region on the outer side surface of the watch case.

3. An exterior component unit, characterized in that: A device comprising a plurality of exterior components according to claim 1 or 2, The plurality of exterior members do not contact each other.

4. The exterior component unit according to claim 3, wherein: A metal spacer is further provided, and the metal spacer is interposed between the plurality of exterior members.

5. The exterior component unit according to claim 4, wherein: The spacer is formed integrally with the watch case.

6. The exterior component unit according to claim 4, wherein: The spacer is arranged between a first member arranged above the watch case and a second member arranged on the side of the watch case.

7. The exterior component unit according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of exterior components include: a first component disposed above the watch case; and a plurality of second components disposed on the sides of the watch case.

8. The exterior component unit according to claim 7, wherein: The watch case is formed into a substantially polygonal shape including a plurality of sides when viewed from above. The plurality of second components are arranged corresponding to the plurality of sides.

9. The exterior component unit according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of exterior components include a third component disposed between two adjacent ones of the plurality of second components.

10. A timepiece, characterized in that: have: Clock module; a rigid watch case housing the watch module; and The exterior member is made of a brittle material and, when disposed around the watch case, has a planar region on its inner side surface in contact with a planar region on its outer side surface of the watch case.

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