ASSEMBLY OF A CLOCK MOVEMENT COMPONENT MADE OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of watchmaking and jewelry, more particularly to the field of manufacturing watch components, such as watch case components, case bodies, dials, oscillating weights, oscillating weight supports, plates, bridges, etc.

[0002] One of the functions of a watch case is to house the movement and protect it from the environment and impacts. Therefore, watch cases are generally rigid, often made of metal such as steel or gold. There are also watches made of plastic materials, which also offer a degree of rigidity.

[0003] Document CH711914 discloses a process for manufacturing a watch case from carbon fibers. Document WO2018 / 115009 discloses a watch component made of composite material. However, the manufacturing process described in this document does not allow for the production of watch components with optimized strength, particularly in certain areas of the component, nor does it optimize aesthetics. Furthermore, the manufacturing process described in this document requires significant post-processing of the component (e.g., machining / polishing).

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a new construction for watch or jewelry components, such as watch cases, that offers a wider variety of choices in terms of color, appearance, texture, and overall aesthetics and ergonomics, while also being easier, more flexible, and faster to manufacture. Furthermore, it is desirable to reduce or limit the need for post-processing (e.g., machining and polishing) as much as possible. In particular, the new possibilities offered provide an improved user experience. In addition, it is desirable to improve the recycling of the components.

[0005] The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a watch or jewelry component comprising the following steps: to obtain a first composite part with a first reinforcement and a first matrix comprising a first thermoplastic resin, to obtain a second composite part with a second reinforcement and a second matrix comprising a second thermoplastic resin, to fix the first composite part onto the second composite part by polymerizing an interface between the first composite part and the second composite part, so as to form the watch or jewelry component.

[0006] Reinforcement refers to a framework or structure. A matrix refers to a binder that ensures cohesion between the different elements of a reinforcement, particularly one made of fibers, fabrics, etc. It also refers to a continuum of a polymer in which immiscible components may be dispersed. The binder can ensure the cohesion of the structure and transmit forces to the reinforcement.

[0007] This facilitates the manufacturing of watch or jewelry components, notably through faster and more flexible production. Furthermore, it improves the choice of color, appearance, texture, and overall aesthetics and ergonomics, thus enhancing the user experience. In addition, component recycling can be improved. This allows for the creation of a recyclable and re-polymerizable watch component that is easy to manufacture and whose design is simplified by allowing for greater freedom in shapes and colors, particularly through the use of pigments. Moreover, the need for post-processing (e.g., machining, polishing) is reduced or limited thanks to the choice of the first and second composite parts and their arrangement.

[0008] Advantageously, the interface is an intermediate layer comprising a third thermoplastic resin.

[0009] Advantageously, the watch or jewelry component is free of additional connecting parts between the first composite part, the second composite part and the intermediate layer.

[0010] This avoids any need for further consolidation with an additional structural component.

[0011] Advantageously, the intermediate layer is a fixing layer, an adhesive layer, a fixing interface or a bonding interface.

[0012] Advantageously, the intermediate layer is interposed between the first composite part and the second composite part.

[0013] Advantageously, the first composite piece is positioned at the level of, or against, the second composite piece.

[0014] Advantageously, the first composite part and / or the second composite part are already formed before applying the intermediate layer.

[0015] Advantageously, the first resin of the first composite part and / or the second resin of the second composite part are not (completely) set before applying the intermediate layer.

[0016] Advantageously, the process further includes the step of: apply the intermediate layer to one and / or the other of the first composite part and the second composite part.

[0017] Advantageously, the process further includes the step of: apply the intermediate layer on the reinforcement or on the matrix of one and / or the other of the first composite part and the second composite part.

[0018] Advantageously, the interface is heated at least locally in order to bond the first composite part and the second composite part together.

[0019] Advantageously, the first composite part and / or the second composite part includes the interface.

[0020] Advantageously, the interface is polymerized locally in order to bond the first composite part and the second composite part.

[0021] Advantageously, the interface includes a polymerization activator; that is, the first or second composite part contains the activator at least locally. Advantageously, the first or second composite part includes an activator gradient, with more activator at the interface.

[0022] This makes it easier to manufacture the watch or jewelry component, in particular thanks to faster and more flexible manufacturing.

[0023] Advantageously, the first reinforcement and / or the second reinforcement includes fibers.

[0024] Advantageously, the first and / or second reinforcement comprises carbon, basalt, glass, quartz, or ceramic fibers such as alumina, mineral fibers, synthetic fibers such as aramid or polyester, or natural fibers such as flax, hemp, jute, coconut, wood, or any other suitable material. Ceramic fiber can be supplied, for example, by the manufacturer 3M.

[0025] This makes it possible to offer a watch or jewelry component with recyclable and / or resistant reinforcements, while offering appreciated aesthetic qualities.

[0026] Advantageously, the first reinforcement and / or the second reinforcement comprises an amorphous material or a plastic (including a thermoplastic).

[0027] Advantageously, the process also includes the following step: polymerize the intermediate layer.

[0028] Advantageously, polymerization is achieved by applying heat to the intermediate layer.

[0029] Advantageously, the intermediate layer is sintered.

[0030] Advantageously, polymerization is achieved by applying heat to the first composite piece or to the second composite piece.

[0031] Advantageously, polymerization is achieved through irradiation by light, in particular by light in the ultraviolet radiation range.

[0032] This allows the intermediate layer to be fixed in order to produce the watch or jewelry component in the intended design.

[0033] Advantageously, the process also includes the following step: add an activator to the intermediate layer.

[0034] Advantageously, the activator is added after the intermediate layer has been applied.

[0035] Advantageously, the activator is added before the intermediate layer is applied.

[0036] Advantageously, the activator comprises a copper salt and / or an aliphatic amine.

[0037] Advantageously, the activator includes a solvent such as acetone.

[0038] Advantageously, the activator is used when a temperature applied to the elements is less than 20 degrees Celsius, preferably less than 15 degrees Celsius, or less than room temperature.

[0039] This facilitates the adhesion or bonding of the intermediate layer to the first and second composite parts, particularly when the part being manufactured is not heated. Specifically, it is possible to work at ambient temperature (for example, between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius) with the activator present. Furthermore, above approximately 50 degrees Celsius, the activator may no longer be necessary.

[0040] Advantageously, the process also includes the following step: heat the intermediate layer between the first composite piece and the second composite piece.

[0041] Advantageously, the heating temperature applied to the room to be heated is either greater than 30 degrees Celsius, or preferably greater than 40 degrees Celsius, preferably greater than 50 degrees Celsius, more preferably greater than 60 degrees, and even more preferably greater than 80 degrees. Advantageously, the heating temperature applied to the room to be heated is less than 220 degrees Celsius.

[0042] Advantageously, at least two of the first matrix, the second matrix and the intermediate layer are made from the same material.

[0043] Advantageously, the first matrix, the second matrix and the intermediate layer are made from the same material.

[0044] Advantageously, the first reinforcement and the second reinforcement are different.

[0045] Advantageously, the first reinforcement and the second reinforcement are identical.

[0046] This makes it possible to offer a watch component that is easy to manufacture while optimizing its mechanical, chemical, aesthetic or ergonomic properties.

[0047] Advantageously, the fibers of the first composite piece can be the same color or a different color from the fibers of the second composite piece.

[0048] Advantageously, the fibers of the first composite part can be the same color or a different color from the matrix of the first composite part or the second composite part.

[0049] Advantageously, the intermediate layer can be the same color as the first composite part (i.e., its reinforcement or matrix).

[0050] Advantageously, the intermediate layer can be the same color as the second composite piece (i.e., its reinforcement or matrix).

[0051] This makes it easier to manufacture the watch or jewelry component, in particular thanks to faster and more flexible manufacturing, while optimizing aesthetic or ergonomic qualities.

[0052] Advantageously, the process also includes the following step: The first composite piece or the second composite piece are abraded or sanded so as to bring out fibers from the first reinforcement or the second reinforcement.

[0053] Advantageously, the process also includes the following step: the first composite piece or the second composite piece are abraded or sanded so as to create a projection on one of the first composite piece and the second composite piece, and to create a recess in the other of the first composite piece and the second composite piece.

[0054] Advantageously, the process also includes the following step: the first composite piece or the second composite piece are abraded or sanded so as to create a shape on one of the first composite piece and the second composite piece, and to create a counter shape in the other of the first composite piece and the second composite piece.

[0055] This improves the adhesion of the intermediate layer and the mechanical strength of the watch or jewelry component, while also improving the aesthetics and / or ergonomics of the watch or jewelry component.

[0056] A second aspect concerns a watch or jewelry component manufactured according to the process of the first aspect.

[0057] This allows for the creation of watch or jewelry components that are easier to manufacture, thanks to faster and more flexible production methods. Furthermore, it improves the choice of colors, appearance, textures, and overall aesthetics and ergonomics, thus enhancing the user experience. In addition, component recycling can be improved. This results in a recyclable and repolymerizable watch component that is easy to manufacture and whose design is simplified by allowing for greater freedom in shapes and colors.

[0058] A third aspect concerns a watch or jewelry component comprising: a first composite part with a first reinforcement and a first matrix comprising a first thermoplastic resin, a second composite part with a second reinforcement and a second matrix comprising a second thermoplastic resin, an intermediate layer between the first composite part and the second composite part, the intermediate layer comprising a third thermoplastic resin.

[0059] This allows for the creation of watch or jewelry components that are easier to manufacture, thanks to faster and more flexible production methods. Furthermore, it improves the choice of colors, appearance, textures, and overall aesthetics and ergonomics, thus enhancing the user experience. In addition, component recycling can be improved. This results in a recyclable and repolymerizable watch component that is easy to manufacture and whose design is simplified by allowing for greater freedom in shapes and colors.

[0060] In other words, the invention relates to a watch or jewelry component comprising: a first composite part with a first reinforcement and a first matrix comprising a first thermoplastic resin, a second composite part with a second reinforcement and a second matrix comprising a second thermoplastic resin, an interface between the first composite part and the second composite part, the interface preferably being an intermediate layer comprising a third thermoplastic resin.

[0061] Advantageously, the watch or jewelry component includes: A first composite part with a first reinforcement and a first matrix comprising a first thermoplastic resin, a second composite part with a second reinforcement and a second matrix comprising a second thermoplastic resin, and an interface between the first and second composite parts, the interface preferably being a portion of either the first or second composite part. In other words, the interface can be a portion arranged at one end of either the first or second composite part and in contact with the other end of either the first or second composite part.

[0062] Advantageously, the intermediate layer can be free of reinforcement.

[0063] This allows for improved manufacturing flexibility.

[0064] Advantageously, the intermediate layer can have a lower stiffness coefficient than the first composite part or the second composite part.

[0065] This allows for greater flexibility in watch or jewelry components, particularly at the joint between the first and second composite parts. Specifically, this results in a component that is more shock-resistant and has a certain degree of shock absorption.

[0066] Advantageously, the intermediate layer includes a third reinforcement (also called layer reinforcement).

[0067] Advantageously, the reinforcement of the intermediate layer is common with the first reinforcement or the second reinforcement.

[0068] This helps to improve the strength of the watch or jewelry component.

[0069] Advantageously, the intermediate layer is polymerized.

[0070] Advantageously, the intermediate layer comprises a polymer or a copolymer.

[0071] Advantageously, polymerization is achieved by applying heat to the intermediate layer.

[0072] Advantageously, polymerization is achieved through irradiation by light, in particular by light in the ultraviolet radiation range.

[0073] This allows the intermediate layer to be fixed in order to produce the watch or jewelry component in the intended design.

[0074] Advantageously, the intermediate layer includes an activator (also called a polymer activator or polymerization activator).

[0075] Advantageously, the activator comprises a copper salt and / or an aliphatic amine.

[0076] Advantageously, the activator includes a solvent such as acetone.

[0077] Advantageously, the activator is used when a temperature applied to the elements is less than 20 degrees Celsius, preferably less than 15 degrees Celsius, or less than room temperature.

[0078] This makes it easier to pick up or fix the intermediate layer on the first composite part and / or on the second composite part, especially in the absence of heating the part to be manufactured.

[0079] Advantageously, at least two of the first matrix, the second matrix and the intermediate layer are made from the same material.

[0080] Advantageously, the first matrix, the second matrix and the intermediate layer comprise the same material.

[0081] Advantageously, the first reinforcement and the second reinforcement are identical.

[0082] Advantageously, the first reinforcement and the second reinforcement are different.

[0083] This makes it possible to offer a watch component that is easy to manufacture while optimizing its mechanical, chemical, aesthetic and ergonomic properties.

[0084] Advantageously, the first thermoplastic resin, the second thermoplastic resin or the third thermoplastic resin is a thermoplastic resin comprising acrylic.

[0085] This makes it possible to offer a resin suitable for reinforcements made of glass, carbon or natural fibers in particular.

[0086] Advantageously, the first thermoplastic resin, the second thermoplastic resin or the third thermoplastic resin is a thermoplastic resin with a peroxide ratio of 3% + / - 1%, preferably 3% + / - 0.5%, very preferably 3% + / - 0.1%.

[0087] Advantageously, the first thermoplastic resin, the second thermoplastic resin or the third thermoplastic resin is a thermoplastic resin with a Shore D hardness of 85-90 after polymerization.

[0088] Advantageously, the thermoplastic resin can be selected from polyamide, polyester, acrylic, polylactic acid, elastomer, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polycarbonate (PC) or other suitable materials, and any combination thereof.

[0089] Advantageously, thermoplastic resin can be thermoformable or heat-sealable.

[0090] Advantageously, thermoplastic resin is a polymer foam.

[0091] An example of thermoplastic resin is Elium ®< 190 resin available from the company Arkema.

[0092] Advantageously, a first fiber content of the first composite part is higher than a second fiber content of the second composite part.

[0093] Advantageously, the first fiber rate and / or the second fiber rate is 50%.

[0094] Advantageously, the first fiber rate and / or the second fiber rate is between 10% and 70%, preferably expressed in volume.

[0095] Advantageously, the first fiber rate is 60% and the second fiber rate is 40%.

[0096] Advantageously, the first fiber rate is 40% and the second fiber rate is 60%.

[0097] Advantageously, the fiber content is expressed in relative volume.

[0098] Advantageously, the fiber content is expressed as a relative weight, particularly in the case of particle-type reinforcements.

[0099] Advantageously, a fiber color of the first composite piece is different from a fiber color of the second composite piece.

[0100] Advantageously, a fiber color of the first composite part is identical, similar, or close to a fiber color of the second composite part.

[0101] Advantageously, a color of the first composite part is different from a color of the second composite part, in particular a color of the first thermoplastic resin is different from a color of the second thermoplastic resin.

[0102] Advantageously, the color of the first composite part is identical, similar or close to the color of the second composite part, in particular the color of the first thermoplastic resin is identical, similar or close to the color of the second thermoplastic resin.

[0103] This makes it possible to offer a watch component that is easy to manufacture while optimizing its mechanical and chemical properties, and improving its aesthetic and ergonomic qualities.

[0104] Advantageously, the first composite part comprises first fibers and the second composite part comprises second fibers, and in which the first fibers are short fibers and the second fibers are long fibers.

[0105] Advantageously, the first composite part comprises first fibers and the second composite part comprises second fibers, and in which the first fibers and second fibers are selected from short fibers and long fibers.

[0106] A short fiber is defined as a fiber with a length less than or equal to 5 mm, and a long fiber as a fiber with a length greater than 5 mm.

[0107] This allows for the improvement of the component's mechanical qualities as well as its aesthetic and ergonomic qualities.

[0108] Advantageously, the first composite part comprises first fibers and the second composite part comprises second fibers, and in which the first fibers are long fibers and the second fibers are short fibers.

[0109] Advantageously, the first composite part comprises first fibers and the second composite part comprises second fibers, and in which the first fibers and second fibers are selected from long fibers and / or short fibers.

[0110] Advantageously, the first composite part or the second composite part comprises nanotubes or particles.

[0111] This makes it possible to solve, for example, sealing problems posed by fibers.

[0112] Advantageously, the first composite part or the second composite part comprises one or more particles, in particular of metal, including precious metal or precious stone.

[0113] Advantageously, the first composite piece or the second composite piece includes a pigment, in particular a pigment sensitive to visible or non-visible light.

[0114] Advantageously, the intermediate layer also includes a third reinforcement.

[0115] This allows for the improvement of the component's mechanical qualities as well as potentially its aesthetic and ergonomic qualities.

[0116] Advantageously, the first composite part includes at least one counterform of the second composite part.

[0117] This allows for the improvement of the component's mechanical qualities as well as its aesthetic and ergonomic qualities.

[0118] Advantageously, one of the first composite part or the second composite part includes at least one projection, and the other of the first composite part or the second composite part includes at least one recess arranged to receive at least one projection.

[0119] Advantageously, at least one projection includes fibers from the first reinforcement or the second reinforcement.

[0120] Advantageously, the shape and / or counter-shape is a picot, an orifice, a male portion or a female portion.

[0121] Advantageously, the intermediate layer is adjacent to, or in contact with, a stop interface.

[0122] Advantageously, the first composite part, the second composite part and the intermediate layer are held under pressure, preferably until the intermediate layer has polymerized.

[0123] This improves the adhesion of the intermediate layer and the mechanical strength of the watch or jewelry component, while also enhancing its aesthetic appeal. In particular, this can improve water resistance.

[0124] Advantageously, at least one of the first composite part or the second composite part includes an abrasion-affected surface covered by the intermediate layer.

[0125] Advantageously, the surface affected by abrasion has been abraded or sanded to expose fibers from the first or second composite part. This strengthens the intermediate layer.

[0126] Advantageously, the first reinforcement and the second reinforcement are arranged to form a continuity of reinforcements, particularly in case of abrasion of the first composite piece and the second composite piece.

[0127] This improves the adhesion of the intermediate layer and the mechanical strength of the watch or jewelry component, while also improving the aesthetics of the watch or jewelry component.

[0128] Advantageously, one of the first composite part or the second composite part is driven into the other of the first composite part or the second composite part.

[0129] Advantageously, one of the first composite part or the second composite part is fitted into the other of the first composite part or the second composite part.

[0130] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description, of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which: there figure 1 represents an exploded view of a watch or jewelry component according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the figure 2 represents a view of the watch or jewelry component according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the figure 3 represents a side view of the watch or jewelry component according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the figure 4 represents another side view of the watch or jewelry component according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the figure 5 represents an exploded view of the watch or jewelry component according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] There figure 1 represents an exploded view of a watch or jewelry component according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] The first embodiment of the watch or jewelry component is a watch case 1.

[0133] The mounting box 1 includes a case 2, outer lugs 10 and central lugs 11 forming together lugs 10, 11.

[0134] The case 2 includes a case band with an opening 30 arranged to receive a crown 60 visible in figure 2 Shoulders 30e are arranged near the orifice 30, as will be explained in more detail with reference to the figure 2 .

[0135] The crown is typically used to set the watch (e.g., hours, minutes, date) or to wind the mainspring. The case 2 may include internal notches 41 to support the watch movement. Furthermore, the case 2 may include internal recesses 40 to reduce its weight, by analogy with gold cases and, where applicable, to maintain design consistency.

[0136] The frame 2 is an example of a first composite part 1a, having a first reinforcement and a first thermoplastic material, which can be obtained or supplied with reference to the manufacturing process.

[0137] The outer horns 10 and / or the central horns 11 are an example of a second composite part having a second reinforcement and a second thermoplastic resin, which can be obtained or supplied with reference to the manufacturing process.

[0138] The outer horns 10 are assembled on the case 2 at the level of a counter-form 20 of a form of the outer horns 10. The central horns 101 are assembled on the case 2 at the level of a counter-form 21 of a form of the central horns 11.

[0139] In addition, the outer horns 10 may include an orifice 50 to allow passage for a screw or pin cooperating with a tapped or smooth hole 51 in the case 2.

[0140] The outer lugs 10 may include a recess 10e so as to receive a bar and allow the attachment of a watch strap.

[0141] The frame 2 comprises, as described above, the first reinforcement and the first matrix. The first reinforcement is composed of long fibers, preferably arranged tangentially or circularly, to improve the mechanical strength of the frame 2. In other words, the (long) fibers of the first reinforcement are wound to follow the general shape of the frame 2. Preferably, the fibers are wound on a diameter substantially equivalent to that of the frame 2 to conform to it. Alternatively, the fibers may be woven, particularly the long fibers. The fibers may also be non-woven, as for example in forged carbon.

[0142] The outer horns 10 and the central horns 11 include the second reinforcement which may be composed of short fibers, for example longitudinally in the direction of a principal direction of the horns 10, 11. The fibers may be oriented linearly.

[0143] The outer lugs 10 are then fixed to the case 2 by means of an intermediate layer composed of a third thermoplastic resin, so as to form the watch case 1.

[0144] Similarly, the central horns 11 are fixed to the case 2 by means of the intermediate layer composed of the third thermoplastic resin.

[0145] The intermediate layer is thus polymerized when the outer horn 10 is in contact with or against the counterform 20. The operation can be repeated for each horn 10, 11 and its respective counterform 20, 21.

[0146] In addition, it is possible to butt the outer horns 10 onto the shoulders 20 of the counterforms 20, in order to improve the positioning of the outer horns 10 and to improve the accuracy of the whole while limiting the finishing steps or geometric adjustments.

[0147] The intermediate layer may include an activator to accelerate (or enable) its polymerization. For example, the intermediate layer may contain an activator, but not the first and / or second composite parts. This allows the intermediate layer to polymerize at a lower temperature than the first and / or second composite parts. Furthermore, localized heating can be incorporated to prevent deformation of the parts being assembled, for example, by using ultrasonic or ultraviolet heating.

[0148] It is also possible to heat the parts and / or the intermediate layer in order to improve polymerization.

[0149] Preferably, the first matrix, the second matrix and the intermediate layer are composed of the same thermoplastic resin.

[0150] An example of such a thermoplastic resin is the Elium ®< 190 resin available from the company Arkema.

[0151] Generally speaking, thermoplastic resins and thermosetting resins are two different polymer types, distinguished primarily by their reaction to heat. The most significant difference is that thermosetting resins, once heated and then cooled, cannot be further modified or molded, whereas thermoplastic resins are hard at room temperature but, upon heating, become malleable and moldable until they cool again. During this process, the chemical structure remains unchanged, and the process can be repeated multiple times. A thermoplastic resin consists of linear or branched chains with covalent bonds. These chains are linked together by weak bonds, such as Van der Waals and hydrogen bonds.Thermoplastics can be dissolved in certain solvents and soften when heated, hence the term "thermoplastic". There are two main recycling techniques: a thermomechanical technique, for example, involves agglomerating ground thermoplastic composites into sheets with technical characteristics close to those of the original composites; another strategy involves depolymerizing the resins to extract the monomer that originally formed the matrix of the composite.

[0152] It is possible to specify a particular fiber content for the first reinforcement, such as 60% or 50%.

[0153] Similarly, it is possible to specify a particular fiber rate for the second reinforcement, such as 40%.

[0154] In addition, it is possible to use nanotubes or particles, including nanoparticles, especially for the first composite part, in order to improve sealing for example.

[0155] In a preferred embodiment, the outer horns 10 may include a projection arranged to mate with the orifice 51 of the case 2. The orifice 51 is then an example of a recess.

[0156] In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the case 2, for example at the counterform 20, is abraded (or affected by abrasion) and covered by the intermediate layer. This creates a third reinforcement for the third thermoplastic resin and thus increases the overall strength. Furthermore, this third reinforcement of the intermediate layer can be independent of either the first or second reinforcement.

[0157] There figure 2 represents a view of the watch or jewelry component according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0158] The watch case 1 is closed by a glass 150 and an opposite case back 151 visible in figure 3 .

[0159] The watch case 1 can also be fitted with a bezel 100 arranged around the periphery of the crystal 150, which will be described in more detail in figure 5 .

[0160] The watch case 1 can also be fitted with the crown 60 as previously stated.

[0161] In a preferred embodiment, the watch case 1 further includes protective pieces 61 arranged peripherally around the crown 60.

[0162] These protective elements 61 are another example of a secondary composite component and can be manufactured in a similar manner. These protective elements 61 may include reinforcement designed to provide good impact resistance, for example, ceramic particles of the oxide, carbide, or nitride type (alumina, zirconia, silicon carbide, boron carbide, titanium nitride, etc.). In particular, it is possible to incorporate projections, such as shouldered projections, to cooperate with shoulders 30e of the case 2, near the opening 30 intended to receive the crown 60.

[0163] There figure 3 represents a side view of the watch or jewelry component according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0164] The watch case 1 is shown with the bottom 151 closing the case, and opposite the crystal 150.

[0165] Recesses 30f are also provided in order to form a counter-form of the protective parts 61, and to better position and / or receive them.

[0166] There figure 4 represents another side view of the watch or jewelry component according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0167] The watch case 1 is shown with the bezel 100, which will be described in more detail with reference to the figure 5 .

[0168] There figure 5 represents an exploded view of the watch or jewelry component according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0169] The telescope 100 is formed of a first portion 101 and a second portion 102.

[0170] The first portion 101 is an example of a first composite part.

[0171] The second portion 102 is an example of a second composite part.

[0172] The first portion 100 can thus be composed of the first reinforcement (preferably with fibers) and the first resin of a first color.

[0173] The second portion 102 can thus be composed of the second reinforcement (preferably with fibers) and the second resin in a second color, different from the first color. This makes it easier to create a composite watch component with multiple colors.

[0174] The first portion 101 and the second portion 102 are fixed to each other at the level of respective docking surfaces 101a and 102a, by means of the intermediate layer formed of the third thermoplastic resin.

[0175] The bezel 100 may include notches 103 to facilitate gripping the bezel 100, particularly in the case of a bezel 100 mounted pivoting on the watch case 1.

[0176] The fibers can thus be arranged radially or tangentially. The fibers can have a bypass at the notches 103, so as to improve mechanical strength.

[0177] The bezel 100 may further include a shoulder or a circular groove 104 to receive the glass 150.

[0178] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described in this description.

[0179] In particular, reference is made to the possibility of changing the colours of the parts.

Claims

1. A process for manufacturing a horological or jewelry component (1) comprising the following steps: - providing a first composite part (1a, 101) with a first reinforcement and a first matrix comprising a first resin, - providing a second composite part (10, 11, 102) with a second reinforcement and a second matrix comprising a second resin, - fixing the first composite part (1a, 101) to the second composite part (10, 11, 102) by polymerizing an interface between the first composite part (1a, 101) and the second composite part (10, 11, 102), so as to form the horological or jewelry component (1), the process being characterized in that the first and second resins are thermoplastic resins.

2. The manufacturing process according to the preceding claim, wherein the interface is an intermediate layer comprising a third thermoplastic resin.

3. The manufacturing process according to the preceding claim, further comprising the following step: - adding an activator to the intermediate layer.

4. The manufacturing process according to any one of claims 2 to 3, further comprising the following step: - heating the intermediate layer between the first composite part (1a, 101) and the second composite part (10, 11, 102).

5. The manufacturing process according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein at least two of the first matrix, the second matrix and the intermediate layer are made from the same material.

6. The manufacturing process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first reinforcement and the second reinforcement are different.

7. A horological or jewelry component (1) comprising: - a first composite part (1a, 101) with a first reinforcement and a first matrix comprising a first resin, - a second composite part (10, 11, 102) with a second reinforcement and a second matrix comprising a second resin, - an intermediate layer between the first composite part (1a, 101) and the second composite part (10, 11, 102), the intermediate layer comprising a third resin, the component being characterized in that the first, second and third resins are thermoplastic resins.

8. The horological or jewelry component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least two of the first matrix, the second matrix and the intermediate layer are made from the same material.

9. The horological or jewelry component (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the first reinforcement and the second reinforcement are identical.

10. The horological or jewelry component (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein a first fiber ratio of the first composite part (1a,101) is greater than a second fiber ratio of the second composite part (10, 11, 102).

11. The horological or jewelry component (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the first composite part (1a, 101) comprises first fibers and the second composite part (10, 11, 102) comprises second fibers, and wherein the first fibers and the second fibers are selected from long fibers or short fibers.

12. The horological or jewelry component (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the first composite part (1a, 101) or the second composite part (10, 11, 102) comprises nanotubes or particles.

13. The horological or jewelry component (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the first composite part (1a, 101) comprises at least one countermold of the second composite part (10, 11, 102).

14. The horological or jewelry component (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein one of the first composite part (1a, 101) or of the second composite part (10, 11, 101) comprises at least one projection, and the other of the first composite part (1a, 101) or of the second composite part (10, 11, 102) comprises at least one recess arranged to receive at least one projection.

15. The horological or jewelry component (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein at least one of the first composite part (1a, 101) or of the second composite part (10, 11, 102) comprises an abrasion-affected surface covered by the intermediate layer.