VERSATILE WATCH COMPONENT

Description

Introduction

[0001] The present invention relates to a versatile watch component. This watch component may be a dial, a dial counter, an index, a bezel disc, or more generally a decorative plate. The invention also relates to a timepiece, such as a watch, comprising such a versatile watch component. Etat de l'Art

[0002] There are watch components whose aesthetics vary depending on the brightness to create decorative effects, such as dials. Such watch components traditionally include luminescent varnish layers. These existing watch components all have drawbacks, including: a complex architecture, which leads to a complex manufacturing process, delicate handling, limited use and / or a high overall cost; and / or a limited aesthetic result.

[0003] US2004 / 0196742 represents the relevant state of the art.

[0004] The general objective of the invention is to provide a versatile watch component solution which does not include all or part of the drawbacks of the state of the art, which forms an improved solution compared to existing solutions.

[0005] More particularly, an object of the invention is to offer a simple, versatile watch component solution that achieves an attractive aesthetic effect. Brève description de l'invention

[0006] For this purpose, the invention is based on a timepiece component according to claim 1 for a timepiece, said component comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion comprising at least one part at least partially transparent and at least partially superimposed above the second portion, this second portion being in the form of a solid portion comprising a material capable of emitting at least one emission light wave in the event of excitation by at least one excitation light wave, and said at least one part of the first portion at least partially transparent making it possible to transmit at least partially towards the outside of the timepiece component an emission light wave emitted by the second portion,such that the watch component has at least a first appearance by day and at least a second different appearance by night in which the first portion is backlit by an emission light wave emitted by the second portion. The solid portion advantageously comprises a luminescent material distributed in its volume.,

[0007] In addition, said part of the first portion is advantageously translucent, allows at least partial transmission to the second portion of an excitation light wave coming from outside the watch component but does not allow or only slightly allows the second portion of day to appear.

[0008] Such a watch component can be a dial, a dial counter, an index, a bezel disc or a decorative plate.

[0009] The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, as such, which comprises such a timepiece component.

[0010] The invention is more precisely defined by the claims. Brève description des figures

[0011] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention will be explained in detail in the following description of particular embodiments made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which: There figure 1 represents a schematic sectional view of a versatile watch component according to a particular variant of a first embodiment of the invention. The figures 2 And 3 represent top-view photographs of versatile watch components according to particular variants of the first embodiment of the invention by day and night. The figure 4 represents a schematic sectional view of a versatile watch component according to a particular execution of the variant of the first embodiment of the invention of the figure 1 . There figure 5 represents a schematic sectional view of a versatile watch component according to a particular execution of the variant of the first embodiment of the invention of the figure 1 . There figure 6 represents a schematic sectional view of a versatile watch component according to a particular execution of the variant of the first embodiment of the invention of the figure 1 . There figure 7 represents a schematic sectional view of a versatile watch component according to another variant of the first embodiment of the invention. The figure 8 represents a schematic sectional view of a versatile watch component according to a particular execution of the variant of the first embodiment of the invention of the figure 7 . There figure 9 represents a schematic sectional view of a versatile watch component according to another variant of the first embodiment of the invention. The figure 10 represents a schematic sectional view of a versatile watch component according to a particular execution of the variant of the first embodiment of the invention of the figure 9 . There figure 11 represents a schematic sectional view of a versatile watch component according to a variant of a second embodiment of the invention. The figure 12 represents a summary table of luminous persistence measurements as a function of time and thickness of first portions produced according to a second embodiment of the invention. The figure 13 graphically represents the measurements of the figure 12 . THE figures 14a et 14b represent the day and night aspects respectively of a versatile watch component according to a variant of the second embodiment of the invention. The figure 15 represents an enlarged view of details of a particular execution of the variant of the second embodiment of the invention of the figure 11 . THE figures 16, 17, 18 represent schematic sectional views of a versatile watch component according to particular variants of the second embodiment of the invention.

[0012] For the sake of clarity of description, we will use the same references for the different embodiments to designate identical or equivalent characteristics.

[0013] Furthermore, to simplify the following description, we will designate by the adjective "exterior" a volume or surface of a watch component intended for an orientation towards the outside of a timepiece, in particular including a volume or surface directly visible by an observer of the timepiece. On the contrary, the adjective "interior" designates a volume or surface of a watch component intended for an orientation towards the inside of a timepiece relative to another volume or surface of the same watch component oriented towards the outside.

[0014] On the other hand, we will use the adjective "opaque" to designate the property of a material when the material considered results in a transmission of less than 10% of light radiation which will in practice include at least visible and / or ultraviolet wavelengths. By "opaque material", we consider a material whose nature combined with the thickness used forms an opaque barrier to the aforementioned light radiation. In the embodiments of the invention, the material of a first portion will be defined as opaque with reference to the light wavelengths allowing the excitation of another material of a second portion and / or to the wavelengths of a light wave emitted by such another excited material, as will be detailed later. As a note, the same material may be opaque when used at a certain thickness, and not opaque for a reduced thickness.We will also use the plural term "opaque materials" for a structure comprising the arrangement of several materials whose assembly meets the conditions explained above for the definition of an "opaque material". We will use the term "opaque zone" or "opaque part" to designate a localized part of a component formed from at least one opaque material and which behaves as mentioned above with respect to radiation, and ultimately prevents any visible effect of a light wave through said opaque zone or part.

[0015] We will use the adjective "transparent" to designate a material or part of a component that is not opaque, thus covering totally transparent and partially transparent, as well as semi-transparent or translucent constructions. We will use the adjective "transparent" to designate the property of a material when the material in question results in a transmission of more than 10% inclusive of light radiation which will in practice include at least visible and / or ultraviolet wavelengths. By "transparent material", we consider a material whose nature, combined with the thickness used, allows at least partial transmission of the aforementioned light radiation.In the embodiments of the invention, the material of a first portion will be defined as transparent with reference to the light wavelengths allowing the excitation of another material of a second portion and / or to the wavelengths of a light wave emitted by such another excited material, as will be detailed later. As a note, the same material may be transparent when used at a certain thickness, and non-transparent for a greater thickness. We will similarly use the term "transparent materials" in the plural for a structure comprising the arrangement of several materials whose assembly meets the conditions explained above for the definition of a "transparent material".We will use the term "transparent area" or "transparent part" to designate a localized part of a component formed of at least one transparent material and which behaves as mentioned above with respect to radiation, and ultimately allows any visible effect of a light wave through said transparent area or part. Such a transparent part can be obtained by the use of at least one transparent material, or by the use of at least one transparent material advantageously combined with a particular structuring, as will be described later, or by the use of at least one opaque material combined with a particular structuring making the part at least partially transparent.

[0016] The embodiments of the invention are all based on the use of a portion within a watch component capable of emitting light when it is or has been subjected to illumination, in particular external lighting or any appropriate source of excitation, in a certain range of wavelengths, because the portion is composed of a material that is in particular phosphorescent and / or fluorescent. We will thus call "excitation light wave" illumination in a range of wavelengths allowing the excitation of this portion capable of emitting light or illumination in return: in practice, this range of wavelengths is all or part of the wavelengths corresponding to ultraviolet and visible light.Finally, we will call "emission light wave" or "emitted light" any lighting or emission spectrum producing a visual effect for an observer of the watch component considered, in particular at night or under conditions of reduced luminosity, emitted by said portion following its reception of an excitation light wave. As a note, we will subsequently mention in a simplified manner the two opposing situations day / night, the term "night" not being limited to a situation of total darkness but being understood as including intermediate periods between day and night, of partial darkness.

[0017] As a note, an excitation light wave may come from the outside, and reach the second portion after passing through the first portion. Alternatively, an excitation light wave may be generated by any other means, in particular by an internal light source. For example, it could be generated by a light source comprising LEDs arranged in a timepiece, under the second portion.

[0018] We will now describe several embodiments of the invention, within the framework of a watch component intended for a timepiece.

[0019] Such a watch component 1 may, for example, be a dial for a timepiece, in particular for a wristwatch. It comprises a first portion 10 comprising at least one transparent part, as well as a second portion 20 capable of emitting an emission light wave, in particular phosphorescent and / or fluorescent, when it is or has been subjected to an excitation light wave in a certain frequency range.

[0020] The second portion 20 is in the form of a solid portion. A portion is notably considered solid when, considered independently of the other portions, it constitutes a solid object which does not structurally require mechanical support to maintain it without deformation.

[0021] Such a second portion advantageously comprises a solid structure incorporating a luminescent material distributed in its volume. By luminescent material we mean a material obtained from any luminescent, phosphorescent and / or fluorescent or other material. Such a second portion may have a substantially constant thickness, on average between 0.01 mm and 5 mm. Such a second portion may have a surface area greater than or equal to 1 mm 2< or a surface area between 0.01 cm 2< and 15 cm 2< inclusive. Such a second portion may be a plate formed from fluorescent and / or phosphorescent ceramic, in particular a composite ceramic based on yttria-containing zirconia and Dy / Eu-doped strontium aluminate, advantageously “luminescent zirconia”, for example as described in document EP2730636.

[0022] Distributing the luminescent material in the volume allows it to be distributed in all areas of the volume, preferably in a homogeneous manner. The advantages of such a second portion are that it incorporates a large quantity of luminescent material making it possible to restore more light than a simple layer of varnish for example and that it has sufficient rigidity to provide it with a mechanical property allowing it to be used as a mechanical support for the construction. In particular, the second portion can form a mechanical support for the first portion and / or a support allowing the mounting of the watch component within a timepiece. The second portion can thus fulfill the dual function of night lighting, namely that it can produce an emission light wave, and of support for the first portion of the watch component.This mechanical property makes it possible to form a watch component comprising only the two assembled portions. The watch component is thus simplified to the maximum.

[0023] We will now describe a first embodiment of the invention, in the context of a watch component intended for a timepiece, on the basis of the figures 1 à 10 .

[0024] According to the first embodiment, the first portion 10 is in the form of a solid portion. It comprises an outer surface 11, intended to be oriented towards the outside of a wristwatch and visible or partially visible to the observer. It further comprises an inner surface 12 opposite and parallel or substantially parallel to the outer surface. It may have a thickness less than or equal to 2 mm, or even an average thickness of between 0.5 nm and 2 mm inclusive.

[0025] The first portion 10 comprises at least one transparent part. The first portion or part of the first portion may be formed from one or more materials chosen from the following non-exhaustive list: certain mother-of-pearl, in particular black, certain fossil materials, tortoiseshell, mangano-calcite, lepidolite, silicified wood, coral, amber, pearl, ivory, metal or metal alloy, such as platinum or ferrite or meteorite, technical ceramic based on zirconia and / or pigmented or non-pigmented alumina, gem, mineral, rock or precious substance of organic origin, sphalerite, fluorite, agate, alexandrite, amethyst, anatase, aventurine, chalcedony, chrysoberyl, chrysoprase, citrine, jasper, tiger's eye, opal, quartz, spinel, aragonite, azurite, malachite, crocoite, apatite, lazulite, turquoise, aquamarine, beryl, tourmaline, obsidian, or snowflake obsidian.

[0026] For example, the figure 1 illustrates a schematic sectional view of a versatile watch component according to a particular variant of the first embodiment of the invention, in which the material forming the first portion comprises at least one transparent part for a first portion of thickness less than or equal to 2 mm inclusive, or even a thickness between 0.5 nm and 2 mm inclusive, or even between 0.5 nm and 1 mm inclusive, or even between 0.5 nm and 0.8 mm inclusive. Thus, the second portion 20 can be subjected to lighting, in particular external lighting, and the light emitted by the second portion 20 can generate a visual effect for an observer of the watch component. In this particular variant of the first embodiment, such a watch component is advantageously provided with only two massive or solid portions assembled to each other, for example by gluing.

[0027] The transparency of the first portion may be more or less variable due to the heterogeneity of the nature of the material forming the first portion. For example, the figure 2 illustrates photos in day configuration (J) and night configuration (N) of watch components, in particular dials, respectively comprising first portions formed in lined pink mother-of-pearl ( figure 2a ), in mangano-calcite ( figure 2b ), in lined blue chalcedony ( figure 2c ), in opal ( figure 2d ).

[0028] Alternatively, the first portion may comprise at least one transparent part adjoining at least one opaque part. In particular, these parts may be induced by the intrinsic structure of the material of the first portion, in particular due to the heterogeneity of the nature of the material forming the first portion. By way of examples, the figure 3 illustrates photos in day configuration (J) and night configuration (N) of watch components, in particular dials, respectively comprising first portions formed in mahogany obsidian ( figure 3a ), in ferrite ( figure 3b ), in jasper ( figure 3c ), in blue quartz ( figure 3d ).

[0029] Additionally, the first portion may comprise at least one structure 13 capable of modulating the transparency of at least one transparent part of the first portion. In particular, the first portion may comprise at least one structure 13 capable of modulating, in particular reinforcing, the transparent nature of at least one part of the first portion, thus being able to generate complementary visual effects.

[0030] Additionally, the first portion may comprise at least one structure 13 capable of making at least one opaque part of the first portion transparent, so that the second portion 20 can be subjected to lighting, in particular external lighting, and so that the light emitted by the second portion 20 can generate a visual effect for an observer of the watch component at the level of said opaque part.

[0031] Of course, a structure can be formed on all or part of a first portion comprising at least one transparent part and / or at least one opaque part.

[0032] A "structuration" can be any opening formed on the surface or in the thickness of the first portion. Thus, we can use the term opening 13 to designate a structuration 13. Such an opening can be blind or through or through or represent an internal porosity, that is to say in the thickness of the first portion. Such an opening can be a micro-opening or a nano-opening, preferably of a size small enough to be invisible or substantially invisible to the naked eye during the day. Alternatively, such an opening can have a larger, macroscopic dimension, to make it deliberately visible. It then also contributes to the daytime decor. Alternatively, such a blind opening can be made on the non-visible face, to make it deliberately invisible. It then does not contribute to the daytime decor.In all cases, the openings, whether through or not, can have any section, not necessarily circular. This section can in fact be rectangular or star-shaped, for example.

[0033] Alternatively, a structuring may be at least a local modification of the properties of the material constituting the first portion in all or part of the thickness of said first portion.

[0034] Such structures can be obtained by any conventional machining technique, or by laser machining, in particular by femtosecond laser machining, or by deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) or even by chemical attack.

[0035] For example, the figure 4 illustrates a schematic sectional view of a versatile watch component according to a particular execution of the variant of the first embodiment of the invention illustrated by the figure 1 , within which the material forming the first portion is transparent for a first portion of thickness less than or equal to 2 mm, or even a thickness between 0.05 mm and 2 mm inclusive. Thus, the second portion 20 can be subjected to lighting, in particular external lighting, and the light emitted by the second portion 20 can generate a visual effect for an observer of the watch component.

[0036] This watch component is different from the one shown on the figure 1 by the fact that the first portion 10 comprises a structure 13 taking the form of several through openings. The function of these through openings is to modulate, in particular to reinforce, the transparent character of the first portion.

[0037] For this purpose, the first portion may comprise a sufficient quantity of openings to obtain a complementary backlighting effect provided by the luminescent material present in the second portion. The openings 13 of the first portion are here through micro-openings or through nano-openings, preferably of a size small enough not to be identifiable with the naked eye. For example, these openings may be in a substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter less than or equal to 60 µm, since it is commonly accepted that at 20 cm, the eye perceives details greater than such a dimension. In other words, so that these through openings are not visible during the day, their dimensions are preferably less than the maximum resolving power of the eye under normal conditions of observation of a watch. The resolving power of the eye is approximately one minute of arc.Finally, these micro-openings allow the light emitted by the second portion 20 to generate a complementary visual effect for an observer of the watch component.

[0038] Naturally, the quantity of openings 13, their respective dimensions and their distribution, represent a compromise chosen according to a desired aesthetic result. Indeed, the conformation, arrangement and density of the structuring depend on the desired effect in terms of pattern obtained and / or level of persistence, depending on the search for an ephemeral decoration or a display lasting several hours. This compromise also depends on the luminescent material chosen for the second portion. There are thus a very large number of possibilities. However, it is noted that micro-openings equivalent to through or emerging cylinders with a diameter less than or equal to 100 microns, or even less than or equal to 60 microns, and greater than or equal to a value of the order of 250 nm, the smaller size of the openings being that physically allowing the passage of excitation and / or emission waves, make it possible to achieve the desired objective in a satisfactory manner.Of course, the openings can have any geometry suitable for the passage of excitation and / or emission waves.

[0039] Of course, it is possible to obtain equivalent, complementary or alternative visual effects from at least one blind opening, the depth of which is sufficient to promote the passage of the excitation and emission light waves through the residual material. This at least one opening can be formed from the outer surface as shown in the figure 5 or from the inner surface of the first portion. It may have straight or inclined sides. Optionally, this at least one opening may include optical means, such as optical fibers or be filled with any at least partially transparent material.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, the first portion may comprise a structuring that modifies at least locally the transparency properties of the material constituting said first portion. In other words, different structurings may be combined to create the desired visual effects.

[0041] On the other hand, the structuring may be homogeneous, in particular all the openings may be identical and uniformly distributed over the entire surface of the first portion, to form a homogeneous effect. Alternatively, their distribution and / or their geometry may differ within the first portion, to form a heterogeneous effect, which will provide a different visual effect. For example, the watch component may comprise blind openings of variable depth, which may evolve according to a gradient. This makes it possible to observe a progressively variable brightness depending on the areas of the watch component.

[0042] Alternatively, the distribution of the openings is not uniform, as in the particular execution represented by the figure 4 , but these openings are positioned so as to form a design, which will be perceptible at night, highlighted by the backlighting by the second luminescent portion. In this case, the openings can form an aesthetic design, i.e. a decoration visible at night. According to an advantageous embodiment, this design can, for example, be a pattern, providing not only a decoration but also an indication or any information visible at night.

[0043] The watch component thus obtained is therefore a versatile watch component, since it has at least a first daytime appearance in which the appearance of the component corresponds substantially to the appearance of the first portion, and at least a second nighttime appearance in which the first portion is backlit by a visible emission light wave emitted by the second portion. There is thus a level of darkness, in particular partial darkness, from which the difference between the at least first appearance and the at least second appearance becomes visible. Furthermore, the backlighting can vary depending on the intensity of the emission light wave emitted by the second portion; this intensity decreases over time. Thus, the nighttime appearance of the component can be variable. The nighttime appearance is different from the daytime appearance. The nighttime appearance corresponds to the appearance of a first backlit portion as long as the luminescent material emits.The daytime appearance corresponds substantially to the appearance of a first portion.

[0044] In all the embodiments described, including the second and its variants which will be described below, it is thus advantageous to use a first portion that is partially transparent, translucent. It is advantageously sufficiently transparent to allow transmission waves from the second portion to pass through and change appearance at night, due to backlighting, and sufficiently non-transparent so that the second portion is barely or not at all visible during the day. The daytime appearance thus corresponds substantially to that of the first portion. Preferably, no area of ​​the second portion is visible during the day, it is therefore completely invisible. This effect can be obtained by a combination of the degree of transparency of the first portion and the appearance of the second portion.

[0045] In the alternative case where all or part of the openings are visible during the day, the latter contribute to the daytime aesthetics of the watch component. On the other hand, the nighttime aesthetics of the watch component are those of the first portion backlit by the light emitted by the second portion. The watch component thus obtained is therefore a versatile watch component, since it has a different appearance during the day and at night. In particular, it has at least a first appearance during the day and at least a second appearance at night.

[0046] In the variants of the first embodiment illustrated in the figures 1 , 4, 5 et 6 , the watch component according to the invention is provided with only two massive or solid portions assembled to each other, for example by gluing. Alternatively, the assembly of the two portions of the watch component can be done by capillary adhesion. This assembly thus advantageously allows a more or less removable fixing of the two portions to each other.

[0047] Alternatively, the two portions may be joined by riveting or crimping or mechanical strapping, including by means of at least one related means of joining two portions such as a rivet or a ring. Alternatively, the two portions may be brought into contact and held together by driving.

[0048] In particular embodiments of a timepiece component according to the first embodiment, a third portion may be provided to modulate, or even enhance, the visual effects generated by the second portion of said timepiece component, and therefore modulate the daytime and / or nighttime aesthetics of the timepiece component. This third portion may be interposed between the first and second portions. This third portion may, for example, be in the form of a mask that limits the transmission of light regardless of the structuring of the first portion located above. This third portion may also be in the form of a layer, for example in the form of a fluorescent layer, which may be excited by the second portion. Advantageously, such a third portion may be provided to participate in the function of assembling the first and second portions of said timepiece component.

[0049] For example, the figures 7 et 8 illustrate an embodiment of such a watch component. The third portion 30 is interposed between the first two portions, at its circumference, so as to form a skirt comprising an inward extension 32 intended for fixing the watch component. In the central part, the two portions 10, 20 are superimposed but not in contact, a space 5 corresponding to the thickness of the third portion 30 separating them. Thus, advantageously, this third portion makes it possible to modulate the day and / or night aesthetics of the watch component by keeping the first and second portions at a distance. On the embodiment of the figure 7 , the first portion comprises only one or more transparent materials and does not comprise any structuring 13. On the realization of the figure 8 , the first portion additionally includes a structuring 13.

[0050] THE figure 9 et 10 illustrate another embodiment of such a watch component, in which a third portion 30 is in the form of a decorative mask, integrated between the first two portions 10, 20 of the watch component. This mask may be opaque and have openings 31 allowing the backlighting of the second portion to pass through, these openings 31 possibly forming a decorative design. Thus, advantageously, this third portion makes it possible to modulate the day and / or night aesthetics of the watch component.

[0051] Advantageously, this third portion may include optical means for modulating the backlighting of the second portion, such as optical fibers.

[0052] Alternatively, this third portion may be in the form of a layer, for example in the form of a fluorescent layer, which may be excited by the second portion. On the realization of the figure 9 , the first portion comprises only one or more transparent materials and does not comprise any structuring 13. On the realization of the figure 10 , the first portion additionally includes a structuring 13.

[0053] According to a second embodiment, the first portion 10 is in the form of a coating applied to the outer surface of the second portion 20. Thus, the watch component according to the second embodiment can be in the form of a single-piece watch component, and no longer as two separate elements assembled, in a more or less removable manner. As a note, in this second embodiment, the second portion always remains solid as described in the first embodiment. figures 11 à 18 are possible representations. It always advantageously includes a luminescent material distributed in its volume.

[0054] The thickness of this coating is such that the material(s) that constitute it is transparent. A structuring 13 such as for example based on micro-openings or nano-openings can be carried out in this coating, as explained previously. The coating can be composed of metals, metal alloys, polymers, lacquers, varnishes, enamels, ceramics, glass-ceramics, or hybrid materials. The coating can be deposited by any means, such as physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), spraying (allowing a liquid to be vaporized into fine droplets under the effect of air overpressure), a sol-gel process, etc. Any other operating method known to those skilled in the art for depositing a coating may be considered.

[0055] There figure 11 represents a particular variant of the second embodiment, in which the first portion 10 is in the form of a coating of constant thickness applied to the outer surface of the second portion 20. Thus, the watch component according to this particular variant of the second embodiment is in the form of a single-piece watch component, and no longer as two separate elements assembled, in a more or less removable manner. Such a coating may, for example, be a metallic platinum coating. Advantageously, such a coating has a thickness less than or equal to 50 µm, or even less than or equal to 10 µm or even less than or equal to 1 µm or even less than or equal to 10 nm.

[0056] THE figures 12 et 13 summarize, for example, luminous persistence measurements of several components, made according to the method already described in patent EP2626401B1, the second portion of which is in the form of luminescent zirconia, and which are respectively coated with a platinum layer by ALD whose thickness varies between 0.5 nanometers and 4.9 nanometers. The thinnest layers barely modify the color and persistence of the substrate on which they are deposited. The thickest layers in this example modify the color and appearance (which becomes metallic) and the persistence of the substrate on which they are deposited (the brightness becomes zero after a few minutes). The table of the figure 12 groups together the values ​​of the luminous persistence measurements carried out for coatings of different thicknesses E (in nanometers). The persistence is expressed in luminosity (noted L) in mCd / m 2< (with an accuracy of ± 5%) and is measured after a discharge time t given in minutes. The graph of the figure 13 plots these values ​​of L as a function of t for each of the characterized coating thicknesses. A comparison is made with the reference consisting of uncoated luminescent zirconia (E = 0 nm).

[0057] THE figures 14a et 14b represent another particular variant of a watch component according to the second embodiment, in which the first portion 10 is in the form of a coating of variable thickness applied to the outer surface of the second portion 20. The thickness of the coating is variable in the thickness range between 0 and 100 nm. More particularly, the first portion 10 is in the form of a titanium coating whose thickness varies so as to form a gray gradient. For this, the titanium coating is ablated using a femtosecond laser, with progressively increased ablation rates, in order to create a gray gradient, which the observer may or may not perceive during the day. figure 14a represents the day watch component, which has a degraded metallic gray appearance, and the figure 14b represents this same watch component at night, which has a luminous appearance of variable intensity according to the aforementioned gradient. By “ablation”, we mean here at least a local thinning of the coating forming the first portion 10.

[0058] Such layers of constant or variable thickness can be subjected to structuring. For example, the figure 15 represents a particular execution of a watch component according to the particular variant of the second embodiment illustrated by the figure 11 . A structuring 13 based on through micro-openings is made in this coating in order to promote or modulate, in particular to reinforce, the transparent character of the first portion. The coating can for example be perforated using a femtosecond laser, with progressively increased movement speeds, in order to create for example a gradient, which the observer can perceive or not during the day. This same watch component at night presents a luminous appearance of variable intensity according to the aforementioned gradient. Here, the structuring takes the form of cylindrical through micro-openings, with a variable density.

[0059] There figure 16 represents another particular execution of a watch component according to the particular variant of the second embodiment illustrated by the figure 11 The first portion comprises macroscopic openings 13, forming a decoration visible by day. All or part of the macroscopic openings may optionally be filled with at least one second coating which may constitute a decoration or inscriptions. Such openings may be produced by localized deposition, in particular by means of masking during the deposition of the coating.

[0060] Of course, this structuring 13 can take different forms, such as those notably described for the first embodiment of the invention.

[0061] Whatever the execution, a third portion may be interposed between the first and second portions and may be provided to modulate, or even enhance, the effects generated by the second portion of said watch component, and therefore modulate the day and / or night aesthetics of the watch component. This third portion may, for example, be in the form of a mask which limits the transmission of light regardless of the structuring or not of the first portion located above. This third portion may also be in the form of a layer, for example in the form of a fluorescent layer, which may be excited by the second portion.

[0062] Whatever the embodiment considered, the second portion may have means allowing the assembly, in particular the fixing, of the watch component within a timepiece.

[0063] For example, the figure 17 represents a particular execution of a watch component according to the second embodiment, in which the second portion 20 has internal extensions 24 to facilitate its fixing.

[0064] There figure 18illustrates another particular embodiment of a timepiece component according to the second embodiment. This timepiece component consists of a third portion 30 in the form of a solid component serving as a base plate of the timepiece component, and incorporating, for example, feet 34 for attachment to a timepiece such as a watch movement. A second portion 20 comprises several distinct and solid parts, made of solid luminescent material, such as luminescent zirconia, included in hollows in the outer surface of the third portion 30. The outer surfaces of the second and third portions are substantially at the same level and are coated with a first portion 10, such as a coating. The second portion 20 may constitute added indexes. Alternatively, these added indexes may be in relief rather than in the same plane as the third portion 30.Such indexes can for example be attached to a dial plate which constitutes the third portion 30. Thus, advantageously, this third portion can act as a support and makes it possible to modulate the day and / or night aesthetics of the watch component.

[0065] Whatever the embodiment considered, the watch component may, for example, be a dial, a dial counter, an index, a bezel disc, or more generally a decorative plate contributing to the aesthetics of a timepiece. Such a watch component according to the invention may be assembled with any other watch component to decorate it and complement, for example, a dial of substantially traditional structure and not form the dial alone, as in the particular embodiments which are described. Thus, more generally, the invention is applicable to any object whose exterior or decoration implements the described solution. The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, integrating a versatile watch component according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0066] The watch component has been described previously in a non-limiting manner. Many other executions are possible.

[0067] Regardless of the embodiment considered, other additional elements, such as indexes or decals, may be superimposed on the first portion, masking certain areas. Depending on the nature of these additional elements, the luminescence effect may be retained or removed.

[0068] It is of course possible to combine the embodiment variants or executions described above. Furthermore, the two portions 10, 20 of the timepiece component may be only partially superimposed. They may occupy any geometry, for example forming the entirety of a dial or only a sub-part of a dial, such as indexes or counters. In addition, the first portion may comprise one or more zones made of transparent material(s), for which no structuring is necessary and remains optional, combined with one or more zones made of opaque material, comprising a structuring or not, as described above.

Claims

1. A horology component (1) for a timepiece, comprising a first portion (10) and a second portion (20), the first portion (10) comprising one part that is at least partially transparent, translucent, allowing an excitation light wave coming from outside the horology component to be transmitted at least in part to the second portion but doesn't allow the second portion to be seen by day, and at least partially superposed on top of the second portion (20), this second portion (20) taking the form of a massive portion, when, considered independently of the other portions, constitutes a solid object which has no structural need for mechanical support in order to support it without deformation, this massive portion comprising a luminescent material distributed through its volume and capable of emitting at least one emission light wave if excited by at least one excitation light wave, and said part of the first portion (10) that is at least partially transparent allowing an emission light wave emitted by the second portion (20) to be transmitted at least partially toward the outside of the horology component so that the horology component exhibits at least a first appearance by day in which the second portion is not visible and at least one different second appearance by night where the first portion (10) is backlit by an emission light wave emitted by the second portion (20).

2. The horology component as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the second portion (20) is in the form of a massive structure formed from a material having a fluorescent and / or phosphorescent property.

3. The horology component as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the second portion (20) is in the form of a fluorescent and / or phosphorescent ceramic, notably a composite ceramic based on yttrium-stabilized zirconia and Dy / Eu-doped strontium aluminate, notably a luminescent zirconia.

4. The horology component as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second portion (20) forms a support for the first portion (10) and / or a support for the horology component on a timepiece.

5. The horology component as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first portion has a thickness less than or equal to 2 mm inclusive, or even an average thickness comprised between 0.5 nm and 2 mm inclusive, or even between 0.5 nm and 1 mm inclusive, or even between 0.5 nm and 0.8 mm inclusive and / or in that the second portion ( 20) has a thickness on average greater than or equal to 0.01 mm, notably on average comprised between 0.01 mm and 5 mm inclusive, and / or a surface area greater than or equal to 1 mm2, notably a surface area comprised between 0.01 cm2 and 15 cm2 inclusive.

6. The horology component as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first portion (10) takes the form of a massive portion and in that said component comprises an assembly, removable or non-removable, between the first and second portions (10; 20) by means of bonding, or using a mechanical device such as mechanical strapping, or crimping, or capillary adhesion.

7. The horology component as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first portion (10) is made of mother-of-pearl, particularly black; of fossil material; of tortoiseshell; of manganocalcite; of lepidolite; of petrified wood; of coral; of amber; of pearl; of ivory; of metal or of metal alloy such as platinum or ferrite or meteorite; of engineering ceramic based on zirconia and / or alumina, pigmented or otherwise; of gemstone; of mineral; of stone or precious substance of organic origin; of sphalerite; of fluorite; of agate; of alexandrite; of amethyst; of anatase; of aventurine; of chalcedony; of chrysoberyl; of chrysoprase; of citrine; of jasper; of tiger's-eye; of opal; of quartz; of spinel; of aragonite; of azurite; of malachite; of crocoite; of apatite; of lazulite; of turquoise; of aquamarine; of beryl; of tourmaline; of obsidian; or of snowflake obsidian.

8. The horology component as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first portion (10) takes the form of a coating of the second portion (20), notably of a coating made of metal, of a metal alloy, of a polymer, of a lacquer, of an enamel, of a ceramic, of a vitreous ceramic, of a hybrid material, or of a varnish.

9. The horology component as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said part of the first portion (10) has a thickness and is made of at least one material such as to form a part that is at least partially transparent, which means to say completely transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent.

10. The horology component as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first portion (10) has a transparency property that is at least partially homogeneous, or in that the first portion (10) has a transparency property that is heterogeneous, the first portion comprising parts that are at least partially transparent juxtaposed with parts of different transparencies, notably parts that are opaque, and / or in that the first portion (10) has a variable thickness.

11. The horology component as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first portion (10) comprises a structuration (13) consisting in openings formed on an exterior surface (11) and / or on an interior surface (12) and / or in openings formed in the thickness of said part of the first portion (10) and / or in ablation of said part of the first portion (10), invisible or barely visible to the naked eye by day, notably by openings of sufficiently small size such as micro-openings or nano-openings, and / or which are visible to the naked eye by day in order to form a decoration visible by day, this structuration (13) being arranged in said at least partially transparent part and / or in an opaque part of the first portion (10), so as to modify the transparency of the first portion.

12. The horology component as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the first portion (10) comprises a structuration distributed homogeneously or a structuration distributed heterogeneously, able to form a design, information and / or exhibiting a gradient.

13. The horology component as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said component consists of the first portion (10) and of the second portion (20) or in that said component comprises a third portion (30) arranged on top of or substantially even with the second portion (20) or interposed between the first and second portion.

14. The horology component as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the third portion (30) is a mask, selective or otherwise, and / or in that the third portion (30) comprises a fixing device for fixing the horology component and / or in that the third portion (30) supports several distinct and massive parts of the second portion (20) and / or in that the third portion (30) contributes to the function of assembling the first and second portions and / or in that the third portion (30) comprises optical elements such as optical fibres.

15. The horology component as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said component is a dial, a dial counter, an index (an hour marker, a numeral marker, or any marker), a bezel disk, or a decorative plate.

16. A timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, characterized in that said timepiece comprises a horology component as claimed in one of the preceding claims.