Locatable clock with mechanical display
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025102971
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-13
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-05-31
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical area
[0001] The present invention relates to a wristwatch with a mechanical display by means of hands. State of the art
[0002] Wristwatches are devices known for telling the time to a user. Among these, watches with mechanical displays contain moving parts, the hands, to indicate the time. The display consists of a fixed dial on which the hands move, their position indicating the time. Typically, there is an hour hand and a minute hand. The watch may also be equipped with a second hand.
[0003] There is a need for ways to easily locate a mechanical watch if it is lost. Brief description of the invention
[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide means by which a watch with a mechanical display can be easily found if it is lost.
[0005] For this purpose, the invention proposes a watch with a mechanical display, comprising: • a strap for attaching the watch to a user’s wrist, • a case attached to the bracelet and closed by a transparent glass, the case containing: • a dial that is fixed in relation to the case, • at least two pointers, • a storage medium for energy, • a mechanism powered by the energy storage means and configured to move the hands in rotation with respect to the dial.
[0006] The watch is characterized in that the housing further encloses an electronic circuit configured to generate an identification signal representing identification information of the watch and is connected to an antenna configured to receive the identification signal and wirelessly transmit an electromagnetic signal representing the identification information.
[0007] The watch is further characterized in that at least a portion of the housing covering the antenna is permeable to the electromagnetic signal.
[0008] Thanks to the electronic circuit and the antenna, as well as the section of the case that is permeable to the electromagnetic signal, the watch can emit a signal that allows its presence to be detected and therefore located.
[0009] The watch according to the invention has an analog display, meaning the time is displayed by means of hands, and the display is mechanical, meaning the hands are moving parts of the watch and not displayed on a screen. In other words, in the watch according to the invention, moving elements, the hands, indicate time information. The hands are preferably located between the dial and the glass. The hands are arranged so that they can be seen by a user through the glass.
[0010] The hands are made of a solid material, such as metal or polymer.
[0011] The hands are configured to indicate time information. For example, one of the hands is configured to indicate hour information on the dial, and another of the hands is configured to indicate minute information on the dial.
[0012] The dial and hands, although located inside the case, are arranged to be visible to the user through the glass. To achieve this, the glass is made of a material that is transparent to visible light. For example, the glass is a sheet of glass.
[0013] The watch includes a strap for attachment to the wrist by an adult or child. It is therefore a wristwatch.
[0014] The energy storage means is preferably a battery or an electrical cell, such as a button cell. The energy storage means may also be a spring for storing energy in mechanical form. The energy stored in the energy storage means is used to provide the energy required by the clock mechanism to rotate the hands.
[0015] Preferably, the electronic circuitry of the watch is also powered by the energy storage means. In this case, the energy storage means is a battery or an electrical cell. Alternatively, the watch may include another energy storage means in electrical form, such as a battery or an electrical cell, to power the electronic circuitry.
[0016] The portion of the housing that covers the antenna may be made of one or more materials that are transparent to the electromagnetic signal.
[0017] Preferably, the entire housing is made of a material that is permeable to electromagnetic decimeter waves (ultra-high frequency range). Alternatively, or simultaneously, the housing is made of a material that is permeable to ultrashort waves (very-high frequency range) and / or centimeter waves (super-high frequency range).
[0018] The case contains the dial, hands, mechanism, electronic circuitry, and antenna. The case is preferably hermetic, for example, waterproof and airtight.
[0019] In this document, reference is made to electromagnetic waves according to the international standardization carried out by the International Telecommunication Union.
[0020] Ultrashort waves have a frequency between 30 MHz and 300 MHz.
[0021] Decimeter waves have a frequency between 300 MHz and 3 GHz.
[0022] Centimeter waves have a frequency between 3 GHz and 30 GHz.
[0023] The case may include the watch crystal. In this case, the crystal is part of the case. For example, the section of the case described above includes a portion of the crystal or is contained within the crystal.
[0024] The electronic circuit and the antenna of the watch are configured to generate the identification signal and the electromagnetic signal such that the electromagnetic signal is detectable by a first device separate from the watch. Preferably, the electromagnetic circuit and the antenna are configured to emit the electromagnetic signal such that the electromagnetic signal is detectable by the first device at an air distance of at least 10 m, preferably at least 25 m. This means that the electromagnetic signal is detectable by the first device when the watch is positioned within a radius of 10 m, preferably 25 m, from the first device and no obstacle other than air separates the first device from the watch. Since the first device is configured to receive the electromagnetic signal, it can detect the presence of the watch.For example, the first device is a smartphone.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the watch antenna is configured to transmit the electromagnetic signal in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range, preferably at a frequency between 2400 and 2483.5 MHz. This enables communication using the Bluetooth standard. Bluetooth technology has the advantage of enabling energy-efficient short-range communication between the watch and the first device.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, which may be combined with that of the previous paragraph, the watch's antenna is configured to transmit the electromagnetic signal via ultra-wideband (UWB), preferably at frequencies between 3100 and 10600 MHz, preferably between 6000 and 8500 MHz. The use of ultra-wideband signals means that the watch can be very accurately located by the first device when a short distance separates the watch from the first device.
[0027] Preferably, at least one upper surface of the antenna faces directly toward the housing. This means that the upper surface of the antenna is oriented toward the housing. This improves the efficiency of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the antenna. Preferably, there is no intermediate part that constitutes an electromagnetic shield that at least partially prevents the propagation of the electromagnetic signal and separates the upper surface of the antenna from the housing.
[0028] For example, the top surface of the antenna faces directly toward the portion of the housing that covers the antenna and is transparent to the electromagnetic signal.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the watch, the housing further includes a support member for the antenna. The support member is permeable to the electromagnetic signal and is arranged to prevent displacement of the antenna relative to the housing and the electronic circuit. This improves the energy efficiency of the watch for emitting an electromagnetic signal with a fixed amplitude, as the electromagnetic signal is less subject to interference / attenuation by surrounding conductive elements, such as elements of the energy storage device or the electronic circuit.
[0030] The support member therefore holds the antenna in a fixed position within the housing. Preferably, when the antenna is received or supported in the support member, the support member is configured to maintain a relative position of the antenna with respect to the electronic circuitry such that a non-zero distance separates the antenna and the electronic circuitry. Preferably, when the antenna is received or supported in the support member, the support member is configured to maintain a relative position of the antenna with respect to the electrical energy storage means (cell or battery) such that a non-zero distance separates the antenna and the electrical energy storage means. Preferably, the non-zero distance separating the antenna from the electronic circuitry and / or the electrical energy storage means is greater than 1 mm, preferably greater than 2 mm, and more preferably less than 5 mm.This prevents the electromagnetic signal from being superimposed or attenuated by conductive elements of the watch.
[0031] The support part holds the antenna, which can be flexible and / or fragile, within the watch. It is designed to prevent contact between the conductive antenna and the electronic circuitry, as well as to prevent contact between the conductive antenna and the electrical energy storage device (battery). The support part makes the watch more shock-resistant and prevents the risk of short circuits within the watch.
[0032] Preferably, the support member has an annular shape. In this way, an arcuate antenna follows the shape of the support member. The support member can further be configured to surround the mechanism of the watch.
[0033] Preferably, the support member comprises a groove for receiving the antenna. This groove therefore has a recess suitable for receiving the antenna. A shape of the recess is preferably complementary to a shape of the antenna. For example, the recess is arranged to at least partially surround the antenna. For example, the recess surrounds a lower surface opposite the upper surface of the antenna as well as lateral surfaces of the antenna that connect the lower and upper surfaces of the antenna. For example, the lower surface of the antenna is in direct contact with a bottom of the groove in the support member.
[0034] Preferably, the support member comprises a notch for receiving a connecting conductor between the antenna and the electronic circuit. This support member improves the compactness of the watch and allows the antenna and the electronic circuit to be coupled in a compact and advantageous manner. In particular, it is thus possible to maintain a standard-sized watch despite the arrangement of the locating means shown. For example, the watch extends as a disc with a diameter of 25 mm or less and a height of 10 mm or less.
[0035] For example, an upper side of the support member includes the groove, and a side surface of the support member includes the notch for receiving the connecting conductor. Preferably, the antenna and the electronic circuit are separated by the support member.
[0036] Preferably, the watch case further comprises an on / off button for the electronic circuitry, allowing the electronic circuitry to start or stop generating the identification signal. This saves energy by turning off the electronic circuitry when the watch is not in use or is not at risk of being lost.
[0037] Preferably, the power button is also configured to start or stop the transmission of the electromagnetic signal by the antenna. The button is configured to be pressed by a user. In response to successive presses of the button by a user, the electronic circuit is configured to generate or stop the successive generation of the identification signal. The watch is configured such that when the electronic circuit generates (or does not generate) the identification signal, the antenna transmits (or does not transmit) the electromagnetic signal.
[0038] Preferably, the watch case is completely permeable to the electromagnetic wave.
[0039] Preferably, the watch case is made of a polymer that is permeable to electromagnetic waves, such as plastic. For example, the case is made entirely of polymer. Preferably, the case is made of an electrically insulating material.
[0040] The watch according to the invention is preferably a quartz watch. It can also be a watch with a mechanical movement.
[0041] The quartz clock mechanism, for example, includes an electronic oscillator controlled by a quartz resonator.
[0042] Preferably, the antenna has an arcuate shape.
[0043] Preferably, the antenna is planar, meaning it has a flat shape. In other words, it is contained within a single plane or flattened.
[0044] The antenna preferably extends along an inner circumference of the housing. The antenna preferably extends along a circular arc, and an angle at the center of the circular arc is between 90° and 270°, preferably between 130° and 180°. It is preferably a semicircle. The aforementioned connecting conductor can be arranged asymmetrically with respect to the antenna, for example, one-third of the way along the antenna, to facilitate coupling and assembly.
[0045] The watch according to the invention enables the implementation of methods for its localization, which are described below. These methods are preferably computer-implemented.
[0046] In a first embodiment of such a method, the method comprises: • wireless transmission of an electromagnetic signal representing identification information of the watch through an antenna located in a casing of the watch, • Receiving the electromagnetic signal by a first device separate from the watch, • in response to the first device receiving the electromagnetic signal, and by means of the first device: determining a position of the watch and displaying the determined position of the watch on a screen of the first device.
[0047] For example, the first device is a smartphone.
[0048] Preferably, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the antenna is transmitted via ultra-wideband (UWB) and preferably at frequencies between 3100 and 10600 MHz, preferably between 6000 and 8500 MHz. This allows for a more precise location of the clock.
[0049] In the methods, determining the position of the watch by the first device and displaying the position of the watch determined by the first device are performed in response to the first device receiving the electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signal received by the first device includes the wristwatch's identification information. It may be based on an identification signal generated by an electronic circuit of the watch and representing identification information of the watch.
[0050] In a second embodiment of such a method, the method comprises: • wireless transmission of an electromagnetic signal representing identification information of the watch through an antenna located in a casing of the watch, • Receiving the electromagnetic signal by a first device separate from the watch, • in response to the first device receiving the electromagnetic signal, and by means of the first device: determining a position of the first device and transmitting a second signal based on the electromagnetic signal received by the first device and further representing the determined position of the first device to a second device, • Receiving the second signal by the second device and displaying the position of the first device on a screen of the second device.
[0051] The second device is separate from the watch and the at least one first device. For example, the second device is a smartphone. For example, the second device belongs to an owner of the watch.
[0052] For example, the position of the first device is determined by means of a geolocation circuit for the first device.
[0053] The second signal may be transmitted from the first device to the second device via a wireless communication network and possibly via a server.
[0054] The second signal is preferably electromagnetic.
[0055] This method has the advantage that it works even when the first device cannot accurately determine the position of the watch, which can happen if the watch is too far from the first device. This is the case, for example, if the watch is located at a distance from the first device that is greater than the maximum transmission range of the ultra-wideband electromagnetic signal. In this case, the watch can be configured to transmit the electromagnetic signal to the first device using the Bluetooth standard. The result is a less precise location of the watch, but this can be achieved if the first device is located at a greater distance from the watch.
[0056] The first device then detects the presence of the clock within a certain radius of the first device, but is unable to determine its exact position relative to the first device. The first device then sends its own location to a second device, which provides the second device with an approximation of the clock's position.
[0057] Preferably, the electromagnetic signal is received simultaneously or at different times by several first devices separate from the watch. This makes it possible to use a large number of first devices to locate the watch, even if it is moving. For example, the first devices are smartphones carried by users who are different from the users of the watch and the second device, and which are networked to the second device, for example, via a telecommunications network and a server.
[0058] The second device is configured to receive the second signal based on the electromagnetic signal received from the first device, which further represents the position of the first device. The second signal therefore includes the identification information of the watch and position information for the first device. Based on the second signal, the second device is configured to indicate the position of the first device, which is an approximate position of the watch.
[0059] This allows a user of the second device to exploit the proximity between the first devices and the watch to locate the watch, for example, where the first devices are worn by different people. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user of the second device to be close to the watch to detect it or to contact users of the first devices to locate the watch.
[0060] For example, the first device is a smartphone. Preferably, the electromagnetic signal is received by multiple first devices. In this case, the position of the watch can be determined, for example, by triangulation, which is more accurate.
[0061] Preferably, the second signal is transmitted to the second device via a server comprising a database that compares the identification information of the watch and the identification information of the second device. In this case, the method comprises: • in response to the server receiving the second signal, and by means of the server: determining the second device based on the identification information of the watch and the database, • Transmitting, by the server, the identification information of the watch and the position of the first device to the second device determined by the server.
[0062] The signal transmitted by the server may be the second signal or another signal representing the identification information of the watch and the position of the first device.
[0063] In this second embodiment of a method, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the antenna is preferably in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range, preferably at a frequency between 2400 and 2483.5 MHz.
[0064] In a third embodiment of such a method, the method comprises: • wireless transmission of an electromagnetic signal representing identification information of the watch through an antenna located in a casing of the watch, • Receiving the electromagnetic signal by a first device separate from the watch, • in response to the first device receiving the electromagnetic signal, and by means of the first device: determining the position of the watch and transmitting a second signal representing the identification information of the watch and the determined position of the watch to a second device, • Receiving the second signal by the second device and displaying the position of the clock on a screen of the second device.
[0065] Determining a position of the watch by the first device may comprise determining a relative position of the watch with respect to the first device combined with determining a position of the first device.
[0066] The second device is separate from the watch and the at least one first device. For example, the second device is a smartphone. For example, the second device belongs to an owner of the watch.
[0067] In one example, the second device is configured to allow the second device to display the position of the clock, while the first device is configured to prevent the first device from displaying the position of the clock.
[0068] For example, the position of the first device is determined by means of a geolocation circuit for the first device.
[0069] The second signal may be transmitted wirelessly to the second device, for example, via a wireless communications network, which may include a server. Optionally, the server is configured to determine the position of the clock based on the relative position of the clock with respect to the first device and the position of the first device.
[0070] Preferably, the method is performed using a plurality of first devices. Optionally, the server is configured to determine the position of the clock based on the relative positions of the clock with respect to the first devices and the position of the first devices. By using a plurality of first devices, the position of the clock can be determined more accurately.
[0071] The advantage of this method is that it enables a precise location of the watch. In the method, the watch can be configured to transmit the ultra-wideband electromagnetic signal to the first device.
[0072] The first device determines the relative position of the clock with respect to the first device. The first device also determines the position of the first device, for example, through geolocation. Based on the position of the first device and the relative position of the clock determined in this way, it is possible to determine the position of the clock. Determining the position of the clock based on the position of the first device and the relative position of the clock can be performed by the first device, by the second device, or by a separate server.
[0073] Based on the position of the first device and the relative position of the watch thus determined, the first device generates the second signal and transmits it to the second device. The second signal is further based on the signal representing the watch's identification information.
[0074] The second signal is preferably electromagnetic.
[0075] The second device then displays the location of the watch, allowing a user of the second device to locate it.
[0076] Preferably, the electromagnetic signal is received simultaneously or at different times by multiple first devices separate from the watch. This makes it possible to use a large number of first devices to locate the watch, even if it is moving. For example, the devices are smartphones, which may be carried by users separate from the users of the watch and the second device, and are networked with the second device.
[0077] The second device is configured to receive the second signal based on the electromagnetic signal received by the at least one first device. The second signal therefore includes the watch's identification information and the watch position information. Based on the second signal, the second device is configured to display the watch's position.
[0078] This allows a user of the second device to exploit the proximity between the first devices and the watch to locate the watch, for example, where the first devices are worn by different people. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user of the second device to be close to the watch to detect it or to contact users of the first devices to locate the watch.
[0079] For example, the first device is a smartphone. Preferably, the electromagnetic signal is received by a plurality of first devices, each of which, in response to receiving the electromagnetic signal, determines a position of the watch and each transmits a corresponding second signal representing the watch's identification information and the watch's position. In this case, the transmission is preferably carried out via a server that receives all second signals, determines the watch's position based on the second signals, and transmits the watch's position and identification to the second device.
[0080] Preferably, the second signal is transmitted to the second device via a server comprising a database that compares the identification information of the watch and the identification information of the second device. In this case, the method comprises: • in response to the server receiving the second signal, and by means of the server: determining the second device based on the identification information of the watch and the database, • Transmitting, by the server, the identification information of the watch and the position of the watch to the second device determined by the server.
[0081] The signal transmitted by the server may be the second signal or another signal representing the identification information of the watch and the position of the watch.
[0082] Preferably, in the third embodiment of the method, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the antenna is transmitted via ultra-wideband (UWB) and preferably at frequencies between 3100 and 10600 MHz, preferably between 6000 and 8500 MHz.
[0083] In this document, the terms “localize” and “location” are used interchangeably with the terms “determine a position” and “position”.
[0084] In the context of this document, position information of a device, such as the watch or the first device, may include, for example, geographical coordinates of the device.
[0085] The use of the verb "umfassen" and its variants and conjugations in this document cannot in any way exclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned. The use of the indefinite article "ein," "eine," or the definite article "der," "die," or "das" to introduce an element in this document does not exclude the presence of multiple such elements.
[0086] All preferred embodiments, all properties and all advantages of the embodiments of the method are transferred accordingly to the other embodiments of the method and vice versa.
[0087] All preferred embodiments, properties and advantages of the watch according to the invention apply accordingly to the methods and vice versa. Short description of the characters
[0088] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, for the understanding of which reference is made to the accompanying figures, in which Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 of which illustrate schematic exploded views of the components of a watch according to the invention. The drawings in the figures are not necessarily to scale. Similar elements are generally identified by similar reference numerals throughout the figures. Within the scope of this specification, the same or similar elements may have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the presence of reference numbers or letters in the drawings should not be considered limiting, even if these numbers or letters are indicated in the claims. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention
[0089] This section provides a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention. The latter is described with specific embodiments and references to figures, but the invention is not limited by them. In particular, the drawings or figures described below are merely schematic and non-restrictive.
[0090] The terms “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. are used in this document solely to distinguish between different elements, without implying any order between them.
[0091] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the components of a watch according to the invention. The watch comprises two sections of a bracelet 1, each section being attached to the case and including means (not shown) for closing the bracelet around a wearer's wrist. The case 2 of the watch comprises a cover 2" which is in contact with the case through an intermediate part 2'. The case 2 is closed by a glass 3, which is a sheet of glass. The glass allows a person to see the watch hands 5, which are located between the dial 4 of the watch and the glass. The hands are rotatable with respect to the dial 4 and the case 2 and are moved by the Fig. 2 shown mechanism 7 of the clock is rotated. Fig. 1 shows three hands indicating the hours, minutes and seconds, respectively. Fig. 2 illustrated parts or components form part of the Fig. 1 illustrated module 12.
[0092] The watch includes an on / off button 10 for the Fig. 1 and 2, respectively, so that a user can activate or deactivate transmission of the electromagnetic signal by the antenna 9 by successively pressing the button.
[0093] The case 2 is made of a non-conductive polymer so that the electromagnetic wave emitted by the antenna 9 can pass through it without being attenuated. The case 2 contains the hands 5, the dial 4, and the module 12, which in turn contains the mechanism 7, the electronic circuit 8, and the battery 6 for powering the electronic circuit 8 and the mechanism 7. As explained above, the timepiece according to the invention can also comprise two separate batteries: one for supplying power to the electronic circuit 8 and one for supplying power to the mechanism 7 of the timepiece.
[0094] The module 12 also includes a support part 11 for the Fig.2. The support member has an annular shape. An upper side of the support member has a groove 11' for receiving the antenna 9. A shape of the groove 11' is complementary to a shape of the antenna 9. The groove 11' has an arcuate recess. The groove 11' extends along an arc with a central angle between 145° and 170°. When the watch is assembled, the antenna is received in the groove such that the groove surrounds a lower surface of the antenna opposite its upper surface 9'. The groove also surrounds side surfaces of the antenna that connect the upper surface 9' and the lower surface of the antenna 9. The support member 11 is arranged to separate the antenna 9 from the mechanism 7 by means of a shoulder running along the groove 11'.
[0095] The support member 11 is arranged to separate the antenna 9 from the electronic circuit 8. In fact, the antenna 9 and the electronic circuit are located on each side of the support member 11, separated by a distance of between 2 and 10 mm.
[0096] The antenna 9 is supported and is in direct contact with an upper side of the support part 11. The circuit 8 is in direct contact with the lower side of the support part.
[0097] A lateral side of the support part 11 comprises a notch 11" to accommodate a connecting conductor between the antenna 9 and the electronic circuit 8.
[0098] The groove 11" optimizes the volume occupied by the support part 11, making the watch more compact while allowing the antenna 9 and the electronic circuit 8 to be separated by the support part.
[0099] The support part 11 is made of a single block of material that is permeable to the electromagnetic signal.
[0100] The case 2 is waterproof and airtight when closed by the glass.
[0101] The antenna 9 is arc-shaped. It extends along a circular arc with a central angle between 130° and 170°. The antenna 9 is planar. The antenna 9 has an upper surface 9' facing the case when the watch is in the assembled configuration. The upper surface 9' is not oriented toward the electronic circuit 8 or the battery 6 to prevent electromagnetic shielding of the electromagnetic signal by them. The upper surface 9' is oriented toward the case in such a way that no intermediate part providing an electromagnetic shielding effect and thus attenuating the electromagnetic signal separates an inner side of the case from the upper surface 9' of the antenna. In this way, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the watch has a maximum amplitude.Preferably, the upper surface 9' of the antenna points directly towards the inner side of the housing, ie without any intermediate part.
[0102] When the electronic circuit is activated and the antenna emits the electromagnetic signal representing the watch's identification information, the watch can be part of a system that allows it to be geolocated and perform a procedure as described above. The watch's position can thus be determined and communicated to a user.
[0103] For example, the antenna is configured to transmit the electromagnetic signal in ultra-wideband and / or according to the Bluetooth standard, and which is detectable by a first device, such as a smartphone, located near the watch, for example, within a radius of 10 m or 50 m from the watch. The electromagnetic signal represents identification information of the watch, i.e., it allows the identification of the watch that transmitted the electromagnetic signal.
[0104] The smartphone is further configured to locate the watch in response to receiving the electromagnetic signal either by detecting that the watch is within a certain radius thereof (as a result of receiving the Bluetooth signal) or by accurately calculating the relative position of the watch to it (as a result of receiving the ultra-wideband signal).
[0105] The smartphone may belong to the watch owner or to third parties unknown to the watch owner. If the smartphone belongs to the watch owner, it can display the watch's relative position to the phone, allowing the watch owner to locate it.
[0106] If the smartphone belongs to a third party, it can transmit a second signal representing some information about the watch's position. For example, the position information is either its own position or the watch's position calculated based on its own position and the watch's relative position with respect to the smartphone, or the watch's relative position with respect to the smartphone separately from the smartphone's position. The third party's smartphone generates and transmits a second electromagnetic signal representing the watch's position information and the watch's identification information, which is transmitted to a second device, such as a smartphone belonging to the watch's owner.
[0107] The second signal can be transmitted from the first device to the second device via a wireless telecommunications network, for example, comprising a server. The server is configured to determine, for example, based on the watch's identification information, the second device to which the second signal should be transmitted, so that the watch's identification information and position information are transmitted to a predetermined second device. For example, the server can perform this process using a server database that compares the watch's identification information and the second device's identification information.
[0108] The watch owner's smartphone can then display the watch's location, allowing the owner to locate it. The advantage of this method is that it is possible to use a large number of third-party phones positioned near the watch to locate it, without the watch owner having to contact them.
[0109] In summary, the invention relates to a locatable watch. The watch has a mechanical display and comprises: a strap 1 for attaching the watch to a user's wrist, a case 2 attached to the strap and closed by a transparent glass 3, the case 2 enclosing a dial 4 fixed with respect to the case 2, hands 5 for indicating an hour, a mechanism 7 powered by an energy storage means 6 and configured to rotate the hands 5. The watch further comprises an electronic circuit 8 and an antenna 9 configured to wirelessly transmit an electromagnetic signal representing identification information of the watch to a device separate from the watch.The antenna 9 is located in the housing 2, which further includes a portion covering the antenna and made of a material that is permeable to the electromagnetic signal.
[0110] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples illustrated and / or described above, but that its scope is more broadly defined by the claims presented below.
[0111] The present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments that are purely illustrative and should not be considered restrictive. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the examples illustrated or described above, and that its scope is more broadly defined by the claims presented below.
Claims
[1] Watch with mechanical display, comprising: • a strap (1) for attaching the watch to a user’s wrist, • a case (2) attached to the bracelet (1) and closed by a transparent glass (3), the case (2) containing: ◯ a dial (4) which is fixed with respect to the case (2), ◯ at least two pointers (5), ◯ a storage medium for energy (6), ◯ a mechanism (7) powered by the energy storage means (6) and configured to move the hands (5) in rotation with respect to the dial (4), characterized by , that the housing (2) further encloses an electronic circuit (8) configured to generate an identification signal representing identification information of the watch and connected to an antenna (9) configured to receive the identification signal and wirelessly transmit an electromagnetic signal representing the identification information, and that at least a portion of the housing (2) covering the antenna (9) is permeable to the electromagnetic signal. [2] Watch according to claim 1, wherein the antenna (9) is configured to transmit the electromagnetic signal in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range, preferably at a frequency between 2400 and 2483.5 MHz. [3] Watch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna (9) is configured to transmit the electromagnetic signal via ultra-wideband (UWB) and preferably at frequencies between 3100 and 10600 MHz, preferably between 6000 and 8500 MHz. [4] A watch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one upper surface of the antenna (9) faces directly towards the housing (2). [5] A watch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (2) further comprises an on / off button (10) for the electronic circuit (8) so that the generation of the identification signal by the electronic circuit (8) can be started or stopped. [6] A watch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the case (2) is made of a polymer, such as plastic. [7] A watch according to any one of the preceding claims, which is a quartz watch. [8] A watch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna (9) has an arcuate shape. [9] Clock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna (9) extends along a circular arc, wherein an angle in the center of the circular arc is between 90° and 270°, preferably between 130° and 180°. [10] A watch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (2) further encloses a support member (11) for the antenna (9), the support member being permeable to the electromagnetic signal and being arranged to prevent displacement of the antenna (9) with respect to the housing (2) and the electronic circuit (8). [11] A watch according to claim 10, wherein the support member (11) comprises a groove (11') for receiving the antenna (9). [12] A watch according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the support member (11) comprises a notch (11") for guiding a connecting conductor between the antenna (9) and the electronic circuit (8).