TWO-STRAP WATCH

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a watch comprising two strap strands.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method of assembling a bracelet comprising two strands of a watch bracelet.

[0003] In the watchmaking industry, the aesthetic appeal of timepieces is important. There is a demand for watches with straps that can be changed easily and quickly, for example, to match one's watch to one's outfit.

[0004] In the prior art, there are watches with detachable and interchangeable straps. For example, document FR1527005 describes a strap comprising a flexible band or a metal strip 4 onto which elements 1 are inserted, each element having a slot 1a with dimensions corresponding to the strip 4.

[0005] However, state-of-the-art solutions have drawbacks. In particular, changing a watch strap requires replacing the entire strap. Furthermore, this often necessitates specialized tools and the intervention of a technician.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a bracelet strand that remedies the above disadvantages and improves upon bracelet strands known from the prior art.

[0007] For this purpose, the invention relates to a watch with two strap strands according to claim 1.

[0008] The removable external part may include an internal opening which extends longitudinally substantially along its entire length, suitable for receiving or not receiving the internal support core for its assembly and disassembly.

[0009] The internal opening of the removable external part can have a geometry substantially identical to that of the internal support core for their cooperation, allowing their relative sliding with little play.

[0010] The internal support core can have a rectangular or ovoid cross-section.

[0011] The internal support core may exhibit all or some of the following characteristics: At least one metallic frame, in particular made of steel; and / or A flat or substantially helical shape at rest or whose projection onto a plane has a spiral shape; and / or A geometry such that it is invisible when a removable external part is arranged in cooperation with it and locked by the locking means.

[0012] The internal support core may include a reinforcement encased in a sheath and / or surrounded by an envelope.

[0013] The reinforcement may include at least one metal wire, particularly steel.

[0014] The sheath and / or casing can be made of rubber.

[0015] The locking mechanism may include a removable end piece, in particular associated with a bracelet clasp or a watch case attachment end piece.

[0016] The locking mechanism includes a push button.

[0017] The removable outer part may be in a single monolithic piece, in particular in a material chosen from the group including rubber, leather, metal, or a mixture of these materials.

[0018] The removable outer part may comprise a plurality of links, articulated together or independent.

[0019] The removable outer part may include a piece, in particular made of rubber, and a ring, in particular made of gold.

[0020] The invention also relates to an assembly method according to claim 13.

[0021] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of particular embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, in relation to the accompanying figures, among which: There figure 1 is a perspective view of a bracelet strand according to one embodiment of the invention. figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along the BB axis of the bracelet strand of the figure 1 . THE figures 3a, 3b et 3c represent examples of the realization of a removable external part of a bracelet strand of the type of that of the figure 1 . There figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the CC axis of the figure 3a . There figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along axis AA of the figure 1 representing one embodiment of a locking mechanism. figure 6 is a perspective view of a wristwatch including a strap.

[0022] For the sake of readability, the same references will be used in the different embodiments of the invention for the same or similar or equivalent elements.

[0023] The invention is based on a strap, particularly for watches, comprising an internal support core extending longitudinally inside a removable external portion, and a locking mechanism that allows or prevents the removal of the removable external portion, depending on whether it is locked or unlocked. The removable external portion can thus be changed to modify the external appearance of the strap without having to replace the entire strap. The internal support core of the strap is retained each time the removable external portion is changed. This makes the change very simple and easy to implement. Furthermore, the solution allows for modifying the appearance of the strap at a lower cost.

[0024] A method for making a bracelet strand 1 is described below with reference to the figure 1 .

[0025] Only a strand of the bracelet is shown in figure 1 The bracelet strand 1 shown on the figure 1 is the bracelet strand referred to as the "long strand," that is, the strand comprising holes intended to receive, in particular, the (not shown) prong of a clasp. Naturally, bracelet strand 1 is intended to be part of a bracelet comprising another strand, referred to as the "short strand," intended to be connected to the long strand. The invention applies, of course, to the short strand in a similar manner to the long strand. In an unclaimed variant, the bracelet may comprise only one bracelet strand 1, for example, in the embodiment shown in the figure 6 .

[0026] Bracelet strand 1 comprises an internal support core 3 and a removable external part 5.

[0027] The longitudinal direction of bracelet strand 1 is defined as a direction parallel to the length L of the internal support core 3. The transverse direction of bracelet strand 1 is defined as a direction parallel to the width W of the internal support core 3. A principal surface of the internal support core 3 extends in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The thickness of the internal support core 3 corresponds to the dimension of the internal support core 3 in a direction perpendicular to this principal surface, which can also be conventionally called the vertical direction. Note that this reference frame is considered for a bracelet strand positioned on a plane. Alternatively, it can be extended to the same bracelet strand wrapped around a wrist, or to a non-linear bracelet strand, for example, one with a helical shape, as represented by the figure 6 .

[0028] The internal support core 3 extends along the longitudinal direction, or longitudinally, inside a removable external part 5. Several examples of embodiments of a removable external part 5 are shown in figures 3a-3c and described in more detail below.

[0029] L5 is the length, W5 the width and e5 the thickness of the removable outer part 5.

[0030] The removable outer part 5 includes an internal opening 21 which extends longitudinally along its entire length L 5. The internal opening 21 of the removable outer part 5 is suitable for receiving the internal support core 3 for mounting the removable outer part 5 onto the internal support core 3.

[0031] The internal opening 21 of the removable external part 5 has a geometry substantially identical to that of the internal support core 3 for their cooperation. This allows for minimal clearance sliding of the internal support core 3 within the removable external part 5.

[0032] The internal support core 3, for example, has a rectangular or ovoid cross-section, as illustrated in figure 4 Other shapes may be provided for the cross-section of the internal support core 3. Moreover, this section is preferably constant over the entire length.

[0033] Preferably, the length L 5 of the removable outer part 5 is less than the length L of the internal support core 3. Thus, when the internal support core 3 extends longitudinally inside a removable outer part 5, a part of the internal support core 3 is not surrounded by the removable outer part 5, in particular at one or both of its ends.

[0034] A first end 6 of the internal support core 3 is connected, in particular fixed, to a fastening means 7, in particular to a fastening end, for fixing a first end of the bracelet strap 1 to a watch case. The internal support core 3 is, for example, positioned centrally with respect to the fastening means 7 in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the internal support core 3. A first end 26 of the removable outer part 5 is abutted against the fastening means 7. In this embodiment, the fastening means 7 to a watch case, fixed to the end 6 of the internal support core 3, is not removable.

[0035] A second end 8 of the internal support core 3 is, for example, connected to a clasp system forming a locking means 9, intended to connect the second end of the bracelet strand 1 to the end of another bracelet strand while also fulfilling the locking function of the removable external part 5 onto the internal support 3. In the case of the realization of the figure 6 , the locking means 9 is not connected to a clasp.

[0036] The clasp system forming a locking means 9 may in particular include a removable end piece 31. This removable end piece is for example clipped onto the internal support core 3, on the part of the internal support core 3 which is not surrounded by the removable external part 5.

[0037] The second end 8 of the internal support core 3 has, for example, a shape adapted to that of the removable end piece 31. The width of the second end 8 of the internal support core 3 is, for example, less than the width W of the rest of the internal support core 3.

[0038] A second end 28 of the removable outer part 5 is abutted against the clasp system. The removable end of the clasp system forms a stop that locks the removable outer part 5. The latter thus extends continuously between the fastening means 7 and the removable end at the clasp, making the internal support core 3 invisible from the outside, to achieve an optimal aesthetic effect of the bracelet strand.

[0039] In the implementation of the figure 1 The removable end piece corresponding to the clasp system includes a push button 35 which activates the unclipping of the removable end piece, and then its removal. By removing this end piece, the removable end piece unlocks the removable external part 5, which can then be removed from the internal support core 3 by sliding it at the end 8 of the internal support core 3.

[0040] The clasp system is, for example, a wallet clasp, comprising a buckle and a prong, or a folding clasp. Alternatively, the bracelet strap could include any other type of clasp, for example, folding clasps.

[0041] According to one variant, instead of corresponding to the clasp system as in the embodiment illustrated in figure 1 The locking mechanism may correspond to the watch case attachment or end piece 7. The watch case attachment 7 may, in particular, be a removable end piece, and the clasp system, fixed to the end 8 of the internal support core 3, may not be removable. In this variant, the removable outer part of the strap would then be removable at the other end of the internal support core 3 (i.e., the other end of the strap strand).

[0042] According to yet another variant, the locking mechanism for the removable outer part may consist of any means independent of a clasp or bracelet strap attachment element, for example, an element solely dedicated to this locking function. Thus, the removable attachment of the outer part 5 to the inner support core 3 may, for example, be achieved by locking onto the inner support core 3 and / or onto the outer part 5, without a separate end piece.

[0043] Furthermore, other locking means than clipping may be provided for removably fixing the removable tip to the internal support core 3. Thus, the locking means of the removable external part 5 may be implemented by any means other than clipping, or a push button, for example by means of an actuating lever, screwing, etc.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the locking means is not removable. Only the removable external part 5 is removable.

[0045] The internal support core 3 of the bracelet strand 1 may include a series of holes 10 passing through the entire thickness of the internal support core 3. The removable outer portion 5 may include a series of holes 30 at locations corresponding to the holes 10 of the internal support core 3. When the internal support core 3 extends longitudinally inside the removable outer portion 5, the holes 10 of the internal support core 3 and the holes 30 of the removable outer portion 5 are aligned. The holes 10 and 30 are, for example, intended to receive a pin of a clasp system for adjusting the bracelet by conforming its length to the wearer's arm.

[0046] The internal support core 3 is described in more detail below with reference to the figure 2 .

[0047] The internal support core 3 includes, for example, a reinforcement 11. The reinforcement 11 is intended to strengthen the mechanical integrity of the bracelet strand and / or increase its strength. The reinforcement 11 is, for example, formed by at least one wire, for example, of a flexible and smooth metallic material, in particular steel, preferably stainless steel. The reinforcement 11 may also be formed from a non-metallic material. For example, the internal support core 3 may include a reinforcement 11 formed of two wires. A different number of wires may, of course, be used. The reinforcement 11 is, for example, encased in a sheath 13, the sheath 13 being itself, for example, surrounded by an outer casing 15. The sheath 13 is, for example, made of rubber. The outer casing 15 is, for example, made of leather. The reinforcement 11 is completely covered by the sheath 13 and / or the outer casing 15.The sheath 13 and / or the cover 15 are designed to prevent any contact between the removable outer part 5 and the frame 11 of the internal support core 3, in particular to protect the removable outer part 5, which may be made of a fragile material. The internal support core thus forms a flexible element that conforms to the shape of a wrist, while remaining sufficiently rigid to withstand the stresses experienced during normal use of the bracelet.

[0048] In the case of the implementation of the figure 6 The internal support core 3 has a helical shape at rest, and / or its projection onto a plane perpendicular to its axis has a spiral shape. It then behaves like a spring blade. The overall structure retains sufficient elasticity to adapt to wrists of different geometries.

[0049] A first embodiment of a removable external part 5 is described below with reference to the figure 3a . In this first embodiment, the removable external part 5 is a single monolithic piece 23, for example made of rubber, leather, a metal or a mixture of several materials.

[0050] A second embodiment of a removable external part 5 is described below with reference to the figure 3b . In this second embodiment, the removable external part 5 comprises several articulated links 25. These links can be linked together, for example by an articulation axis, or independent and simply juxtaposed, by their successive introduction onto the internal support core 3. These links can be identical or different, for example of different shapes and / or in different materials, according to a desired aesthetic aspect.

[0051] A third embodiment of a removable external part 5 is described below with reference to the figure 3c In this third embodiment, the removable outer part 5 comprises a piece 27, in particular made of rubber, and a ring 29, in particular made of gold. The ring 29 is, for example, positioned around a portion of the piece 27 at a location chosen along the length L 5 of the removable outer part 5. The ring 29 is intended to provide further customization to the aesthetic appearance of the bracelet strand. The ring 29 may include all kinds of decorative elements, for example, semi-precious or precious stones.

[0052] An embodiment of a locking means 9 is described below with reference to the figure 5The end 8 of the internal support core 3 includes an opening 14. The locking means 9 formed on a removable end piece 31 includes an opening 34 through which the end 8 of the internal support core 3 can be inserted. It further includes at least one latch, intended to engage in the opening 14, connected to a pusher 35, for example, mounted to move in the vertical direction. The pusher is associated with a spring arranged to exert a force tending to maintain the latch in a locked state. The pusher is, for example, a pusher commonly used in watchmaking. Pressing the pusher releases the latch from the opening 14, and frees the removable end piece 31 and the removable outer part 5.

[0053] One advantage of a bracelet strand of the type described above is that the aesthetic appearance of the bracelet strand can be changed simply, quickly, and cheaply, without having to change the entire bracelet.

[0054] The invention also relates to a bracelet comprising at least one bracelet strand of the type described above.

[0055] The invention further relates to a watch comprising two strap strands, at least one of which is of the type described above, each strand being attached on one side to a watch case and on the other side to a clasp.

[0056] An embodiment of a method for assembling a bracelet strand 1 of the type described above is described below.

[0057] In a first step, the internal support core 3 is inserted into a removable external part 5, through the opening 21 of the removable external part 5. The internal support core 3 is inserted into the opening 21, for example, from the second end 8 which is not yet connected to the fastening system 9. The internal support core 3 is inserted into the opening 21 of the removable external part 5, in particular until the first end 26 of the removable external part 5 is against the fixing tip 7 fixed to the first end 6 of the internal support core 3.

[0058] In a second step, the removable end piece 31 of the clasp system is removably fixed to the internal support core 3 on the side of the second end 8, for example by clipping the clasp system onto the part of the internal support core 3 which is not surrounded by the removable external part 5. The clasp system forms a stop which locks the removable external part 5, so as to temporarily prevent the removal of the removable external part 5.

[0059] The removable outer part 5 can be changed by removing the detachable tip 31, for example by unclipping it, replacing the removable outer part 5 with another removable outer part 5, and reattaching the detachable tip 31. This detachable tip can be replaced by any locking / unlocking means.

Claims

1. Watch comprising two bracelet strands attached on one hand to a watch case and on the other hand to a clasp, characterized in that each of said two bracelet strands comprises an internal support core (3) extending longitudinally inside a removable external part (5), and a locking means (9), comprising at least one pusher (35), making it possible or not to remove the removable external part (5), a first end (6) of the internal support core (3) being connected to a fixing means (7), in particular to a fixing end piece, fixing said first end to the watch case.

2. Watch according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the removable external part (5) comprises an internal opening (21) which extends longitudinally substantially over its entire length, suitable for receiving or not the internal support core (3) for its assembly and disassembly.

3. Watch according to the preceding claim, wherein said internal opening (21) of the removable external part (5) has a geometry substantially identical to that of the internal support core (3) for their cooperation, allowing their relative sliding with little play.

4. Watch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal support core (3) has a cross-section of rectangular or ovoid shape.

5. Watch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal support core (3) has all or part of the following characteristics: - At least one metallic reinforcement, in particular made of steel; and / or - A shape at rest that is flat or substantially helical or whose projection on a plane has a spiral shape; and / or - A geometry such that it is invisible when a removable external part is arranged in cooperation with it and locked by the locking means.

6. Watch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal support core (3) comprises a reinforcement (11) coated with a sheath (13) and / or surrounded by an envelope (15).

7. Watch according to the preceding claim, wherein the reinforcement (11) comprises at least one metallic wire, in particular made of steel.

8. Watch according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the sheath (13) and / or the envelope (15) is made of rubber.

9. Watch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means (9) comprises a removable end piece (31), in particular associated with a bracelet clasp or with a fixing end piece (7) to a watch case.

10. Watch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable external part (5) is presented as a single monolithic piece (23), in particular made of a material chosen from the group comprising rubber, leather, a metal, or a mixture of these materials.

11. Watch according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the removable external part (5) comprises a plurality of links (25), articulated between them or independent.

12. Watch according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the removable external part (5) comprises a piece (27), in particular made of rubber, and a ring (29), in particular made of gold.

13. Method for assembling a bracelet comprising two bracelet strands (1) of a watch according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising the following steps: - inserting the internal support core (3) of the bracelet strands into a removable external part (5); - fixing the removable external part (5) on the internal support core (3) by a locking means (9), so as to temporarily prevent the removal of the removable external part (5).