Chronometric verification procedure of a watch

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for chronometric testing and / or chronometric measurement and / or chronometric certification of a timepiece or a watch movement. It also relates to a procedure for chronometric testing and / or chronometric measurement and / or chronometric certification of a timepiece or a watch movement implementing such a method. It further relates to a method for producing or manufacturing or adjusting a timepiece or a watch movement. Finally, it relates to a watch movement or a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, obtained by such a production or manufacturing or adjustment method. The invention also relates to a device for chronometric testing and / or chronometric measurement and / or chronometric certification of a timepiece or a watch movement.

[0002] Accuracy is a key criterion for a wristwatch. It can vary greatly depending on the design of the watch, the quality of the components, the care taken in assembly and adjustment, and also the wearing conditions.

[0003] Several independent or proprietary labels and certificates are available to certify, among other things, the running accuracy of watch movements or finished products. These may result from tests based on standards or rely on another method. Depending on these tests, the accuracy of the movement or watch may be measured in static mode in five or even six predefined positions, known as "watchmaking positions," or in dynamic mode on an installation capable of reproducing the particular movements of a specific wearer.

[0004] Among contemporary certifications, the official Swiss (COSC certificate) and German (LMET / SLME certificate) standards-based certifications are explicitly detailed. These provide for condition readings in only five watch positions under different temperature conditions.

[0005] Official Swiss certification is guaranteed by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), an official and independent body whose mission is to control the precision of watch movements. It strictly applies the ISO 3159 standard, which stipulates the definition of a "chronometer" with a sprung balance oscillator, and movements that meet the criteria set out in this standard receive an "official chronometer certificate." The movements are observed for fifteen consecutive days and are subjected to a program that includes static storage in the various reference watch positions. It is clearly stated that these tests are not intended to simulate the behavior of the movement when wearing the wristwatch. Seven criteria must all be met for a movement to obtain the certificate.

[0006] The German certification differs in that it concerns cased watches, not movements. It is carried out by the weights and measures offices of Thuringia (LMET) and Saxony (SLME), which strictly apply the DIN 8319 standard for the purpose of issuing a "chronometer" certificate. The test program is similar to that of the COSC, namely that the watches are observed for fifteen days, in five watch positions and at three different temperatures. Seven criteria must all be met for a watch to obtain the certificate. They are similar to those of the COSC.

[0007] Patent applications also relate to methods of chronometric measurement or chronometric certification of a timepiece or a watch movement.

[0008] Patent application EP2458458A1 relates to a method for measuring the precision of a mechanical watch using at least one visual display. This is designed to identify and record the configuration of the hands of a timepiece at at least two given times in order to thereby deduce a first and a second time value displayed by the timepiece. The deviation in the running of the timepiece which is displayed by the device associated with the method is then given by the time difference between these two display values ​​which is compared with the time difference given by a third-party time base.

[0009] Patent application CH704688 relates specifically to a method for certifying a chronograph watch. Such a test is intended to verify, in particular, the chronometry of the chronograph part of the watch, independently of the operation of the basic movement (preferably previously certified as a chronometer).

[0010] Patent application CH707013 also discloses a chronometric qualification protocol for a timer. It is specified that two running measurements can be carried out: one in the "CH" position and the other in the "6 o'clock" position according to the ISO 3158 standard.

[0011] A number of studies have also been carried out with a view to better understanding the conditions for wearing wristwatches, as well as their chronometry.

[0012] J.-C. Beuchat, A. Botta and R. Grandjean, in "Measurement of certain conditions of wearing a wristwatch: temperature, magnetic fields, accelerations due to shocks, positions" (Annual Bulletin of the SSC and the LSRH, Vol. V; 1969), aim in particular to experimentally understand the operating time of a wristwatch in a given position during wearing. To do this, a position detector of a format similar to that of a wristwatch was created, and was worn on the wrist by four experimenters over the course of nine days. Only the times spent by the detector in the six watch positions are determined. Thus, the acquisition time does not reflect the actual wearing time, and does not allow one to determine whether a preferred wearing position differs from the fundamental watch positions.The authors do not draw any conclusions, and only indicate that the positions "HH" and "VG" (respectively "Top Dial" and "6H" according to the name of the ISO 3158 standard) should predominate.

[0013] D. Jacquet, in “Chronometric effects of wearing a wristwatch on a spiral balance oscillator - Applications to the calculation of probable daily rate” (Proceedings No. 20 of the 52nd SSC Congress; 1977), describes an expression of the probable rate of the watch based on the different instantaneous rates recorded in the six watch positions, and weighted by coefficients representing the probabilities of existence of these configurations when wearing.

[0014] J.-P. Bernet, A. Hoffmann, in "Static simulation of average wristwatch wear - Effect on daytime walking" (Proceedings of the CIC conference No. B2.4; 1979), disclose an experimental campaign with the aim of implementing the model described in the aforementioned document. In a first approach, the weighting coefficients are derived from the probabilistic theory of D. Jacquet, which leads to certain negative weighting values. It is therefore difficult to establish a correlation between the reality of wearing and the theory of the model. In a second approach, the weighting coefficients are extracted from the experimental setup of J.-C. Beuchat, A. Botta and R. Grandjean, in "Measurement of certain conditions of wristwatch wear: temperature, magnetic fields, accelerations due to shocks, positions" (Annual Bulletin of the SSC and the LSRH, Vol. V; 1969), which are not very representative of the reality of wearing.

[0015] The extract from the International Congress of Chronometry (Watchmaking and Automobile, Mechanical Label) entitled "A new measuring equipment for the regulating organ for the mechanical watch" (Meissner Ivan et al, September 26, 2007) discloses a device for carrying out rate checks on watch movements positioned in several different positions.

[0016] The aim of the invention is to provide a chronometric control method improving the control methods known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a control method taking better account of the conditions of wearing wristwatches.

[0017] A method of chronometric control or chronometric certification of a timepiece according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

[0018] Different embodiments of the method are defined by dependent claims 2 to 11.

[0019] The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of examples, embodiments of methods and devices according to the invention. There figure 1 is an illustration of a timepiece in the 12 o'clock position, or l =0° and ϑ =0° according to ISO 3158. The figure 2 is an illustration of the timepiece in position l non-zero and ϑ =0° according to ISO 3158. The figure 3 is an illustration of the timepiece in position ϑ non-zero according to ISO 3158. The figure 4 is a graph representing the variations in the rate of a timepiece as a function of the amplitude of the oscillations of the regulating organ of the timepiece. The figure 5 is a graph representing an example of an association made between any positions of a timepiece and six conventional watch positions, as well as an intermediate inclined position. The figure 6is a diagram of a specific embodiment of a device for chronometric control or chronometric certification of a timepiece according to the invention.

[0020] Since the running accuracy of a timepiece depends in particular on the wearing conditions, it is appropriate to propose a test aimed at being as representative as possible of the "real" wearing of the wristwatch.

[0021] To this end, the applicant's work combined a first study to understand the behavior of the watch in the gravity field and a second study to understand the statistical behavior of the watch when worn. These studies demonstrated that it was possible to optimize the representativeness of such a test by optimizing the static storage of the timepiece, which includes one or more phases of positioning the timepiece.

[0022] More specifically, these studies have led to the implementation of a method for controlling or certifying a timepiece which is distinguished by the fact that it includes, in addition to phases of positioning the timepiece in conventional watchmaking positions, a phase of positioning the timepiece in another position, called “intermediate position” or “γ position” or “inclined position”. The storage times of the timepiece in each of the positions can also be optimized to come as close as possible to the positions in which the timepiece is found when actually worn by a wearer.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control or certification method includes at least two condition readings of the timepiece before and after at least one static storage cycle. By "static storage cycle", we mean one or more phases of positioning the timepiece in a predefined position.

[0024] The position of the timepiece in space is defined, as in the ISO 3158 standard, by two rotations from a determined original position. For this purpose, two orthogonal reference frames R1 and R2 are considered as illustrated by the figures 1 to 3 . Timepiece 1 is also considered to have a classic plane 2 dial (even if this is not the case, as will be seen below and as is also described in the ISO 3158 standard).

[0025] The first orthogonal reference frame R1 (O, i, j, k) is a fixed and direct reference frame, with O as the origin at the center of dial 2 of timepiece 1. Vectors i and j are horizontal. Vector k is vertical and opposite to vector g of the Earth's gravitational field. Vectors i and j therefore define a plane perpendicular to vector k.

[0026] The second orthogonal reference frame R2 (O, u, v, w) is a rotating reference frame which is linked to the timepiece 1. The orthogonal reference frame R2 (O, u, v, w) is a direct reference frame. The vector u is a vector parallel to the plane of the dial such that a line passing through the origin O and oriented along this vector passes through the reference frame 209 corresponding to the 9 o'clock indication of the dial 2. The vector v is a vector perpendicular to the plane of the dial 2 and oriented from the plane of the dial 2 towards the crystal 3 of the timepiece 1. The vector w is a vector parallel to the plane of the dial such that a line passing through the origin O and oriented along this vector passes through the reference frame 212 corresponding to the 12 o'clock indication of the dial 2.

[0027] In an initial position of the timepiece corresponding to the denomination 12H according to the ISO 3158 standard, as shown on the figure 1, the vectors u, v, w are respectively merged with the vectors i, j, k, in other words, the dial of the timepiece is parallel to the gravitational field, the oriented semi-axes Oi (called "Oi" because passing through the origin O and oriented according to the vector i) and Ok (called "Ok" because passing through the origin O and oriented according to the vector k) pass respectively through the references 209 and 212 of the dial 2 and the vector w is opposite to the vector g of the Earth's gravitational field.

[0028] Any position of the timepiece is defined by: A first oriented angle l (called longitude) between the vectors k and w under the effect of a rotation of the timepiece around the semi-axis oriented Oj, as represented on the figure 2 . A second oriented angle ϑ (called latitude) between the vectors j and v under the effect of a rotation of the timepiece around the oriented half-axis Oi, as represented on the figure 3 . from the initial position of the timepiece at 12 o'clock and illustrated by the figure 1 , in which λ =0° and ϑ =0°.

[0029] In other words, the angles l and ϑ can be defined as follows: 0° ≤ l < 360°, with l : the positive angle formed during a rotation of the timepiece around the oriented half-axis Oj perpendicular to the plane of the dial between the vector k opposite the gravitational field and the vector w defined such that a line passing through the origin O of the dial and oriented according to this vector passes through the reference mark corresponding to the 12 o'clock indication of the dial, the timepiece being observed from the dial side, said dial being parallel to the gravitational field. -90° ≤ ϑ ≤ 90°, with ϑ: the angle formed during a rotation of the timepiece around the oriented half-axis Oi between the vector j and the vector v perpendicular to the plane of the dial and oriented from the dial towards the crystal of the timepiece. By convention, ϑ = 90° when the timepiece is positioned in the CH (Top Dial) position, and ϑ = -90° when the timepiece is placed in the FH (Top Back) position.

[0030] The angles l And ϑ thus defined coincide with those of the ISO 3158 standard.

[0031] All positions obtained by rotational symmetry around the k axis can be considered equivalent.

[0032] The method described below was developed for the purpose of determining the rate accuracy, particularly the daily rate accuracy, of a timepiece. A rate deviation of the timepiece is measured and given by the time difference between: the time difference between the first and second display values ​​of the timepiece during the first and second status readings respectively, and the time difference given by a third-party reference time base between the times of the first and second status readings.

[0033] Thus, the method comprises at least two state readings of the timepiece before and after at least a first storage cycle in at least one predefined position of the timepiece, the at least one predefined position being a first inclined position γ of the timepiece. In other words, when the first static storage cycle has a single predefined position of the timepiece, the predefined position is the first inclined position γ of the timepiece and, when the first static storage cycle has several predefined positions of the timepiece, the predefined positions include at least the first inclined position γ of the timepiece. In other words, the first static storage cycle has at least one first inclined position γ of the timepiece.

[0034] A tilted position is such that the plane of the timepiece's dial is neither parallel to the Earth's gravitational field nor perpendicular to the Earth's gravitational field.

[0035] The first inclined position γ is for example such that the normal to the dial (the vector v) forms, with the vector g, an angle (non-oriented) between 110° and 175°, in particular between 110° and 160°, in particular substantially equal to 135°.

[0036] The first inclined position is for example such that l ∈ [135°, 225°] and ϑ ∈ [20°, 85°], in particular in which l ∈ [135°, 225°] and ϑ ∈ [20°, 70°], in particular in which l ∈ [135°, 225°] and ϑ =45°, with: l : longitude, ϑ : latitude.

[0037] Preferably, the first position γ is such that the angle lis equal or substantially equal to 180°.

[0038] In other words, the storage cycle preferably comprises at least one storage phase in the inclined position. c which may in particular be included between the clock position CH (such as l = 180° and ϑ = 90°) and a vertical watch position, in particular the 6 o'clock position (such as l = 180° and ϑ = 0°), with l = 180° and invariant.

[0039] Advantageously, the storage cycle may further comprise at least one storage phase in one of the conventional watch positions, in particular in a second 3H position (such as l =90°and ϑ =0°) and / or a third position 6H (such that l =180° and ϑ =0°) and / or a fourth position 9H (such that l =270° and ϑ =0°) and / or a fifth position 12H (such that l =0° and ϑ=0°) and / or a sixth CH position (such that ϑ =90°) and / or a seventh FH position (such that ϑ =-90°). The storage cycle may also include at least one second inclined position γ', different from the position γ, in which l And ϑ are predetermined. Advantageously, the second inclined position is such that l ∈ [135°, 225°] and ϑ ∈ [20°, 85°], in particular such that l ∈ [135°, 225°] and ϑ ∈ [20°, 70°], in particular such that l ∈ [135°, 225°] and ϑ =45°.

[0040] For a static storage cycle in different positions, of a duration t, the applicant's studies have also shown that the storage times in the positions could preferably be described as follows: ∑ t k = t avec k ∈ γ , 3 H , 6 H , 9 H , 12 H , FH , CH with : t γ = a . t avec 0.05 ≤ a ≤ 0.85 t 3 H = b . t avec 0 ≤ b ≤ 1 t 6 H = c . t avec 0 ≤ c ≤ 1 t 9 H = d . t avec 0 ≤ d ≤ 1 t 12 H = e . t avec 0 ≤ e ≤ 1 t FH = f . t avec 0 ≤ f ≤ 1 t CH = g . t avec 0 ≤ g ≤ 1 especially : t γ = a . t avec 0.1 ≤ a ≤ 0.4 notably : t γ = a . t avec 0.15 ≤ a ≤ 0.35 preferentially: 0.3 ≤ b + c + d + e ≤ 0.85 0.1 ≤ f + g ≤ 0.4

[0041] Preferably, the storage cycle is a static storage cycle, i.e., a storage cycle where the timepiece is held stationary in one position in each storage phase.

[0042] The storage times in each phase may be equal. However, preferably, the storage times in each phase of positioning the timepiece are not equal so as to obtain the most faithful image possible of the typical wear of the timepiece.

[0043] Advantageously, the temperature and / or pressure conditions may change over the duration t of at least one first storage cycle, in particular depending on the storage phases or storage positions of the timepiece.

[0044] An auxiliary watch function, in particular a chronograph function or a calendar function, may be activated for all or part of the duration t of the storage cycle.

[0045] The method may comprise a second storage cycle of the timepiece, said second storage cycle being provided to cause the timepiece to scan a continuum of positions in space.

[0046] In a first embodiment, the storage cycle of duration t is reduced to a static storage cycle in one or more predefined positions of the timepiece.

[0047] In a second preferred embodiment, the storage cycle may include, in addition to a static storage cycle in one or more predefined positions of the timepiece, a dynamic storage cycle of the timepiece. By "dynamic storage", we mean a storage mode of the timepiece allowing it to scan a continuum of positions in space, for example by means of a suitable device provided with at least one rotation axis. The linear speed of the timepiece may or may not be constant.

[0048] In this second embodiment, for a storage cycle of duration t composed of a static storage cycle of duration t' and a dynamic storage cycle of duration t", the storage times in the different positions can be defined as follows: t γ = t ′ γ + t " γ t 3 H = t ′ 3 H + t " 3 H t 6 H = t ′ 6 H + t " 6 H t 9 H = t ′ 9 H + t " 9 H t 12 H = t ′ 12 H + t " 12 H t FH = t ′ FH + t " FH t CH = t ′ CH + t " CH with : ∑ t ′ k = t ′ avec k ∈ γ , 3 H , 6 H , 9 H , 12 H , FH , CH ∑ t " k = t " avec k ∈ γ , 3 H , 6 H , 9 H , 12 H , FH , CH And : t γ = a . t t 3 H = b . t t 6 H = c . t t 9 H = d . t t 12 H = e . t t FH = f . t t CH = g . t t ′ γ = a ′ . t ′ t ′ 3 H = b ′ . t ′ t ′ 6 H = c ′ . t ′ t ′ 9 H = d ′ . t ′ t ′ 12 H = e ′ . t ′ t ′ FH = f ′ . t ′ t ′ CH = g ′ . t ′ t " γ = a " . t " t " 3 H = b " . t " t " 6 H = c " . t " t " 9 H = d " . t " t " 12 H = e " . t " t " FH = f " . t " t " CH = g " . t "

[0049] The values ​​of the coefficients a" to g" result from the programming of the dynamic storage device which defines the trajectory of the timepiece in space. More specifically, the values ​​of the coefficients a" to g" are derived from the calculation of the proportion of time spent by the timepiece in each of the positions y, 3H, 6H, 9H, 12H, FH, CH, during its dynamic storage.

[0050] The method of chronometric control or chronometric certification of a timepiece according to the invention comes from the applicant's first and second studies.

[0051] The first study allows us to understand the behavior of the movement in the gravity field in order to define the extent of all the positions that can be associated with each of the watch positions used in each of the storage phases. This study therefore allows us to define the transitions between the different watch positions. Thanks to the results of this study, it is possible to establish, in particular on the basis of a chronometric behavior criterion, a correspondence table between each position of the timepiece and a watch position used during the storage phase of the timepiece. In other words, it is possible to associate a watch position with each position in which the timepiece can be found when worn.In mathematical terms, it is therefore possible to carry out a surjection of all the positions that the timepiece can occupy onto a set of a few reference positions preferably comprising all or part of the six reference watch positions.

[0052] To do this, the rate and amplitude of several movements were measured for a large number of orientations in space. A development work consisted of positioning the movements in multiple positions both in latitude and longitude, and to allow the rate and amplitude measurements in each of these positions for a constant winding torque of the barrel.

[0053] During a measurement, the longitudes l i are scanned over 360° according to a predefined angular step, before the latitude ϑ j is in turn incremented according to a predefined angular step, and so on until a complete “round trip” in latitude of the movement is completed (position CH - position FH - position CH). Gait curves M( l i , ϑ j ) and amplitude A( l i , ϑ j ) for each of the tested watch part references could thus be established.

[0054] Following statistical processing, these measurements made it possible to identify regime changes in the chronometric behavior of the timepiece with the aim of defining the transition limit between the horizontal and vertical behavior of the timepiece. To do this, after having previously subtracted the theoretical effect of the unbalance in the different positions, a representation of the rate as a function of the amplitude M=f(A) was established as shown in the figure 4for example, the variations in the parameters being linked to the variations in positions and not to the variations in the load of the barrel.

[0055] More specifically, the characteristic M=f(A) was established as a function of latitude ϑ j of the timepiece considering an average rate, as well as an average amplitude for all the longitudes scanned.

[0056] In other words: M = f ϑ j A = f ϑ j → M = f A

[0057] There figure 4 illustrates more specifically an isochronism curve representative of a characteristic timepiece. The transition limit between the horizontal and vertical behavior of the timepiece is given here when the difference in rate is significant compared to a reference rate value. In other words, we distinguish in particular a “horizontal” behavior from a “vertical” behavior by a change in the slope of the isochronism curve.

[0058] By repeating this method for all the treated watch parts, a transition limit can be defined. The observed regime change occurs at an orientation of an angle δ of inclination, with 45°< δ <85°, starting from the position ϑ = 0°, regardless of the previous orientation of the timepiece.

[0059] As for the different vertical positions, no significant regime changes were observed.

[0060] Knowing the transition limit between the horizontal and vertical behavior of the timepiece, and considering that no systematic effect modifies the chronometry of the timepiece whatever its vertical position, it is possible to produce a map of “typical” operating regimes, as illustrated in the figure. figure 5 , which establishes a correspondence between any orientation ( l i , ϑ j) of the timepiece and the reference watch positions. The transition between the horizontal and vertical positions is given by the angle δ. The four vertical positions correspond, for example, to the division of the remaining surface into four equal portions, not including a region which is associated with the inclined position γ.

[0061] The second study allows us to understand the orientation of the timepiece when worn, in particular to understand its orientation or position when it is on the wearer's wrist. The study therefore focused on the acquisition and processing of position measurements during wear. In particular, it made it possible to identify, through a campaign of experimental measurements, a continuum of positions scanned in space by a panel of wearers and the probabilities or times associated with each position in this continuum.

[0062] At the end of this study, it is possible to establish a map representing the probability density of the positions when wearing the timepiece for an "average wearer". The probability for each orientation domain can in particular be represented as a function of the longitude λ i and the latitude ϑ j of the timepiece. The probability by orientation domain ( l i , ϑ j ) depends on the fineness chosen for the mesh, but the sum of the probabilities is always equivalent to 1. The sum of the probabilities p λi,ϑj for an orientation ( l i , ϑ j ) data can thus be defined as follows: ∑ λ i , ϑ j p λ i , ϑ j = 1 , 0 ° ≤ λ i < 360 ° − 90 ° ≤ ϑ j ≤ 90 °

[0063] A detailed analysis of the results of this second study made it possible to determine the inclined position (γ). Indeed, the probability density map of the positions indicates, completely unexpectedly, a significant probability density in a particular orientation zone. This represents around 30% of the measured wearing time. This zone is centered on an inclined position obtained by tilting the timepiece typically by 45° between the 6H and CH watch positions. This can extend, according to the inventors' analysis, as follows: 20 ° ≤ ϑ j ≤ δ ′

[0064] Preferably: δ ′ = δ And: λ = 180 °

[0065] To validate the relevance of the y position, the description of the measured data was analyzed and compared with and without the use of the γ position. The analysis shows that the description of the behavior of an “average wearer” with the γ position is more representative of the wearer than that without the γ position. Thus, with a view to obtaining a chronometric control or chronometric certification process for a timepiece that is most representative of the wearing of the timepiece and of the “average wearer,” it is advantageous to introduce the inclined γ position.

[0066] By combining the map of operating regimes of the figure 5and that of the probability densities of the positions, it is possible to define durations of the different storage phases to best represent a real wearing during a chronometric control or chronometric certification method of a timepiece according to the invention. In other words, by processing, in particular by summing, the probabilities associated with all the positions defining a region, in particular a watch position (for example 9 o'clock), it is possible to determine a probability of operation of the timepiece in a regime close to the regime obtained when the timepiece is in such a position, in particular in such a watch position. From this probability, it is possible to deduce a storage time of the timepiece in such a position, in particular in such a watch position, during the implementation of the method according to the invention.For example, the storage durations in each phase can be proportional to the probabilities associated with each area of ​​the . figure 5 . Obviously, when implementing the method with storage of the timepiece in an inclined position, a region can be defined defining a set of positions of the timepiece associated with the inclined position (region γ shown on the figure 5 ).

[0067] The sum of the probabilities per region defined by the angles ( λ i ,θ j ) being equal to 1, it is thus possible to express the coefficients a to g in the following manner: a = ∑ λ i , ϑ j p λ i , ϑ j borne inf position γ < λ i < borne sup position γ borne inf position γ < ϑ j < borne sup position γ b = ∑ λ i , ϑ j p λ i , ϑ j borne inf position 3 H < λ i < borne sup position 3 H borne inf position 3 H < ϑ j < borne sup position 3 H c = ∑ λ i , ϑ j p λ i , ϑ j borne inf position 6 H < λ i < borne sup position 6 H borne inf position 6 H < ϑ j < borne sup position 6 H d = ∑ λ i , ϑ j p λ i , ϑ j borne inf position 9 H < λ i < borne sup position 9 H borne inf position 9 H < ϑ j < borne sup position 9 H e = ∑ λ i , ϑ j p λ i , ϑ j borne inf position 12 H < λ i < borne sup position 12 H borne inf position 12 H < ϑ j < borne sup position 12 H f = ∑ λ i , ϑ j p λ i , ϑ j borne inf position FH < λ i < borne sup position FH borne inf position FH < ϑ j < borne sup position FH g = ∑ λ i , ϑ j p λ i , ϑ j borne inf position CH < λ i < borne sup position CH borne inf position CH < ϑ j < borne sup position CH And : ∑ λ i , ϑ j p λ i , ϑ j = a + b + c + d + e + f + g = 1 , 0 ° ≤ λ i < 360 ° -90 ° ≤ ϑ j ≤ 90 °

[0068] Throughout this document, the term "timepiece" means, in particular, a watch movement or a watch.

[0069] As in ISO 3158, when a timepiece does not include a dial, it is assumed that it includes a fictitious dial, in particular a fictitious conventional dial or a working dial. A working dial is a dial different from the dial that the finished timepiece will have, but which still allows a derived time indication to be read at any time in order to be able to carry out a chronometric control or chronometric certification operation.

[0070] A chronometric control or chronometric certification device according to the invention may comprise elements for static storage of at least one timepiece in at least the first position γ. Preferably, the chronometric control or chronometric certification device further comprises elements for static storage of at least one timepiece in at least one conventional watchmaking position defined according to the ISO 3158 standard. Preferably, the storage elements comprise a large-volume housing to allow the simultaneous housing of several timepieces previously arranged or not in packaging dedicated to this purpose.

[0071] At least one state data acquisition element makes it possible to take state readings of at least one timepiece between two cycles or two storage phases of the timepiece. The state readings are carried out or not when the timepieces are arranged on the storage elements. Preferably, the state readings preferably make it possible to establish simultaneous state readings of several timepieces. Alternatively, these state readings are almost simultaneous, thus making it possible to establish successive readings at high speed, for example by automatic scanning making it possible to obtain images of the different timepieces.

[0072] A chronometric control or chronometric certification device according to the invention may also comprise elements for setting at least one timepiece into motion which are designed to cause the timepiece to sweep a continuum of positions in space. Preferably, they comprise large-volume housings to allow the simultaneous housing of several timepieces, whether or not previously arranged in packaging dedicated to this purpose.

[0073] Condition surveys are carried out or not when the watch parts are placed on the elements that set the watch parts in motion.

[0074] A specific embodiment of a device 10 for chronometric control or chronometric certification of a timepiece 1 is described below with reference to the figure 6It makes it possible to implement the chronometric control or chronometric certification method which is the subject of the invention.

[0075] To do this, the device comprises hardware and / or software elements configured so as to implement the method which is the subject of the invention, in particular the mode of execution of the method described above.

[0076] Material elements include in particular: A frame 16, A support 12, A mechanical connecting element 13, mechanically connecting the support to the frame, An actuating element 14, 15, in particular a first actuator 14 and a second actuator 15, An element 11 for acquiring status data, in particular a camera or a photographic device or an optical sensor, A reference time base 19, A logic processing unit 18, in particular a microcontroller or a microprocessor, A human-machine interface 30.

[0077] The support is capable of receiving at least one timepiece. The timepiece is removably fixed to the support for the duration of the implementation of the chronometric control or chronometric certification process. Thus, the support may comprise elements for fixing the timepiece. Alternatively, the support may comprise elements for fixing a packaging intended to contain several timepieces.

[0078] The support is pivoted about an axis 20 on the mechanical connecting element 13. A pivot connection 22 is for example made between the support and the mechanical connecting element. Similarly, the mechanical connecting element is pivoted about an axis 21 relative to the frame 16. A pivot connection 23 is for example made between the mechanical connecting element and the frame. The axes 20 and 21 are preferably perpendicular

[0079] The actuating element 14, 15 makes it possible to move the mechanical connecting element relative to the frame 16 and to move the support 12 relative to the mechanical connecting element 13. In particular, the first actuator 14 makes it possible to move the mechanical connecting element relative to the support 12 and the second actuator 15 makes it possible to move the mechanical connecting element relative to the frame 16. The actuators are preferably electromechanical actuators, such as geared motors and / or stepper motors controlled by the logic processing unit.

[0080] In simple terms, the rotation angle of the support relative to the mechanical connecting element about the axis 20 defines the longitude and the rotation angle of the frame relative to the mechanical connecting element about the axis 21 defines the latitude. The axes can, however, be arranged differently in space so that a change of a given angle of the longitude or latitude must be executed by a composition of a rotation about the axis 20 and a rotation about the axis 21.

[0081] The status data acquisition element 11 makes it possible to carry out the status readings. The acquisition element can be fixedly mounted on the support. The acquisition element is controlled by the processing logic unit 18. The processing logic unit preferably triggers the acquisition of the status readings. The status readings are transmitted to the processing logic unit 18 which comprises a status data processing module 181, in particular an image processing module which makes it possible to determine time data from the position of the hands of the timepiece at a given time. The processing module can comprise software elements.

[0082] The processing logic unit 18 is also connected to the reference time base 19 which makes it possible to precisely determine the time elapsed between two status readings of the timepiece.

[0083] The processing logic unit 18 is also connected to a human-machine interface 30. The interface makes it possible to control the device, in particular to control or trigger the execution of the method according to the invention. The interface also makes it possible to obtain results determined by the execution of the method, in particular to obtain information on the running of the timepiece, in particular information on the running deviation of the timepiece.

[0084] The logic processing unit is, for example, programmed to control the actuating element so as to set the timepiece in motion so that it sweeps or does not sweep a continuum of positions in space.

[0085] A method of carrying out a method of producing or adjusting a timepiece according to the invention is also described below.

[0086] The method comprises a step of implementing the chronometric control method according to the invention, in particular a mode of execution of the chronometric control method described above.

[0087] Optionally, the method comprises, in addition to the chronometric control step, at least one step of adjusting the timepiece. In particular, this adjustment step is dependent on information provided by the chronometric control method, such as the rate deviation provided by the chronometric control method.

[0088] The invention also relates to the timepiece 1, in particular a wristwatch, obtained by implementing the chronometric control or chronometric certification method according to the invention, in particular according to one of the modes of execution of the chronometric control or chronometric certification method described previously, or obtained by implementing the production or adjustment method according to the invention, in particular according to the mode of execution of the production or adjustment method described previously.

[0089] Throughout this document, "storage cycle" means any succession of several storage phases. A static storage cycle consists of at least one static storage phase in which the timepiece is kept stationary in a determined position. "Static storage phase" means a phase during which the timepiece is immobilized in a determined position. This determined position may be the inclined position γ or a conventional watchmaking position (3H, 6H, 9H, 12H, FH, CH).

[0090] A dynamic storage cycle consists of at least one dynamic storage phase in which the timepiece sweeps a determined continuum of positions in one or more given directions. A dynamic storage cycle does not include a static storage phase.

[0091] Throughout this document, the term "storage cycle" means any period beginning with a first condition survey of the timepiece and ending with a subsequent condition survey of the timepiece, this duration being used in the chronometric control or chronometric certification process of the timepiece. Intermediate condition surveys may also be carried out between two storage phases of the timepiece, in particular in the case of a static storage cycle of the timepiece.

[0092] Throughout this document, by "conventional dial" is meant a dial intended to cooperate with movable hands rotating around its center, and comprising marks, in particular marks (203) corresponding to the "3 o'clock" indication, (206) corresponding to the "6 o'clock" indication, (209) corresponding to the "9 o'clock" indication and (212) corresponding to the 12 o'clock indication. The hands rotate in the anti-trigonometric direction or clockwise when looking at the dial. The angle of position of the hands around the center of the dial is proportional to the time. The 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock marks are arranged respectively at 90° to each other.

[0093] The concepts of "oriented semi-axis" and "oriented angle" must be understood in their usual and conventional mathematical sense. The orientation of an axis or a semi-axis consequently fixes the orientation of the rotation around this axis or semi-axis. By convention, a rotation of a body around an oriented semi-axis is positive or has a positive angle when the body rotates clockwise around the semi-axis, the body being observed in the direction of the oriented semi-axis.

Claims

1. A chronometric testing or chronometric certification method for a timepiece (1), comprising at least two status reports of the timepiece before and after at least a first static storage cycle, the first static storage cycle being a first static storage cycle in at least one predefined position of the timepiece, the at least one predefined position comprising at least a first inclined position (γ) of the timepiece, the inclined position being such that the plane of the dial of the timepiece is neither parallel to the Earth's gravitational field, nor perpendicular to the Earth's gravitational field, a rate variation of the timepiece being measured and given by the time difference between: - a time difference between two display values of the timepiece during at least two status reports of the timepiece, and - a time difference between the instants of the at least two status reports of the timepiece, given by a reference timebase.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first inclined position (γ) is defined by a first angle λ and by a second angle ϑ such that λ ∈ [135°, 225°] and ϑ ∈ [20°, 85°], particularly such that λ ∈ [135°, 225°] and ϑ ∈ [20°, 70°], notably such that λ ∈ [135°, 225°] and ϑ=45°, with: - a first direct coordinate system (O, i, j, k) with an origin (O) at the center of a dial (2) of the timepiece, a first oriented semi-axis (Oi), horizontal and fixed in direction, a second oriented semi-axis (Oj), horizontal and fixed in direction and a third oriented semi-axis (Ok), vertical, fixed in direction and opposite the gravitational field vector (g), - a first position of the timepiece in which the first semi-axis (Oi) passes through a 9 o'clock mark (209) of the dial (2) and the third semi-axis (Ok) passes through a 12 o'clock mark (212) of the dial (2), - any position of the timepiece is defined from the first position by a rotation of the angle λ about the second semi-axis (Oj), then a rotation of the angle ϑ about the first semi-axis (Oi), λ being defined on an interval between 0° and 360°, ϑ being defined on an interval between -90° and 90°.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first position (γ) is such that the angle λ is equal to or substantially equal to 180°.

4. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the first static storage cycle further comprises at least one storage phase in one of the conventional watch positions, notably a second 3H position (λ= 90°; ϑ=0°) and / or a third 6H position (λ=180° ϑ=0°) and / or a fourth 9H position (λ=270°; ϑ=0°) and / or a fifth 12H position (λ=0°; ϑ=0°) and / or a sixth CH position (ϑ= 90°) and / or a seventh FH position (ϑ= -90°) and / or at least a second inclined position (y') ; and / or - the method comprises a second storage cycle of the timepiece, notably a second dynamic storage cycle of the timepiece in which the timepiece sweeps a given continuum of positions.

5. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein for a storage cycle of a duration (t), the respective storage times (tγ), (t3H), (t6H), (t9H), (t12H), (tFH), (tCH) associated with each position (γ), (3H), (6H), (9H), (12H), (FH), (CH) of the timepiece are defined as follows: ∑ t k = t with k ∈ γ , 3 H , 6 H , 9 H , 12 H , FH , CH with: t γ = a . t with 0.05 ≤ a ≤ 0.085 t 3 H = b . t with 0 ≤ b ≤ 1 t 6 H = c . t with 0 ≤ c ≤ 1 t 9 H = d . t with 0 ≤ d ≤ 1 t 12 H = e . t with 0 ≤ e ≤ 1 t FH = f . t with 0 ≤ f ≤ 1 t CH = g . t with 0 ≤ g ≤ 1 in particular: t γ = a . t with 0.1 ≤ a ≤ 0.4 notably: t γ = a . t with 0.15 ≤ a ≤ 0.

356. The method as claimed in the previous claim, wherein: 0.3 ≤ b + c + d + e ≤ 0.85 0.1 ≤ f + g ≤ 0.4 7. The method as claimed in one of claims 5 and 6, wherein: a ≠ b a ≠ c a ≠ d a ≠ e a ≠ f a ≠ g 8. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature and / or pressure conditions change over the duration (t) of the storage cycle, notably depending on the storage phases of the timepiece, in particular depending on the static storage phases of the timepiece and / or wherein an auxiliary watch function, notably a chronograph function or a calendar function, is activated during all or part of the duration (t) of the storage cycle.

9. A production or adjustment method of a timepiece, the method comprising an implementation step of the chronometric testing method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The production or adjustment method as claimed in the preceding claim, the method comprising at least one adjustment step.

11. The production or adjustment method as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the adjustment step is dependent on the rate variation.