Wristwatch

Abstract

The invention relates to a wristwatch (100) with a clock generator assembly (10). The clock generator assembly (10) comprises a first clock generator (1), a pulse counter (2), and an output device (3). The first clock generator (1) comprises a piezoelectric vibrating crystal and is designed to generate a clock signal. The pulse counter (2) is designed to count the clock signal of the first clock generator (1), wherein the output device (3) is designed to output a useful signal if a count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock generator (1) equals a specified count value.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a wristwatch with a clock generator arrangement. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a wristwatch.

[0002] From the prior art, as disclosed in document US 2012 / 243384 A1, wristwatches with clock generator arrangements are known, each comprising a quartz oscillator as the clock generator. In an oscillator circuit, this oscillates, as the name suggests, at a predetermined oscillation frequency. The quartz oscillator is usually shaped such that the predetermined oscillation frequency is standardized and amounts to 32,768 Hz. The oscillation frequency is then divided by two by an electronic circuit until the second beat is reached. Due to the high frequency of the quartz oscillator, a wristwatch equipped with a quartz oscillator serving as the clock generator, also known as a quartz wristwatch, is significantly more accurate than a mechanical watch. A clock generator arrangement with a quartz oscillator serving as the clock generator offers the further advantage that the clock generator arrangement takes up little space in the watch.In addition, quartz watches have a long power reserve and therefore do not need to be adjusted frequently. Furthermore, a quartz oscillator can be manufactured synthetically at low cost. For these reasons, quartz wristwatches are widespread worldwide. However, an otherwise expensive and high-quality quartz wristwatch may be considered a "mass product" by watch enthusiasts. Furthermore, halving the oscillation frequency to achieve the second rate only works with standardized quartz oscillators. With other types of oscillating crystals, the effort required to individually tune them to a base frequency divisible by two would be enormous.

[0003] It is therefore an object of the invention to propose a wristwatch which, on the one hand, has a high timing accuracy, a compact design and a high power reserve and, on the other hand, can be individually designed, whereby the wristwatch is considered to be of high quality.

[0004] This object is achieved by a wristwatch having the combination of features according to independent claim 1. The subclaims contain advantageous developments and refinements of the invention.

[0005] In particular, the wristwatch comprises a first clock generator, a pulse counter, and an output device. The first clock generator comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal and is configured to generate a clock signal. The pulse counter is configured to count a clock signal from the first clock generator. The output device is configured to output a useful signal when a count value of the counted clock signal from the first clock generator is equal to a predetermined count value.

[0006] If the count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock generator and the predetermined count value are equal, the pulse counter is preferably reset. The comparison of the count value of the counted clock signal with the predetermined count value can advantageously be carried out using a comparator, which can be part of the pulse counter or the output device. The predetermined count value can preferably be stored in a memory of the clock generator arrangement.

[0007] The present invention enables a wristwatch with a clock generator arrangement that can provide a precise useful signal. In particular, by outputting the useful signal when the count value of the counted clock signal of the clock signal of the first clock generator matches the predetermined count value, it can be ensured that the useful signal is output at the correct time.

[0008] The proposed clock generator arrangement, and in particular the use of a pulse counter for counting the clock signal of the first clock generator, offers the particular advantage that not only piezoelectric oscillating crystals with a standardized oscillation frequency can be used, but any piezoelectric oscillating crystal. This makes it possible to use customized frequencies that may even occur once, specifically for a single oscillating crystal.

[0009] Thus, even a non-standardizable or difficult-to-standardize natural vibrating crystal can be used as the piezoelectric vibrating crystal of the first clock generator. Its chemical composition, purity, or other factors almost always vary slightly, meaning that the vibrating frequency in the crystal is always individually variable. For example, a natural tourmaline, a natural amethyst, or other quartz variants such as citrine, etc., or a natural Swiss rock crystal can be used. This also eliminates the need to shape each individual natural vibrating crystal until it reaches the desired vibrating frequency of 32,678 Hz, which would otherwise be very time-consuming due to the non-homogeneous chemical composition of the vibrating crystal.In other words, due to the fact that the oscillation frequency of a natural oscillating crystal usually varies slightly depending on its chemical composition, it is difficult to simply produce a standardized geometry of the oscillating crystal and thus achieve the exact oscillation frequency of 32,678 Hz. The geometry of the natural oscillating crystal would therefore have to vary slightly for each individual oscillating crystal of the same type / material (e.g. tourmaline) in order to arrive at a clear oscillation frequency of 32,678 Hz, or at another frequency that can be broken down to a frequency of 1 Hz using a halving frequency divider. This problem, however, is cleverly solved by the use of the pulse counter in the clock generator arrangement of the proposed wristwatch.

[0010] In addition, the pulse counter of the proposed wristwatch can also process non-randomly variable frequencies, such as the Chinese "lucky number" of 8,888 or 88,888, which can then be achieved in quantities via the geometry of a synthetic quartz.

[0011] Since a variety of piezoelectric oscillating crystals are available for the first clock, which can also have any oscillation frequency, the wristwatch according to the present invention can be customized, giving it a high-quality feel. At the same time, the wristwatch according to the present invention has the advantages of a compact design and the accuracy of a conventional quartz wristwatch with a synthetic quartz crystal.

[0012] The predetermined count value is advantageously characteristic of the specific piezoelectric oscillating crystal, i.e., in particular, of the specific shape and chemical composition of the oscillating crystal provided in the clock generator assembly of the wristwatch. Each oscillating crystal thus has an individually predetermined count value, which is programmed into the comparator during the manufacture of the clock generator assembly.

[0013] As will be explained in more detail later, in order to determine the predetermined count value, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal can advantageously be caused to oscillate and the clock signal generated by the oscillation of the oscillating crystal can be counted, e.g. with a frequency counter (counting frequency meter), before all components of the clock generator arrangement are assembled or set up to manufacture the clock generator arrangement.

[0014] If the piezoelectric oscillating crystal used has an oscillation frequency which is dependent on a temperature of the oscillating crystal, the predetermined count value is advantageously characteristic of the specific piezoelectric oscillating crystal, ie in particular of the specific shape and the specific chemical composition of the oscillating crystal provided in the clock generator arrangement, at a predetermined temperature of the clock generator arrangement or the oscillating crystal or a predetermined temperature of the environment of the clock generator arrangement or the oscillating crystal.

[0015] In this case, the predetermined temperature can advantageously be selected as the temperature at which the clock arrangement or the wristwatch will operate during normal operation. The predetermined temperature can preferably be a temperature that essentially corresponds to a mixture of the normal skin temperature of a healthy person and the temperature of the ambient air around the wristwatch.

[0016] In order to be able to apply an electrical voltage to the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator, the first clock generator preferably further comprises electrodes which are arranged on the piezoelectric oscillating crystal or are connected to the piezoelectric oscillating crystal.

[0017] It should be noted at this point that, within the scope of the present invention, the term "oscillating crystal" i advantageously does not mean a raw crystal, but rather a faceted crystal, in particular a ground or otherwise processed, e.g. etched, crystal.

[0018] Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, a vibrating crystal made of a specific material is understood to mean a vibrating crystal whose highest proportion is formed from this material, particularly preferably a vibrating crystal formed entirely from this material. For example, within the scope of the present invention, a tourmaline vibrating crystal is understood to mean a vibrating crystal whose highest proportion is formed from tourmaline, particularly preferably a vibrating crystal formed entirely from tourmaline.

[0019] Preferably, the clock generator arrangement further comprises a second clock generator comprising a piezoelectric oscillating crystal. The second clock generator is configured to generate a clock signal. The output device is configured to compare the clock signal of the second clock generator with the clock signal of the first clock generator. By comparing the clock signal of the second clock generator with the clock signal of the first clock generator, the accuracy of the clock signal of the first clock generator can be verified.

[0020] In particular, the second clock generator is configured to generate the clock signal at predetermined time intervals, e.g., every 15 minutes. In other words, the second clock generator is operated only at predetermined time intervals. This means that the oscillating crystal of the second clock generator is only caused to oscillate at predetermined time intervals. Thus, the comparison between the clock signal of the first clock generator and the clock signal of the second clock generator can also be performed at predetermined time intervals. This can result in power savings.

[0021] The second clock generator can preferably be switched on and off using another pulse counter with a comparator (second comparator), which is controlled by the output signal of the first comparator and counts it up. If the first comparator, for example, supplies a second signal, then this additional pulse counter can be set to count up to 1024 (10 bits) (approximately 17 minutes) without even having to be reset. If this additional pulse counter is equipped with more than one comparator, the second clock generator can be switched on and off for different time intervals (e.g., every 17 minutes with a 4 s duty cycle). It is also possible to divide the second signal (1 Hz signal) with a frequency divider, whereby the period duration (here: 1 s) can be increased even further by doubling. With a 10-bit divider, you can then achieve 1024 s or 17 minutes and control the second clock generator accordingly.If this frequency divider has exactly 10 bits and is not stopped, then it will start again from the beginning, i.e. the second clock is switched on every 17 minutes. If the second clock is only controlled by the most significant bit, then it runs for 8.5 minutes and then switches off again. However, a less significant bit can also be used: the least significant bit has a period of 2 s, so it is switched on for 1 s and off for 1 s. The third lowest bit, for example (period 8 s), is on for 4 s and off for 4 s. These two bits can be wired so that the second clock is switched on by the rising edge of the most significant bit and switched off again by the falling edge of the third lowest bit. It will then run for four seconds every 17 minutes.

[0022] Alternatively, the second clock generator is configured to continuously generate a clock signal (second clock signal).

[0023] Preferably, the output device is configured to output the useful signal when a count value of the counted current clock signal is equal to the predetermined count value, only when a deviation between the clock signal of the second clock generator and the clock signal of the first clock generator is smaller than a predetermined deviation. In other words, the useful signal is output based on the clock signal of the first clock generator, only when a deviation between the clock signal of the second clock signal and the current clock signal is smaller than a predetermined deviation.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second clock generator is a substitute clock generator and its clock signal is a substitute clock signal. If a deviation between the clock signal of the second clock generator and the clock signal of the first clock generator is greater than the predetermined deviation, the output device is advantageously configured to output a useful signal based on the substitute clock signal of the substitute clock generator instead of based on the clock signal of the first clock generator. In other words, if the deviation between the clock signal of the second clock generator and the clock signal of the first clock generator is greater than the predetermined deviation, the second clock generator advantageously takes over the role of the clock generator of the clock generator arrangement of the wristwatch. It can thus be ensured that the clock generator arrangement outputs an accurate useful signal, even if interference factors are present that influence the accuracy of the first clock generator.cause a deviation of the clock signal of the first clock signal from the clock signal of the second clock generator. One such interference factor can be, for example, the temperature at which the clock generator arrangement is operated. If the temperature at which the wristwatch or the clock generator arrangement is operated deviates from the temperature at which the predetermined count value of the clock signal of the first clock generator was set, this can lead to a deviation of the clock signal of the first clock generator from that at the predetermined temperature in the case of an oscillating crystal for the first clock generator whose oscillation frequency can be temperature-dependent.

[0025] The second clock generator is advantageously shaped or selected in such a way that it can generate a clock signal that is constant or independent of interference factors or less sensitive to interference factors compared to the first clock generator, so that this clock signal can be used as a replacement clock signal of the clock generator arrangement.

[0026] In particular, if the second clock generator comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal made of quartz, the useful signal based on the clock signal of the second clock generator can be generated using a frequency divider. The frequency divider can be part of the output device or implemented as a separate element.

[0027] If a deviation between the clock signal of the second clock generator and the current clock signal is greater than the predetermined deviation, as an alternative to outputting a useful signal based on the clock signal of the second clock generator, the output device can advantageously be configured to correct the predetermined count value using a predetermined correction factor. The output device is further configured to output the useful signal when the count value of the clock signal of the first clock generator is equal to the corrected predetermined count value.

[0028] The accuracy of a frequency-controlled clock with a piezoelectric oscillating crystal as the clock's clock pulse generator depends primarily on the piezoelectric oscillating crystal experiencing exactly the same conditions and thus maintaining an absolutely constant oscillation frequency. Temperature can trigger the largest change in oscillation frequency, meaning that temperature correction in the clock is the most important control mechanism for ensuring the clock's accuracy.

[0029] To achieve a precise correction of the predetermined count value in the presence of a temperature difference, the predetermined correction factor can preferably be based on a predetermined temperature dependence of the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator, a predetermined temperature dependence of the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the second clock generator, and a difference between a count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock generator and a count value of the counted clock signal of the second clock generator. Advantageously, the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator has a different temperature dependence than the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the second clock generator.In other words, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator exhibits a different oscillation behavior as a function of temperature than the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the second clock generator. This can be achieved, in particular, by the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator and the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the second clock generator being made of different materials and / or having different geometries and / or differing from one another in at least one property that influences the oscillation behavior as a function of temperature. Such a property can be, for example, the type of oscillation, the chemical composition, or the purity of the piezoelectric oscillating crystals.Thus, for example, two tourmalines with different geometries or vibration types or a tourmaline and an amethyst can be used as the vibrating crystals of the first clock and the second clock.

[0030] In other words, the temperature dependencies of the first clock generator and the second clock generator should advantageously be available. These are advantageously established before the wristwatch is manufactured using various frequency measurements at different temperatures. A curve derived from this is then calculated, representing a specific oscillation frequency deviation for each temperature. For example, if there is a temperature deviation from a predetermined temperature (specified standard temperature) of -5°C, the oscillation frequency deviation is one value. For example, if there is a temperature deviation of -8°C, the oscillation frequency deviation is a different value.After creating the frequency difference curve from the comparison of the two temperature dependencies of the oscillation frequencies of the two oscillating crystals of the first clock and the second clock, another curve is created, which in turn is based on the temperature dependence of the oscillation frequency of the first clock. This curve advantageously contains the correction values, which represent the factor by which the predetermined count value must be corrected for each °C temperature difference, so that it is adapted to the changed temperature.

[0031] Then, for each determined oscillation frequency difference or for each determined difference between a count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock generator and a count value of the counted clock signal of the second clock generator, the predetermined count value can be corrected in such a way that it is ensured that the useful signal always has the same frequency regardless of potential temperature fluctuations, e.g., 1 Hz.

[0032] This is particularly advantageous when the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator is highly susceptible to temperature fluctuations. An example of such an oscillating crystal is tourmaline. Tourmaline is an individual oscillating crystal, and the temperature dependence of the oscillation frequency is not necessarily subject to a clear norm. This means that the frequency change in one tourmaline oscillating crystal can be different from that of another tourmaline oscillating crystal with the same geometry. This deviation rarely occurs in a quartz wristwatch, as the oscillating crystals used for such watches are usually synthetically manufactured, and therefore the temperature dependence of the oscillation frequency is approximately the same for all oscillating crystals with the same geometry. Nevertheless, quartz also exhibits a temperature dependence of the oscillation frequency, which can be recorded in a corresponding curve.Thus, a correction of the predetermined count value can result in an increase in the accuracy of the wristwatch even in the case of an oscillating crystal designed as a quartz crystal for the first clock.

[0033] As can be seen from the above description, the oscillating crystal of the second clock does not need to be a quartz crystal to achieve the correction of the predetermined count value. In other words, the comparison curve of the two oscillating crystals described above does not have to be created by comparing the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock with a quartz oscillating crystal, but can just as easily be created by comparing the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock with another piezoelectric oscillating crystal. For example, the oscillating crystals of both the first clock and the second clock can be made of tourmaline.However, both oscillating crystals must then be measured with regard to the dependence of their oscillation frequency on temperature, whereas with a quartz oscillator the temperature-deviation-frequency curve is usually either already known or, in the case of an entire series of wristwatches, only needs to be created once for one quartz oscillator, since it can be assumed that this curve is analogous for all synthetically produced quartz oscillators.

[0034] Preferably, the clock generator arrangement may comprise a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the first clock generator and / or an environment of the first clock generator and to compare this temperature with a predetermined temperature.

[0035] If a deviation between the temperature of the first clock and / or an environment of the first clock and the predetermined temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature deviation, the output device is advantageously configured to correct the predetermined count value based on the detected temperature. Furthermore, the output device is configured to output the useful signal based on the first clock if the count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock is equal to the corrected predetermined count value. Thus, piezoelectric oscillating crystals made of materials, e.g., tourmaline species, whose oscillation frequency is temperature-dependent can also be used in the clock arrangement.

[0036] Alternatively or in addition to correcting the predetermined count based on the detected temperature, the wristwatch can advantageously further comprise a heating device. The heating device is configured to heat the first clock to the predetermined temperature in the event of a temperature deviation between the temperature of the first clock and / or an environment of the first clock and the predetermined temperature that is greater than a predetermined temperature deviation. Instead of the temperature sensor, the detection of a temperature deviation between the temperature of the first clock and / or an environment of the first clock and the predetermined temperature can also be achieved by the above-described mechanism of comparing the oscillation frequencies of the oscillating crystals of the first clock and the second clock.This is possible because the current temperature of the first clock generator and / or its surroundings can be determined from the difference between the oscillation frequencies of the two oscillating crystals. This also determines the difference between the current temperature and the predetermined temperature, which must be eliminated by the heating device.

[0037] Preventing a frequency deviation of the clock signal of the first clock due to a temperature deviation of the temperature of the first clock and / or an environment of the first clock from the predetermined temperature by means of one of the described correction mechanisms can be particularly advantageous since the wristwatch is worn on a person's wrist, which does not always have a constant temperature. For example, in the event of illness, a wristwatch with a clock arrangement having a first clock made of tourmaline, whose oscillation frequency depends on the temperature, would not be accurate without the proposed temperature correction mechanism. For example, if the wearer of the wristwatch had a slightly elevated temperature (e.g. 38°C instead of 36°C), the wristwatch could lose, for example, 8 seconds per day without the previously described temperature mechanism. The accuracy of the wristwatch would also be affected if the wristwatch was not always worn.

[0038] Preferably, the clock generator arrangement further comprises a third clock generator. The third clock generator comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal and is configured to generate a clock signal. The output device is configured to compare the clock signal of the third clock generator, the clock signal of the second clock generator, and the clock signal of the first clock generator. With the introduction of the third clock generator, for example a synthetic standardized quartz crystal, when oscillation frequency deviations between all three oscillating crystals are measured, deviations can also be detected that are not attributable to a temperature deviation but rather to aging of the oscillating crystals. Thus, these age-related frequency deviations can also be corrected.Aging refers to a vibration frequency deviation that occurs over time due to the penetration of foreign atoms into the crystals or other time-related circumstances.

[0039] It should be noted that, within the scope of the invention, the first clock is the primary clock of the wristwatch. The second clock and / or the third clock can serve as backup clocks if it is determined that the clock accuracy of the first clock is not high enough, and / or are to be understood as control clocks so that the accuracy of the first clock can be monitored and corrected if necessary.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the wristwatch further comprises a drive device and a mechanical timepiece display device. The drive device is configured to receive the useful signal output by the output device of the clock generator arrangement and, in response thereto, to move the mechanical timepiece display device to display the time. Such a wristwatch can be referred to within the scope of the invention as a wristwatch with a mechanical movement.

[0041] Preferably, the drive device comprises a drive element and in particular also a translation device which connects the drive element to the mechanical clock display device and translates a movement of the drive element into a movement of the mechanical clock display device.

[0042] The drive element can preferably be designed as an electric stepper motor, in particular as a Lavet stepper motor, or as another type of electromechanical drive. The transmission device can preferably be designed as a gear train. Alternatively, the drive element can be directly connected to the mechanical timepiece display device, i.e., without the interposition of a transmission device.

[0043] The mechanical clock display device can preferably have at least one hand and / or a dial, in particular with at least one time marker. The drive device can be configured to move or rotate the at least one hand and / or the dial of the clock display device.

[0044] According to an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the wristwatch can be designed as an electronic wristwatch. In this case, the wristwatch comprises, in addition to the clock generator arrangement, an electronic circuit and an electronic timepiece display device. The electronic circuit is configured to receive the useful signal output by the output device of the clock generator arrangement and, in response thereto, to output a signal to the timepiece display device for displaying the wristwatch.

[0045] The piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock and / or the second clock and / or the third clock can be a natural or synthetic crystal. In particular, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock and / or the second clock and / or the third clock can be a natural tourmaline, citrine, amethyst, Swiss rock crystal, or a synthetic quartz crystal. It should be noted that citrine and amethyst are color variants of (natural) quartz. In particular, citrine is the yellow variety and amethyst is the violet variety of quartz.

[0046] If the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator and / or the second clock generator and / or the third clock generator is a quartz oscillating crystal, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal is preferably designed as a forked oscillator with two prongs. Alternatively to the forked oscillator, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal can also be in the form of a plate. In other words, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal can also be designed as a quartz plate. The quartz plate is preferably round. However, it is also possible for the quartz plate to be rectangular.

[0047] According to an advantageous embodiment, the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator is 8888 Hz or 88888 Hz. In other words, this means that the frequency of the clock signal is 8888 Hz or 88888 Hz, or that the predetermined count value is correspondingly equal to 8888 or 88888. The piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator can preferably be a quartz oscillating crystal, in particular a synthetic quartz oscillating crystal.

[0048] According to an advantageous embodiment, the output device is configured to output the useful signal at a frequency of 8 Hz when the count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock generator is equal to a predetermined count value. This means that an oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal, in other words, the frequency of the clock signal or the predetermined count value, is set such that the useful signal has a frequency of 8 Hz. The piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator can preferably be a quartz oscillating crystal, in particular a synthetic quartz oscillating crystal.

[0049] If the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator is 8888 Hz or 88888 Hz and the output device is configured to output the useful signal at a frequency of 8 Hz, the predetermined count value is set to 1111 or 11111. Thus, a useful signal is output by the output device when the pulse counter counts 1111 or 11111 pulses, i.e., when the count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock generator is 1111 or 11111. In this embodiment of the wristwatch, the frequency of the clock signal is 8888 Hz or 88888 Hz, and the frequency of the useful signal is 8 Hz.

[0050] If the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator is 8888 Hz and the piezoelectric oscillating crystal is a quartz oscillating crystal, in particular a synthetic quartz oscillating crystal, and is designed as a forked oscillator with two prongs, the length of each prong is preferably 3.02127 mm, the thickness of each prong is preferably 0.3 mm, and the depth of each prong would be variable, for example, could be 0.6 mm. If the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator is 88888 Hz and the piezoelectric oscillating crystal is a quartz oscillating crystal, in particular a synthetic quartz oscillating crystal, and is designed as a forked oscillator with two prongs, the length of each prong is preferably 0.55155 mm, the thickness of each prong is preferably 0.1 mm, and the depth of each prong is either 0.3 mm or another practical value, since the depth is variable and does not affect the frequency.

[0051] The length of a respective prong corresponds in particular to the dimension of the respective prong in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the Y crystal axis, the thickness of a respective prong corresponds to the dimension of the respective prong in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the X crystal axis, and the depth of a respective prong corresponds to the dimension of the respective prong in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the Z crystal axis of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator, namely the quartz oscillating crystal. "Substantially parallel" means in particular an angle of up to 20 degrees, preferably 10 degrees, further preferably 5 degrees, to the respective axis. The Z crystal axis corresponds to a crystallographic longitudinal axis of the raw quartz crystal or the synthetic starting quartz from which the quartz oscillating crystal is formed.The longitudinal axis is the axis that represents the growth direction or the direction of crystallization of the quartz. In quartz, the crystal structure is hexagonally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. The Z-crystal axis is also referred to as the optical axis of the quartz. In quartz, the X-crystal axis is the axis that runs perpendicular to the Z-crystal axis (longitudinal axis) and, based on the hexagonal cross-section of the quartz crystal, runs through two opposite edges (of the six existing edges) of the quartz crystal. Thus, there are three possible X-crystal axes in quartz. The Y-crystal axis is the axis that runs parallel to the normal vector of any two of the six quartz faces that run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the quartz. Thus, quartz has three possible Y-crystal axes.

[0052] The piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator and / or the second clock generator and / or the third clock generator can preferably be a tourmaline oscillating crystal and have the shape of a plate, in particular a round plate. This shape is particularly advantageous for the tourmaline oscillating crystal, since a raw tourmaline crystal is generally not absolutely pure and homogeneous, such as a synthetic raw quartz crystal, from which a quartz oscillating crystal is preferably formed as a forked oscillator. Because the prongs of a forked oscillator are often not very thick depending on the desired oscillation frequency, a change in the forked oscillator and thus also its oscillation frequency due to natural mineral deposits, twin lines, or structural changes cannot be ruled out over the years due to constant vibration. However, this can be prevented or at least reduced by the platelet shape.

[0053] If possible, the tourmaline plate should not be very large. This reduces the likelihood of a defect in the tourmaline vibrating crystal, which could cause problems over time. In the case of a rectangular plate, it may be advantageous if the length of one side of the plate is between 2.9 mm and 3.1 mm, especially 3 mm. If the piezoelectric vibrating crystal is in the shape of a round plate, it may be advantageous if the diameter of the round plate is between 2.9 mm and 3.1 mm, especially 3 mm.

[0054] In this case, a normal vector of a main surface of the respective platelet is in particular parallel to the longitudinal crystal axis of the corresponding tourmaline vibrating crystal or inclined at an angle of 45° to the longitudinal crystal axis of the corresponding tourmaline vibrating crystal.

[0055] Alternatively, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator and / or the second clock generator and / or the third clock generator can be an amethyst oscillating crystal or a citrine oscillating crystal and have the shape of a plate, in particular a round plate. A main surface of the plate is in particular parallel to a plane defined by the Z-crystal axis and the Y-crystal axis or by the Z-crystal axis and the X-crystal axis of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal. The Z-crystal axis corresponds to a crystallographic longitudinal axis of the raw crystal from which the piezoelectric oscillating crystal is formed.

[0056] The term "platelet" refers specifically to a disk-shaped element. Thus, within the scope of the invention, a platelet can also be referred to as a disc. The main surface corresponds to a flat side of the platelet.

[0057] Within the scope of the invention, the crystal axis of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal is understood to mean, in particular, an axis of the crystal lattice of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal. Within the scope of the invention, the crystal axis advantageously corresponds to a crystallographic axis of a raw crystal from which the piezoelectric oscillating crystal is formed.

[0058] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a wristwatch with a timing arrangement, in particular a wristwatch with a timing arrangement described above. The method comprises the following steps: Providing a first clock generator comprising a piezoelectric oscillating crystal with a predetermined oscillation frequency and configured to generate a clock signal, providing a pulse counter configured to count a clock signal of the first clock generator, providing an output device, storing a predetermined count value derivable from the predetermined oscillation frequency in a memory of the pulse counter or the output device, configuring the output device to output a useful signal when a count value of the clock signal of the first clock generator counted by the pulse counter is equal to the predetermined count value, and incorporating the first clock generator, the pulse counter, and the output device into the wristwatch.

[0059] Furthermore, the method for producing the wristwatch preferably comprises the steps of providing a drive device, ie a drive element and optionally a transmission device, providing a power supply device, eg a button battery and / or a rechargeable battery and / or a continuous power generator (eg thermogenerator), and / or providing a mechanical watch display device.

[0060] As described above, the drive element can be designed, in particular, as an electric stepper motor, preferably a Lavet stepper motor, and the transmission device as a gear train. The gear train is advantageously configured to convert the frequency of the useful signal, at which the electric stepper motor moves one step, into the movement of the mechanical clock display device. The frequency of the useful signal can be translated such that the second hand rotates 6° per second, the minute hand rotates 6° per minute, and the hour hand rotates 30° per hour.

[0061] In addition, other components such as a crown, a dial, a watch glass, movement switches, etc. can be provided to manufacture the wristwatch and can be installed in a case of the wristwatch or attached to the case of the wristwatch in addition to the first clock generator, the pulse counter and the output device.

[0062] Preferably, the step of providing the first clock generator with the piezoelectric oscillating crystal having the predetermined oscillation frequency comprises the steps of providing any piezoelectric oscillating crystal, generating an oscillation of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal, and measuring the oscillating piezoelectric oscillating crystal using a frequency counter to determine its oscillation frequency. The measured oscillation frequency corresponds to the predetermined oscillation frequency. Thus, any piezoelectric oscillating crystal can be used, or a raw crystal can be processed in any way to produce a piezoelectric oscillating crystal, with its measured oscillation frequency being used as the predetermined oscillation frequency from which the predetermined count value is derived.

[0063] According to an advantageous embodiment, the step of providing the first clock generator with the piezoelectric oscillating crystal having the predetermined oscillation frequency comprises the steps of selecting an oscillation frequency as the predetermined oscillation frequency and shaping, in particular by grinding or another shaping process such as etching, or by fine-tuning by laser material removal, a piezoelectric oscillating crystal from a raw crystal such that the oscillating crystal has the predetermined oscillation frequency. In other words, a piezoelectric oscillating crystal is advantageously shaped so that, in its final form, it has a deliberately selected oscillation frequency and not an arbitrary one.Thus, the wristwatch can be equipped with a first clock generator comprising a piezoelectric oscillating crystal with an oscillation frequency customized according to the wishes of the wearer of the watch. For example, the wearer's date of birth can be selected as the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator.

[0064] According to an advantageous embodiment, the frequency of 8888 Hz or 88888 Hz is selected as the predetermined oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal. This means that the piezoelectric oscillating crystal is shaped such that its oscillation frequency is 8888 Hz or 88888 Hz.

[0065] According to an advantageous embodiment, the predetermined oscillation frequency and / or the predetermined count value is / are selected such that the output device is configured to output the useful signal at a frequency of 8 Hz when the count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock generator matches a predetermined count value.

[0066] When the frequency of 8888 Hz or 88888 Hz is selected as the predetermined oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock and the wanted signal is to be output at a frequency of 8 Hz, the predetermined count value is set to 1111 or 11111.

[0067] To provide the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator with an oscillation frequency of 8888 Hz, a quartz oscillating crystal is preferably designed as a forked oscillator with two prongs. For this purpose, the forked oscillator is cut from a quartz disk of a raw quartz crystal or a synthetic quartz crystal. The quartz disk is advantageously cut from the raw quartz crystal or the synthetic quartz crystal at an angle of 90° to the crystallographic longitudinal axis, or at an angle that essentially corresponds to this angle. In a next step, the forked oscillator is provided with electrodes and contacted. In a next step, the forked oscillator provided with the electrodes is embedded in a protective casing, in particular a vacuum bell, to prevent the passage of foreign atoms from the ambient air and to facilitate free oscillation.Furthermore, an oscillator circuit is constructed, which causes the forked oscillator to oscillate at the predetermined frequency of 8888 Hz or 88888 Hz. The oscillator circuit and the forked oscillator then form the first clock. Furthermore, a pulse counter is provided, which reduces the frequency of 8888 Hz or 88888 Hz of the clock signal to the desired frequency of 8 Hz. The oscillator circuit, which causes the forked oscillator to oscillate, and the pulse counter are preferably located on the same microchip. However, these two units could also be provided separately.

[0068] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the step of providing the first clock generator and / or the second clock generator and / or the third clock generator comprises the following steps: Shaping, in particular by grinding or etching, a piezoelectric oscillating crystal from a raw crystal, in particular according to a specific orientation of the crystallographic axes of the raw crystal, applying electrodes to the oscillating crystal, e.g.by applying a wafer-thin layer of gold to the surface of the oscillating crystal, preferably using a lithographic process, connecting the electrodes adjacent to the oscillating crystal to an oscillator circuit, generating an oscillation of the oscillating crystal, measuring the oscillating crystal and determining its oscillation frequency, i.e. the number of oscillations within a period of one second, using a frequency counter, enclosing the oscillating crystal in a holder, in particular whereby the oscillating crystal can oscillate in the holder without experiencing great damping, and connecting the electrodes to two connecting wires, embedding the oscillating crystal in a protective sheath, preferably in a vacuum bell made of glass or metal, and providing an oscillator circuit which is set up to cause the oscillating crystal to oscillate at the found oscillation frequency.

[0069] It should be noted that an oscillator circuit is advantageously an electronic circuit.

[0070] In particular, if the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator and / or the second clock generator and / or the third clock generator is a tourmaline oscillating crystal and has the shape of a plate, as previously described, the respective clock generator is provided as follows: First, the tourmaline oscillating crystal is provided in the shape of a plate. In other words, a tourmaline plate is formed. For this purpose, a rectangular plate can be cut out of a raw tourmaline crystal at an angle of 90° or 45° to the crystallographic longitudinal axis of the raw tourmaline crystal, or at another optimal inclination to the longitudinal axis that corresponds to the specific chemical composition of the specific tourmaline variant used. The rectangular plate can then be ground, preferably circular. Advantageously, the two main surfaces of the plate are polished.

[0071] It should be noted at this point that tourmaline has a trigonal structure. In other words, tourmaline does not crystallize with a hexagonal cross-section like quartz, but rather in a trigonal shape, i.e., in a triangular shape, with the triangle sides usually slightly rounded. The crystallographic longitudinal axis described above can also be called the optical axis. This axis is known as the Z-axis or often the C-axis, but is referred to as the L-axis in the context of the invention. The longitudinal axis is the axis that represents the growth direction or the direction of crystallization of the tourmaline. This axis is polar. When the raw tourmaline crystal is heated, a pyroelectric charge develops at both tips of the raw tourmaline crystal. In particular, in such a case, a positive charge occurs at one tip and a negative charge at the other.For the purposes of the invention, the axis of the raw tourmaline crystal that is perpendicular to the crystallographic longitudinal axis and passes through an angle formed between two of the three facets of the raw tourmaline crystal is referred to as the TA axis (TA: Triangle - Angle). Furthermore, for the purposes of the invention, the axis of the raw tourmaline crystal that is perpendicular to the crystallographic longitudinal axis and runs essentially parallel to the basic orientation of one of the three facets of the raw tourmaline crystal is referred to as the TS axis (TS: Tourmaline Side). The raw tourmaline crystal can be described by a structural triangle whose sides are assigned to or follow the facets of the raw tourmaline crystal. Thus, the crystallographic longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the plane of the structural triangle.The TA axis is perpendicular to the crystallographic longitudinal axis and forms an angle between two of the three sides of the structural triangle. The TS axis is perpendicular to the crystallographic longitudinal axis and runs parallel to one of the three sides of the structural triangle. Thus, the tourmaline crystal has the following piezoelectric polar axes: an "L" axis, three possible "TS" axes, and three possible "TA" axes.

[0072] In this case, a normal vector of a main surface of the respective platelet is in particular parallel to the longitudinal crystal axis of the corresponding tourmaline vibrating crystal or inclined at an angle of 45° to the longitudinal crystal axis of the corresponding tourmaline vibrating crystal, or at a special optimal angle, depending on the specific chemical composition of the particular type of tourmaline used.

[0073] If the plate is cut at a 45° angle to the crystallographic longitudinal axis, the tourmaline vibrating crystal in the form of a plate exhibits high piezoelectric activity. In this case, for a rectangular plate, one edge of the plate is parallel to the TS or TA axis, while the other edge is inclined at 45° to the crystallographic longitudinal axis of the raw tourmaline crystal.

[0074] After the tourmaline plate is prepared, its oscillation frequency is measured with a frequency meter. This determines the frequency at which the tourmaline oscillates with a high amplitude.

[0075] For this purpose, the tourmaline plate is placed between two metal plates connected to the frequency measuring device via two wires. First, it is determined whether the tourmaline plate exhibits a high-amplitude frequency that is also sufficiently far away from any "side frequencies." If this is the case, it is determined that the tourmaline plate can be used as an oscillating crystal. The tourmaline plate is then provided with electrodes, preferably by vapor deposition (or sputtering) of gold electrodes. Any other possible method for applying the electrodes is also applicable.

[0076] The vibrating tourmaline is then secured and placed in a mount that minimizes damping and impedes the tourmaline's free vibration. For a round tourmaline plate, the center of the plate is often the best mounting point, as depending on the type of vibration, a vibration node may occur there, where the vibration may have a lower amplitude and therefore experience less damping from a mount.

[0077] The tourmaline plate is then embedded in a protective shell, especially in a vacuum bell, to prevent the migration of foreign atoms and to enable air-free vibration.

[0078] The tourmaline plate, which is equipped with electrodes and embedded in the protective covering (the tourmaline vibrating crystal), is then measured again, thereby determining the main frequency. This determined main frequency is then determined as the oscillation frequency of the tourmaline vibrating crystal.

[0079] To form the respective clock generator with a tourmaline oscillating crystal, an oscillator circuit is finally provided which is set up to make the tourmaline oscillating crystal oscillate at the found oscillation frequency.

[0080] If the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator and / or the second clock generator and / or the third clock generator is an amethyst oscillating crystal or a citrine oscillating crystal and has the shape of a plate, in particular a round plate, the amethyst oscillating crystal or citrine oscillating crystal is preferably first provided in the form of a plate to provide the respective clock generator. In other words, an amethyst plate or citrine plate is formed. The plate shape is particularly advantageous in the case of an amethyst oscillating crystal, since natural mineral deposits, twin lines, or possible structural irregularities in the raw amethyst crystal result in frequencies and secondary frequencies that are unpredictable or calculable. Furthermore, amethyst loses its color when exposed to UV radiation.This means that crystal lattice shifts can occur due to natural irradiation. Thus, for an amethyst vibrating crystal, a plate shape may prove more suitable than a forked vibrating crystal with two prongs.

[0081] In particular, a platelet is cut from a raw amethyst crystal or a raw citrine crystal. This is done in such a way that a major surface of the platelet is parallel to a plane defined by the Z-crystal axis and the Y-crystal axis, or by the Z-crystal axis and the X-crystal axis, of the piezoelectric vibrating crystal.

[0082] The remaining steps for preparing the respective clock generator comprising an amethyst vibrating crystal or citrine vibrating crystal in the form of a plate are the same as the corresponding steps for preparing the respective clock generator comprising a tourmaline vibrating crystal in the form of a plate.

[0083] Preferably, the predetermined oscillation frequency and / or the predetermined count value is / are set and / or a drive device of the wristwatch is configured such that a second hand of a mechanical timepiece display device of the wristwatch can be moved at a frequency higher than 1 Hz. For example, if a frequency of 8 Hz is used, the second hand of the wristwatch does not make a small jump every second, but rather glides smoothly across the dial. This improves the main visual impression of the wristwatch, since the second jump of the second hand is eliminated.

[0084] A method for operating a wristwatch with a clock arrangement, in particular a previously described wristwatch with the previously described clock arrangement, advantageously comprises the following steps: Generating a current clock signal by means of a first clock generator comprising a piezoelectric oscillating crystal with an oscillator circuit, counting the clock signal of the first clock generator by means of a pulse counter, and outputting a useful signal by means of an output device when a count value of the counted clock signal of the clock generator is equal to a predetermined count value.

[0085] It should be noted that the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator and / or the second clock generator and / or the third clock generator can also be handled independently.

[0086] Further details, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. It shows: Fig. 1 is a simplified plan view of a wristwatch according to the invention with a clock generator arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a simplified schematic representation of the clock generator arrangement from Figure 1 , Fig. 3 a simplified schematic perspective view of a raw crystal from which a piezoelectric oscillating crystal of a first clock generator of the clock generator arrangement of Figure 2 is formed, and Fig. 4 is a simplified schematic perspective view of a piezoelectric oscillating crystal of a first clock generator of a clock generator arrangement according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] The following is based on the Figures 1 to 3a wristwatch 100 according to the invention with a clock arrangement 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail.

[0088] As from Figure 1 As can be seen, the wristwatch 100 has a case 11 and a watch crystal 15 arranged therein. The wristwatch 100 further has a dial 12 and three hands 13 for displaying the hours, minutes, and seconds. The hands 13 are parts of a watch display device 102. The wristwatch 100 further has two connectors 14 for a wristband.

[0089] The clock generator arrangement 10 ensures that a useful signal is generated, which can be received by a drive device 101 for moving the pointers 13. Within the scope of the invention, the useful signal can also be referred to as a useful clock signal. How the useful signal is generated will be explained later with reference to Figure 2 explained in more detail.

[0090] The drive device 101 comprises a drive element, which can be directly connected to the mechanical timepiece display device 102. Alternatively, the drive device 101 can comprise, in addition to the drive element, a transmission device embodied as a gear train, which connects the drive element to the mechanical timepiece display device 102 and translates a movement of the drive element into a movement of the mechanical timepiece display device 102. In particular, the drive element can be embodied as an electric stepper motor, in particular as a Lavet stepper motor, or as another type of electromechanical drive.

[0091] The clock generator assembly 10, the drive device 101 and the mechanical clock display device 102 are arranged in the housing 11 below the dial 12.

[0092] In Figure 2 the clock generator arrangement 10 is shown in more detail.

[0093] According to Figure 2The clock generator arrangement 10 comprises a first clock generator 1, a pulse counter 2 and an output device 3.

[0094] In this exemplary embodiment, the first clock generator 1 comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal made of tourmaline (also: tourmaline oscillating crystal) and is configured to generate a clock signal. For this purpose, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator 1 can be caused to oscillate at its oscillation frequency (resonance frequency) in an oscillator circuit due to its piezoelectric properties. To supply the clock generator 1 with electrical current, a power supply device 103 is provided in the wristwatch 100. The power supply device 103 can, in particular, comprise a battery and / or a rechargeable battery and / or a continuous power generator.

[0095] The pulse counter 2 is configured to count a clock signal from the first clock generator 1 during operation of the wristwatch 100. This determines a count value of the counted clock signal from the first clock generator 1, which is compared, in particular, by means of the output device 3, with a predetermined count value. The predetermined count value is stored in a memory 9 of the output device 3.

[0096] The output device 3 is also configured to output a useful signal based on the result of the comparison or when the count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock generator 1 is equal to the predetermined count value.

[0097] The useful signal transmitted to the drive device 101 can be a second cycle or only a fraction of a second.

[0098] In the latter case, hand 13, which is responsible for displaying the seconds, does not move forward every second, but rather by a certain fraction of a second. In other words, the useful signal is not transmitted to drive device 101 every second, i.e., at a frequency of 1 Hz, but more frequently, e.g., every half second, quarter second, or even more frequently. This prevents the second hand 13 from jumping every second. For this purpose, the drive element and / or the transmission device of drive device 101, which drives the hand movement, is / are designed such that the second hand 13 performs its movement more or less invisibly, with the useful signal being transmitted a correspondingly higher number of times per minute, rather than 60 times. When using pulse counter 2, the setting of the interval for the movement of second hand 13 is freely selectable.Only the drive element and / or the transmission device of the drive device 101 must be matched to the timing of the useful signal.

[0099] Furthermore, the clock generator arrangement 10 comprises a second clock generator 4, which in this exemplary embodiment has a piezoelectric oscillating crystal made of quartz and is configured to generate a clock signal. In particular, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the second clock generator 4 is a synthetic quartz crystal. To generate a clock signal, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator 1 can be caused to oscillate at its oscillation frequency (resonance frequency) in an oscillator circuit due to its piezoelectric properties. Similarly, the oscillating crystal of the second clock generator 4 can also be caused to oscillate by its oscillator circuit. For this purpose, the power supply device 103 can supply both the first clock generator and the second clock generator 4 with electrical current.

[0100] The output device 3 is configured to compare the clock signal of the second clock generator 4 with the clock signal of the first clock generator 1. This comparison process can be used to verify the accuracy of the clock signal of the first clock generator 1.

[0101] To save power and thus extend the battery life and / or the time until the next charging cycle of the rechargeable battery of the power supply device 103, the second clock generator 4 is configured to generate its clock signal only at predetermined time intervals, e.g., every 15 minutes. This means that the second clock generator 4 is only caused to oscillate at predetermined time intervals. Thus, the comparison between the clock signal of the first clock generator 1 and the clock signal of the second clock generator 4 also only takes place at predetermined time intervals.

[0102] The quartz oscillating crystal of the second clock generator 4 is preferably configured to have an oscillation frequency of 32768 Hz. The advantage of a quartz oscillating crystal is that its oscillation frequency can be considered essentially independent of parameters such as the temperature of the quartz oscillating crystal or its environment.

[0103] As can be seen from Figure 2 The clock generator arrangement 10 further comprises a frequency divider 6 which is designed to halve the oscillation frequency of the quartz oscillating crystal 15 times, 14 times, 13 times or 12 times in order to arrive at the frequency of 1 Hz, 2 Hz, 4 Hz or 8 Hz, depending on whether the useful signal is a second cycle or a corresponding fraction of a second.

[0104] However, it is also conceivable for the clock generator arrangement 10 to further comprise a further pulse counter 2' configured to count the clock signal of the second clock generator 4. This is particularly the case if the selected interval of movement of the second hand 13 cannot be achieved by halving the oscillation frequency of the quartz oscillating crystal or if a piezoelectric oscillating crystal other than a standardized quartz crystal is used for the second clock generator 4. The output device 3 can be configured to compare a count value determined by counting the clock signal of the second clock generator 4 with the count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock generator 3.

[0105] The output device 3 can in particular be configured to output the useful signal based on the clock signal of the first clock generator 1 when a count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock generator 1 is equal to the predetermined count value, only when a deviation between the clock signal of the second clock generator 4 and the clock signal of the first clock generator 1 is smaller than a predetermined deviation.

[0106] In the opposite case, i.e., if a deviation between the clock signal of the second clock generator 4 and the clock signal of the first clock generator 1 is greater than the predetermined deviation, the output device 3 is configured to output a useful signal based on the clock signal of the second clock generator 4 instead of based on the clock signal of the first clock generator 1. In this case, the second clock generator 4 with the quartz oscillating crystal acts as a substitute clock generator. Thus, for example, for the time during which the watch were put away and an excessive drop in temperature would trigger an excessively high frequency difference between the first clock signal and the second clock signal, the second clock generator 4 could take over.

[0107] Alternatively, in the event of a deviation between the clock signal of the second clock signal 4 and the clock signal of the first clock generator 1 that is greater than the predetermined deviation, the output device 3 can be configured to correct the predetermined count value using a predetermined correction factor. The output device 3 can be configured to output the useful signal when the count value of the clock signal of the first clock generator 1 is equal to the corrected predetermined count value.

[0108] To check the clock accuracy of the clock generator arrangement 10, which can be influenced by temperature fluctuations due to the temperature dependence of the oscillation frequency of the tourmaline oscillating crystal of the first clock generator 1, as Figure 2As can be seen, a temperature sensor 5 is provided in the clock generator arrangement 10. The temperature sensor 5 is configured to detect a temperature of the first clock generator 1 and / or its surroundings and to compare this temperature with a predetermined temperature.

[0109] The predetermined temperature is the temperature at which the predetermined count value was determined. If a temperature deviation between the detected temperature and the predetermined temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature deviation, the output device 3 can be configured to correct the predetermined count value based on the detected temperature.

[0110] For this, the temperature dependence of the oscillation frequency of the tourmaline oscillating crystal must be predetermined. In other words, the temperature response of the tourmaline oscillating crystal must have been measured in advance so that the predetermined count value can be corrected according to the detected temperature of the first clock 1 and / or its environment.

[0111] The output device 3 is then configured to output the useful signal when the count value of the clock signal of the first clock generator 1 is equal to the corrected predetermined count value.

[0112] The detection of the current temperature by means of the temperature sensor 5 and the comparison of the detected current temperature with the predetermined temperature can be carried out at predetermined intervals.

[0113] Furthermore, the correction parameter may be based on the predetermined temperature dependence of the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock 1, a predetermined temperature dependence of the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the second clock 4, and a difference between a count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock 1 and a count value of the counted clock signal of the second clock 4.

[0114] Another way to prevent an oscillation frequency deviation of the clock signal of the first clock generator 1 in the event of a temperature deviation is to always keep the first clock generator 1 at a constant temperature. For this purpose, a heating device 8, in particular a heating coil, can be provided in addition to the temperature sensor 5. The heating device 8 is configured to raise the temperature of the first clock generator 1 back to the predetermined temperature in the event of a deviation. The predetermined temperature corresponds to the highest temperature value normally aimed for by the heating device 8.

[0115] Preferably, the clock generator arrangement 10 further comprises a third clock generator 7. The third clock generator 7 comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal and is configured to generate a clock signal. For example, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the third clock generator 7 can be a synthetic standardized quartz oscillating crystal.

[0116] To count the clock signal of the third clock generator 7, the clock generator arrangement can have a further pulse counter 2". The output device 3 is configured to compare the clock signal of the third clock generator 7, the clock signal of the second clock generator 4, and the clock signal of the first clock generator 1 with each other. From the result of this comparison, aging-related oscillation frequency deviations of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator 1 can also be detected, which can then also be corrected.

[0117] It should be noted that the clock generator arrangement 10, in particular the pulse counter 2 and / or the pulse counter 2' and / or the pulse counter 2" and / or the output device 3, can be designed as a component, e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the clock generator arrangement 10, in particular the pulse counters 2, 2', 2" and the output device 3, can be parts of a microcontroller.

[0118] It should also be noted that the first clock generator 1 is the primary clock generator of the clock generator arrangement 10, wherein the second clock generator 4 and / or the third clock generator 7 can serve as a backup clock generator if it is determined that the clock accuracy of the first clock generator 1 is not high enough, and / or are to be understood as a control clock generator so that the accuracy of the first clock generator 1 can be checked and corrected if necessary.

[0119] The wristwatch 100 can further comprise a device 104 with a digital display, by means of which the current frequency of the clock signal of the first clock generator 1 is displayed. Alternatively or additionally, the device 104 can comprise an interface via which an external device can read the current frequency of the first clock generator 1. In particular, if there is a temperature deviation between the detected temperature and the predetermined temperature that is greater than a predetermined temperature deviation, the current temperature of the first clock generator 1 and thus also the current frequency of the clock signal of the first clock generator 1 can be determined. Displaying the current frequency of the clock signal of the first clock generator 1 can serve as proof that the first clock generator 1 is indeed the primary clock generator of the clock generator arrangement 10.

[0120] How the piezoelectric oscillating crystal made of tourmaline, ie the tourmaline oscillating crystal, of the first clock generator 1 is created is explained below using Figure 3 explained.

[0121] In Figure 3 a tourmaline raw crystal 20 is shown.

[0122] Out of Figure 3 In particular, it can be seen that the tourmaline raw crystal 20 has a trigonal structure. In other words, the tourmaline crystallizes trigonally, i.e., in a triangular shape. The tourmaline raw crystal 20 has a first crystallographic axis 501, a second crystallographic axis 502, and a third crystallographic axis 503.

[0123] The first crystallographic axis 501 corresponds to the crystallographic longitudinal axis of the raw tourmaline crystal 20. The second crystallographic axis 502 is perpendicular to the first crystallographic axis 501 and runs through an angle formed between a first facet 21 and a second facet 22 of the raw tourmaline crystal 20. The second axis 502 can be referred to as the TA axis (TA: Triangle - Angle). The third crystallographic axis 503 of the raw tourmaline crystal 20 is perpendicular to the first crystallographic axis 501 and runs essentially parallel to the basic orientation of the slightly curved third facet 23 of the tourmaline vibrating crystal. The third crystallographic axis 503 is referred to as the TS axis (TS: Tourmaline Side).

[0124] The tourmaline raw crystal 20 can be described by a structural triangle 24, or the cross-section of the tourmaline raw crystal 20 perpendicular to the first crystallographic axis 501 can be approximated by a structural triangle 24, whose sides are assigned to or follow the facets 21, 22, 23 of the tourmaline raw crystal 20. Thus, the first crystallographic axis 501 is perpendicular to the plane of the structural triangle 24, with the second crystallographic axis 502 perpendicular to the first crystallographic axis 501 and extending through an angle formed between two of the three sides of the structural triangle 24. The third crystallographic axis 503 is perpendicular to the first crystallographic axis 501 and extends parallel to one of the three sides of the structural triangle 24.

[0125] A tourmaline plate 25 is cut from the raw tourmaline crystal 20 at an angle of 90° to the first crystallographic axis 501. Thus, a normal vector 26 of a main surface of the tourmaline plate 25 is parallel to the first crystallographic axis 501. Alternatively, a tourmaline plate 25 can be cut from the raw tourmaline crystal 20 at an angle of 45° to the first crystallographic axis, or at any optimal angle that corresponds to the specific chemical structure of the tourmaline species used. The described wristwatch 100 with the timing device 10, on the one hand, ensures the advantages of high accuracy, a compact design, and an unlimited power reserve, which a timing device with a quartz oscillating crystal has. On the other hand, the wristwatch does not have a mass-produced quartz movement, and thus does not carry the negative image of a conventional quartz movement.

[0126] Although in the wristwatch 100 according to the described embodiment, the first clock generator 1 comprises a tourmaline oscillating crystal, it is also possible for the first clock generator 1 to comprise a piezoelectric oscillating crystal made of another material such as amethyst or citrine instead of a tourmaline oscillating crystal.

[0127] Figure 4 relates to a wristwatch 100 according to a second embodiment. In Figure 4 In particular, a piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator 1 of the clock generator arrangement 10 of the wristwatch 100 according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0128] A difference between the wristwatch 100 according to the first embodiment and that of the wristwatch 100 according to the second embodiment is that the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock 1 of the clock arrangement 10 of the wristwatch 100 according to the second embodiment is a quartz oscillating crystal and is designed as a fork oscillator 27 with two prongs 270.

[0129] The length 271 of each prong 270 is preferably 3.02127 mm, the thickness 272 of each prong 270 is preferably 0.3 mm, and the depth 273 of each prong 270 is 0.6 mm or another practical depth that does not affect the frequency. The oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal, i.e., the forked oscillator 27, of the first clock generator 1 is 8888 Hz. Alternatively, the length 271 of each prong 270 can preferably also be 0.55155 mm, the thickness 272 of each prong 270 is preferably also 0.1 mm, and the depth 273 of each prong 270 is preferably also 0.3 mm. The oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal, i.e., the forked oscillator 27, is 88888 Hz.

[0130] The length 271 corresponds to the dimension of the respective prong 270 in a direction substantially parallel to the Y-crystal axis 504, the thickness 272 corresponds to the dimension of the respective prong 270 in a direction substantially parallel to the X-crystal axis 505, and the depth 273 corresponds to the dimension of the respective prong 270 in a direction substantially parallel to the Z-crystal axis 506 of the quartz oscillating crystal of the first clock generator 1.

[0131] Specifically, to provide the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock 1, first, the oscillating frequency of 8888 Hz or 88888 Hz is selected as a predetermined oscillating frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock 1, and then it is formed into the described fork oscillator 27.

[0132] In addition to its high timing accuracy, the wristwatch 100 according to this embodiment has the additional advantage that it is individualized due to the selected frequency of 8888 Hz or 88888 Hz for the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock generator 1 and is therefore not perceived as a mass product.

[0133] It is also possible for the forked oscillator 27 to be provided with a different predetermined oscillation frequency. For example, the predetermined oscillation frequency may correspond to the birthday of the owner of the wristwatch 100.

[0134] In addition to the above written description of the invention, for its supplementary disclosure, reference is hereby explicitly made to the graphic representation of the invention in the Fig. 1 to 4 Reference is made. List of reference symbols

[0135] 1Clock generator 2Pulse counter 2'Pulse counter 2"Pulse counter 3Output device 4Second clock generator 5Temperature sensor 6Frequency divider 7Third clock generator 8Heater 9Memory 10Clock generator assembly 11Case 12Dial 13Hand 14Connector 15Watch glass 20Raw tourmaline crystal 21First facet 22Second facet 23Third facet 24Structural triangle 25Tourmaline plate 26Normal vector 27Forked oscillator 100Wristwatch 101Drive device 102Mechanical watch display device 103Power supply device 104Device 270Prong 271Length 272Thickness 273Depth 501First crystallographic axis 502Second crystallographic axis 503 third crystallographic axis 504 Y-crystal axis 505 X-crystal axis 506 Z-crystal axis

Claims

1. A wristwatch (100) with a clock arrangement (10), wherein the clock arrangement (10) comprises: • a first clock (1), which comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal and is configured to generate a clock signal, • a pulse counter (2), which is configured to count the clock signal of the first clock (1), and • an output device (3), which is configured to output a use-signal when a count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock (1) is equal to a predetermined count value.

2. The wristwatch (100) according to claim 1, wherein the clock arrangement (100) further comprises a second clock (4), which comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal and is configured to generate a clock signal, wherein the output device (3) is configured to compare the clock signal of the second clock (4) with the clock signal of the first clock (1).

3. The wristwatch (100) according to claim 2, wherein the output device (3) is configured to output the use-signal when a count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock (1) is equal to the predetermined count value only when a deviation between the clock signal of the second clock (4) and the clock signal of the first clock (1) is smaller than a predetermined deviation.

4. The wristwatch (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second clock (4) is a replacement clock and the clock signal of the second clock (4) is a replacement clock signal, wherein the output device (3) is configured to output a use-signal based on the replacement clock signal of the replacement clock (4) instead of based on the clock signal of the first clock (1) when a deviation between the replacement clock signal of the replacement clock (4) and the clock signal of the first clock (1) is larger than the predetermined deviation.

5. The wristwatch (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the output device (3) is configured to correct the predetermined count value by means of a predetermined correction factor when a deviation between the clock signal of the second clock (4) and the clock signal of the first clock (1) is larger than the predetermined deviation, wherein the output device (3) is configured to output the use-signal when the count value of the clock signal of the first clock (1) is equal to the corrected predetermined count value, in particular: wherein the predetermined correction factor is based on a predetermined temperature dependence of the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock (1), a predetermined temperature dependence of the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the second clock (4) and a difference between a count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock (1) and a count value of the counted clock signal of the second clock (4).

6. The wristwatch (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a temperature sensor (5), which is configured to detect a temperature of the first clock (1) and / or an environment of the first clock (1) and to compare it with a predetermined temperature, wherein: the output device (3) is configured to correct the predetermined count value based on the detected temperature when a temperature deviation between the detected temperature and the predetermined temperature is larger than a predetermined temperature deviation, wherein the output device (3) is configured to output the use-signal when the count value of the clock signal of the first clock (1) is equal to the corrected predetermined count value, and / or the wristwatch (100) further comprises a heating device (8), which is configured to heat the first clock (1) to the predetermined temperature when a temperature deviation between the detected temperature of the first clock (1) and / or an environment of the first clock (1) and the predetermined temperature is larger than a predetermined temperature deviation.

7. The wristwatch (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the clock arrangement (10) further comprises a third clock (7), which is configured to generate a clock signal and in particular comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal, wherein the output device (3) is configured to compare the clock signal of the second clock (4), the clock signal of the third clock (7) and the clock signal of the first clock (1) with each other.

8. The wristwatch (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: • a drive device (101), and • a mechanical clock display device (102), wherein the drive device (101) is configured to receive the use-signal output by means of the output device (3) and to move the clock display device (102) in response thereto.

9. The wristwatch (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock (1) and / or of the second clock (4) and / or of the third clock (7) is a natural or synthetic crystal, wherein in particular a respective piezoelectric oscillating crystal is a natural tourmaline, citrine, amethyst, Swiss mountain crystal or a synthetic quartz crystal.

10. The wristwatch (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock (1) is 8888 Hz or 88888 Hz and / or the output device (3) is configured to output the use-signal with a frequency of 8 Hz when the count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock (1) is equal to a predetermined count value, in particular: wherein the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock (1) is a quartz crystal, in particular a synthetic quartz crystal, and is formed as a fork oscillator with two prongs, wherein at an oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock (1) of 8888 Hz the length of each prong is preferably 3.02127 mm, the thickness of each prong is preferably 0.3 mm and the depth of each prong is preferably 0.6 mm, or wherein at an oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock (1) of 88888 Hz the length of each prong is preferably 0.55155 mm, the thickness of each prong is preferably 0.1 mm and the depth of each prong is preferably 0.3 mm.

11. The wristwatch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock (1) and / or of the second clock (4) and / or of the third clock (7) is a tourmaline oscillating crystal and has the shape of a lamina, in particular a round lamina, or wherein the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first clock (1) and / or of the second clock (4) and / or of the third clock (7) is an amethyst oscillating crystal or a citrine oscillating crystal and has the shape of a lamina, in particular a round lamina.

12. A method for manufacturing a wristwatch (100), in particular a wristwatch (100) with a clock arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps of: • providing a first clock (1), which comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal with a predetermined oscillation frequency and is configured to generate a clock signal, • providing a pulse counter (2), which is configured to count a clock signal of the first clock (1), • providing an output device (3), • storing a predetermined count value, which can be derived from the predetermined oscillation frequency, in a memory (9) of the pulse counter (2) or the output device (3), • configuring the output device (3) to output a use-signal, in which a count value of the clock signal of the first clock (1) counted by the pulse counter (2) is equal to the predetermined count value, and • incorporating the first clock (1), the pulse counter (2) and the output device (3) into the wristwatch (100).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of providing the first clock (1) with the piezoelectric oscillating crystal having the predetermined oscillation frequency comprises the following steps: • providing any piezoelectric oscillating crystal, • generating an oscillation of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal, and • measuring the oscillating piezoelectric oscillating crystal by means of a frequency counter to determine its oscillation frequency corresponding to the predetermined oscillation frequency.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the step of providing the first clock (1) with the piezoelectric oscillating crystal having the predetermined oscillation frequency comprises the following steps: • selecting an oscillation frequency as the predetermined oscillation frequency, and • forming, in particular by grinding or etching, or readjusting by material removal by means of a laser, a piezoelectric oscillating crystal from a raw crystal such that the oscillating crystal has the predetermined oscillation frequency, in particular: wherein the frequency of 8888 Hz or 88888 Hz is selected as the predetermined oscillation frequency, and / or wherein the predetermined oscillation frequency and / or the predetermined count value is / are selected such that the output device (3) is configured to output the use-signal with a frequency of 8 Hz when the count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock (1) is equal to a predetermined count value.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the predetermined oscillation frequency and / or the predetermined count value is / are set such and / or wherein a drive device (101) of the wristwatch (100) is configured such that a seconds hand of a mechanical clock display device (102) of the wristwatch (100) is movable with a frequency higher than 1 Hz.

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