Characterizing the winding system by detecting operating noises

Abstract

Method for characterizing a winding system of a timepiece mechanism, comprising the following steps: - tensioning a spring of the winding system in order to wind the winding system, - acoustically detecting the winding system, - identifying at least one characteristic sound (1) of progressive winding, before fully tensioning the spring, such as a ratchet click, and - determining a level of tension imposed on the spring during tensioning, based on the at least one characteristic sound identified.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of watchmaking, more particularly to the field of quality control of watches, particularly in operation.

[0002] Quality controls of watches are known in the prior art, in particular the measurement of the effective power reserve of watches and chronometry as a function of the power reserve.

[0003] Reference is thus made, for example, to the time required, in the prior art, to carry out the verification of the proper functioning of the watch: the winding system of the watch is armed to its nominal value (called for example the first power reserve state) and it is verified that the watch does not exhibit any time drift (delay or advance) during its operation. Then, twenty-four hours are waited to repeat this verification of the time drift, that is to say when the winding system is at its nominal value less said twenty-four hours (called for example the second power reserve state). In this way, the verification of the time drift of the watch takes a significant amount of time (at least twenty-four hours), used to position the watch from the first power reserve state to the second power reserve state.

[0004] In other words, currently, the characterization of the automatic system is done indirectly. The movement is wound according to a predetermined stress, the measurement consisting of measuring the power reserve of the associated movement. The observation of a failure in the operation of the automatic system is done by analyzing the functional consequence. The dispersion of the population of watch movements therefore makes it difficult to target a predetermined winding level and impossible to determine the winding level obtained a priori. Third-party characterizations allowing the analysis of the automatic system such as the blind spot, the braking angle, the winding speed remain inaccessible in real time. In addition, this characterization is difficult to obtain because it depends on the orientation and the winding level.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to improve the efficiency of chronometric and power reserve measurements, in particular to reduce the time required to carry them out.

[0006] The present invention thus aims to propose a new method and a new device in order to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for characterizing a winding system of a clockwork mechanism, comprising the following steps: carrying out a tensioning of a spring of the winding system in order to arm the winding system, from a predetermined winding state, such as a disarmed state, carrying out an acoustic detection of the winding system, identifying at least one sound (or noise, or at least two sounds or noises, or a plurality of sounds or noises) characteristic of the progressive winding, before fully tensioning the spring, such as a click, a pawl click or a ratchet click, and determining a level of tension imposed on the spring during tensioning, based on the at least one characteristic sound identified.

[0008] This makes it possible to propose an efficient method for determining the level of tension imposed on the spring based on acoustic detection, and to implement the method on a finalized movement, without having to (visually) observe the spring.

[0009] Furthermore, this makes it possible to automatically wind (by the automatic system) a movement to a predetermined winding level and in a repeatable manner across a whole population of watches.

[0010] This also allows the automatic winding system to be analyzed in operation without having to wait to see the effect, and to gain in precision (we monitor the operation along the winding curve, plus an average value).

[0011] This allows analyses to be carried out on said watch movement or watch at a precise and predetermined winding level (such as chronometry measurements, chrono torque measurement, date jump, etc.).

[0012] Full spring tension is defined as the nominal spring tension.

[0013] A click is a noise that is substantially impulsive in nature as opposed to a continuous noise such as a rubbing noise from a flange or pivots. The click may be a ratchet click or any other sound or noise that is substantially impulsive in nature.

[0014] Preferably, the characteristic sound is repetitive or reproductive; identical or similar to other characteristic sounds.

[0015] The spring tension level is (roughly) equivalent to the winding level. It may possibly differ from the latter in the event of over-tension at the end of winding.

[0016] In other words, the invention relates to a method for determining a winding level of a clockwork mechanism comprising the following steps: set the mechanism in motion, preferably in rotation, or operate the winding stem, in order to wind the mechanism, carry out an acoustic detection of the mechanism, identify and count a number of clicks of a ratchet of the mechanism.

[0017] The invention may also be defined according to the following characteristics, taken individually or in combination.

[0018] Advantageously, the method further comprises the following step: extracting the at least one sound from a noise (or from an ambient noise or from a background noise), such as a mass rotation noise or an exhaust noise or an engine noise, during an operation of the mechanism.

[0019] This allows to filter and / or refine the result obtained from the characteristic sound of progressive arming, by cleaning the background noise to extract the characteristic sound.

[0020] Advantageously, the step of identifying at least one sound comprises a step of frequency and / or time analysis of a detected sound signal.

[0021] This makes it easier to identify the characteristic sound of progressive arming.

[0022] Advantageously, the arming action is carried out by an action on a rod of the mechanism.

[0023] This allows the spring to be tensioned via the winding stem (i.e. manual system), more precisely, knowing the level of tension imposed on the spring.

[0024] Advantageously, the winding action is carried out by one or more rotations of an oscillating mass of the mechanism, preferably by rotating the mechanism.

[0025] This allows the (barrel) spring to be tensioned via the oscillating weight, more precisely, by knowing the level of tension imposed on the spring, for example by means of a rotation device. This makes it possible to determine the effect of the movement on the operation of the automatic system and the resulting winding, based on at least one characteristic sound identified.

[0026] Advantageously, the identification step includes the following step: identify at least one sound, characteristic of the progressive winding action before fully tensioning the spring, of one or more parts of a manual or automatic winding system of the mechanism.

[0027] Advantageously, the at least one characteristic sound of the progressive winding action before the spring is fully tensioned is at least one click (or one ratchet click).

[0028] Advantageously, the method further comprises the following step: - counting a number of (repetitive) sounds characteristic of the progressive winding action before fully tensioning the spring.

[0029] This allows the level of reinforcement or level of tension imposed on the spring to be determined.

[0030] Advantageously, the method comprises the following step: count a number of (repetitive) sounds characteristic of the progressive winding action before fully tensioning the spring so as to determine the level of tension imposed on the spring.

[0031] The winding level can be interpreted as a movement of the winding system, in particular an angular movement of the ratchet (via a click).

[0032] Advantageously, the method comprises the following step: compare the number of sounds characteristic of the progressive winding action before fully tensioning the spring with a predetermined number in order to verify conformity of the mechanism, in particular by frequency and / or time analysis.

[0033] Advantageously, the method comprises the following step: determine the voltage level, as a percentage of a full voltage level, such as 25%, 50%, 75%, greater than 99%, or 100%.

[0034] Note that it is possible to repeat the steps as much as possible and / or necessary in all aspects of the invention.

[0035] Advantageously, the winding system is known. In other words, the design of the winding system is known. Thus, the number of wheel teeth in the winding system is known. In addition, the number of turns required to fully wind the winding system is known.

[0036] Advantageously, the number of characteristic sounds is predetermined to transition from the fully disarmed state to the fully armed state, preferably by construction of the winding system.

[0037] Advantageously, the number of ratchet clicks to fully wind a given movement is known, including starting from a completely disarmed state or starting from a state resulting from the implementation of the present invention.

[0038] A second aspect of the invention relates to a control method comprising the following steps: determining the voltage level of the clockwork mechanism with the method according to the first aspect, performing one or more winding actions in order to wind the mechanism to a desired voltage level.

[0039] This allows the clockwork mechanism and in particular its winding system to be adjusted to the desired tension level, by checking this level by acoustic detection.

[0040] Advantageously, the method comprises the following step: stop performing one or more winding actions if the voltage level is above a predetermined level, such as 25%, 50%, 75%, more than 99% of a full voltage level or such that a predetermined level corresponding to a duration of interest. The duration of interest may be for example 24 hours, 48 ​​hours or 72 hours of power reserve or correspond to a complete filling of the barrel less 24 hours, less 48 hours or less 72 hours for example.

[0041] This allows the voltage level to be set to the desired level and the operation to be stopped as soon as the desired level is reached.

[0042] Advantageously, the method comprises the following step: carry out correlations or regressions on measurements made on the mechanism as a function of a number of winding actions carried out.

[0043] Advantageously, the method comprises the following step: carry out measurements on a state of the mechanism as a function of the voltage level, in particular the desired voltage level.

[0044] This allows chronometry or power reserve measurements to be taken on a watch movement, at the desired voltage level, which saves a lot of time for the quality controls to be carried out.

[0045] Advantageously, the measurements are chosen from a measurement of a winding speed, a reduction ratio, a measurement of a braking angle of the mechanism, a measurement of a dead angle of the mechanism, a measurement of an efficiency of the mechanism, a measurement of power reserve, a measurement of chronometry, a measurement of isochronism or a detection of the rebeat, in particular dynamic rebeat.

[0046] This allows a wide variety of checks to be carried out on watch movements in order to better characterize their condition and take the necessary corrective measures, if necessary.

[0047] Advantageously, the method comprises the following step: determine an arming speed based on at least one characteristic sound identified.

[0048] Note that it may also be beneficial to rely on the clicking noise and the oscillating mass noise to confirm proper operation and tension level.

[0049] A third aspect of the invention relates to a device arranged to implement the methods according to the preceding aspects.

[0050] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to the use of the device according to the preceding aspect.

[0051] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description which follows, of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which: there Figure 1 represents a sound signal detected and represented as a function of time, according to the method in an embodiment of the present invention, when an automatic watch system and a watch escapement are in operation, the Figure 2 represents a detected and enlarged sound signal, when the automatic system is not in operation, the Figure 3 represents the detected and enlarged sound signal, when the automatic system and the exhaust are in operation, the Figure 4represents a signal processing according to a second embodiment of the present invention, identifying phases of rotation of an oscillating mass of the automatic system, the Figure 5 represents a signal processing according to a third embodiment of the present invention, identifying clicks from the automatic system in operation.

[0052] There Figure 1 represents a sound signal detected and represented as a function of time, according to the method in an embodiment of the present invention, when an automatic watch system and a watch escapement are in operation. The ordinates represent the acoustic level (in rationalized dB, or scaled according to the full scale of the acoustic sensor, therefore without unit) and the abscissas represent a time, in seconds.

[0053] The watch movements to be analyzed can be rotated over a range of 0 to 240 rpm in particular (or 0 to 300 rpm). In particular, it is possible to use a cyclotest or a duotest available from the company Astuto for example, which are examples of watch movement rotation devices.

[0054] For example, a mechanical movement rotated at 60 rpm in a vertical position generates a set of characteristic noises. It is possible to use other rotation value ranges, such as 10 rpm, 30 rpm, 120 rpm or 180 rpm, or any other value available on the watch movement rotation device.

[0055] The noises emitted are mainly related to the automatic system and the operation of the escapement. We also hear in the background noise the noise of the drive motor of the device that sets the watch movements in rotation.

[0056] The acquisition of these sounds can be carried out by microphones, acoustic sensors, MEMS-based sensors, piezoelectric sensors, or any other suitable acoustic sensor. The acoustic sensor is thus arranged to detect ambient sounds.

[0057] A laser beam can be positioned on the oscillating weight of the watch movement in order to track the passage of objects in front of the laser, such as the movement of the oscillating weight and to ensure that it does not rotate with the watch movement. It is also possible to use a vision system (with a camera for example) and image processing.

[0058] It is then possible to implement the method for characterizing a winding system of a clockwork mechanism (also called a watch movement), according to the invention, comprising the following steps: carrying out a tensioning of a spring of the winding system in order to arm the winding system, carrying out an acoustic detection of the winding system, identifying at least one characteristic sound of the progressive winding, before fully tensioning the spring, such as a ratchet click, and determining a level of tension imposed on the spring during tensioning, based on the at least one characteristic sound identified.

[0059] The detected sound signal includes different components, linked to the operation of the movement: 1 - Noise of the ratchet pawl (very distinct from other noises), 2 - Noise of the automatic winding system pawl (reverser click for example) 3 - Noise of the escapement at a given frequency (for example 4 Hz), 4 - Noise of the rotation of the oscillating weight at a frequency of approximately 1 Hz, when the rotation device turns at 60 rpm.

[0060] The detected signal also includes other components, linked to the operation of the rotation means or the measurement, such as: 5 - Noise from the motors of the rotation device.

[0061] It is noted that the pawl of the automatic winding system is not necessarily present on all movements, while the ratchet, the escapement and the oscillating weight are classic components which are found in a large number of commercially available movements.

[0062] In the acoustic signal detected and illustrated in the Figure 1, it is possible to identify the noises of ratchet pawl 1 and the noises of escapement 3. The noises of the ratchet pawl are distinguished by their repetitive aspect on a given frequency and the greater noise compared to the other noises. The escapement noises are high frequency, deducible in first approximation by construction, with a relatively low noise (in dB for example or scaled noise) compared to the other noises. Note that it is also possible to exploit in a similar way a characteristic sound of the slider (or slider click) which is similar to that of the ratchet pawl. Reference is made in particular to the slider of the manual winding system, which can be engaged or out of gear engagement depending on a position of a lever with which it cooperates. It is thus possible to know the level of tension of the spring based on the noises of the slider.There is in fact a (fixed) reduction ratio between ratchet clicks and player clicks.

[0063] There Figure 2 represents a detected and enlarged sound signal, when the automatic system is not in operation. The ordinates represent the acoustic level (in rationalized dB, or scaled according to the full scale of the acoustic sensor, therefore without unit) and the abscissas represent a time, in seconds.

[0064] The noise value scale (in dB for example or scaled noise) has been zoomed in Figure 2 compared to the Figure 1 . It is then possible to clearly detect and visualize the noises of the exhaust 3, with their specific, high and repetitive frequencies, with a low noise value.

[0065] There Figure 3represents the detected and enlarged sound signal, when the automatic system and the exhaust are in operation. The ordinates represent the acoustic level (in rationalized dB, or scaled according to the full scale of the acoustic sensor, therefore without unit) and the abscissas represent a time, in seconds.

[0066] The time scale (in s) has been zoomed in relative to the scale of the Figure 1 .

[0067] It is possible to detect the noises of the ratchet pawl 1, the noise of the pawls of the automatic winding system pawl 2, if the watch movement is equipped with them, and the noise of the rotation of the oscillating weight 4.

[0068] Signal processing using different filters makes it possible to target the different components when implementing the method according to the present invention.

[0069] Thus, counting the number of ratchet click noises 1 makes it possible to determine the level of tension imposed on the spring during tensioning.

[0070] There Figure 4 represents a signal processing according to a second embodiment of the present invention, identifying phases of rotation of an oscillating mass of the automatic system. The ordinates represent the acoustic level (in rationalized dB, or in scaling according to the full scale of the acoustic sensor, therefore without unit) and the abscissas represent a time, in seconds.

[0071] A band-pass filter (between 500 Hz and 3000 Hz, for example a so-called "Butterworth" filter) and a dedicated algorithm make it possible to identify the phases of rotation of the mass, indicated by crosses on the Figure 4. Based on the filtered signal, the dedicated algorithm allows the detection of peaks above an absolute limit amplitude value (set to be a multiple of the signal noise), and a minimum distance of samples between two consecutive peaks. There is a minimum time between two consecutive ratchet clicks: without this parameter, we will find two consecutive peaks in the signal processing in less than 0.1 ms for example, there is then a greater chance that these two peaks belong to the same event. It is also possible to sample the signal. It is also possible based on the sampled signal to determine its envelope.

[0072] There Figure 5represents a signal processing according to a third embodiment of the present invention, identifying clicks from the automatic system in operation. The ordinates represent the acoustic level (in rationalized dB, or scaled according to the full scale of the acoustic sensor, therefore without unit) and the abscissas represent a time, in seconds.

[0073] A Butterworth type high-pass filter can be used to pass signals above 5000 Hz.

[0074] The emergence of the clicks (of the pawl) of ratchet 1 being particularly distinct, an algorithm makes it possible to identify each of the clicks, indicated by + signs on the Figure 5 (on the upper part of the Figure 5, at the level of repetitive noise peaks). As discussed previously, based on the filtered signal, preferably on a high-pass filter, it is possible to detect peaks above an absolute value amplitude limit value (set to be a multiple of the signal noise), and a minimum distance of samples between two consecutive peaks.

[0075] Counting ratchet clicks and measuring the time between each one is a basic building block for various operations.

[0076] It is thus possible to carry out the following measurements.

[0077] Measurement of the braking angle: Starting from a movement in a vertical position for example, this braking angle is measured by tilting the movement relative to the vertical and detecting the minimum angle allowing the mass to move, the noise 4 of which is detected with the method according to the present invention.

[0078] Choosing an initial position from another position allows you to acquire a complete map of the braking angle as a function of the inclinations.

[0079] Measurement of the blind spot: Starting from a movement in a vertical position for example, this blind spot is measured by applying an oscillatory movement relative to the vertical which corresponds to the minimum amplitude of the oscillations of the oscillating mass allowing a mechanical transmission to be triggered (this value is corrected for the braking angle). The noise of the ratchet pawl 1 is detected with the method according to the present invention.

[0080] We can thus measure the braking angle, the dead angle, the arming speed by comparing the input stress to the generated mass movement and the number of ratchet strokes at the output.

[0081] In addition, it is possible to drastically shorten the control times of current chronometry, known as "0h - 24h", in order to save time in the overall watch manufacturing process.

[0082] Currently, prior art manufactured movements undergo a chronometric control stage before delivery for casing. This control stage ensures compliance with various technical specifications: chronometry at 0h (maximum or nominal winding of the watch), chronometry at 24h (state after 24h of operation), chronometry at 48h or 72h in certain cases, (state after 48h or 72h of operation) the duration of the power reserve.

[0083] These checks require significant waiting times to reach the desired state.

[0084] On the prior art “0h - 24h” controls, each movement is fully armed, a time of the order of 10 to 30 minutes is respected to avoid starting a chronometry while the barrel spring is on the flange, which would distort the result (uncertainty of the level of winding reached modulo the notch jump when there is a bridle jump). After this waiting time, a check carried out with a commercially available device, for example from the company Witschi, makes it possible to ensure compliance with the specifications on the gait, amplitude and reference. Then, the movements are stored for 24 hours, and a new chronometry check takes place. The measurement generates a passage time of at least 24 hours. If the specifications include chronometry requirements of 48 hours or 72 hours, the duration of the measurement is extended.

[0085] In the power reserve test, the parts (or watch parts or movements) are fully wound, then stored for the entire duration of the power reserve, until the part stops completely (i.e. the power reserve is exhausted). The duration of the measurement can thus extend over several days.

[0086] NIHS / ISO standards may specify characteristics.

[0087] For example, NIHS Standard 93-10 specifies the following: 7 Operating Specifications

[0088] The operation of the watch is characterized by the following operating specifications: - Operating index F m - Isochronism defect I max - Position error P max - Thermal coefficient C - Daytime running spring armed in CH position M CH - Daytime running spring armed in 6 o'clock position M 6H

[0089] The permissible limits for these specifications are set within the framework of customer-supplier relations or by other documents referring to this standard.

[0090] The present invention consists in developing an intelligent winding by counting the number of ratchet clicks, making it possible to arm the movement to the different target winding states (for example, state at 48h, then 24h then 0h or one or more minutes) from a disarmed state (or a known or predetermined intermediate state), and to trigger a chronometry measurement. In addition, a sound (or click) corresponds to a ratchet tooth. With a sound increment, it is possible to calculate the differential of the winding state compared to a starting point (or predetermined winding state), whether disarmed or discharged, fully armed with a predetermined waiting period (0h, 24h, 48h, 72h, etc.) or known by the implementation of the present invention (progressive increment) or in another way.The ratchet sound (or click) is not an escapement sound ("ticking") and is clearly distinguishable from it, both by its sound frequency or periodicity and by its volume.

[0091] It is also possible to carry out the following watch running test procedure: first measurement at 50% voltage second measurement at 100% voltage,

[0092] In between, it is possible to count the number of revolutions (rotations), and the ratchet noise between the two states 50% and 100%. It is also possible to compare the measured ratchet noise count to the ratchet noise count predetermined by construction (or possibly a range of values, or a value with a given precision, for example + / - 1%).

[0093] By extension, the present invention allows targeted winding at a predefined winding level knowing the initial winding state. Note that it is possible to consider on certain movements, that there is an uncertainty of approximately 10 to 30 ratchet teeth corresponding to the completely unwound state. On the other hand, on the maximum winding level, there is a relative uncertainty depending on the dispersion of the barrel springs to reach the total number of turns before arriving at the flange. Therefore, the method according to the present invention proves to be more precise than the prior art to reach the maximum winding level, and also makes it possible to reach any desired winding level.In other words, during a winding cycle, the noise generated by the movement's winding system is captured by microphones, the number of ratchet clicks is counted, the equivalent number of ratchet / barrel turns made (knowing the number of teeth on the ratchet) is calculated, making it possible to determine the barrel winding level at any time (knowing the total number of barrel turns).

[0094] The use of a rotating motor in the axis of the caliber (or movement) being measured allows the caliber to rotate and activate the automatic system. This constitutes a first basic building block.

[0095] The second building block for this exploitation is the recognition of ratchet clicks by acoustics during the use of the automatic system, and the analysis of the ratchet click count.

[0096] A control loop is present in the control of the rotation of the watch parts, in order to stop the winding of the movement when the correct number of ratchet clicks have been heard.

[0097] The chronometric measurements are started when the rotation of the watch parts stops, after obtaining the correct winding level.

[0098] The basic sequences combine winding, typically for a few dozen minutes, then a chronometric measurement in disarming (or use of the movement that was previously wound, the watch movement preferably no longer being rotated), typically for a few minutes.

[0099] The winding speed limits are defined as follows: the permissible speed ranges are for example from 0 rpm to 300 rpm, preferably between 100 and 300 rpm, preferably between 0 and 10 rpm, preferably between 0 and 5 rpm.

[0100] For example, for a first type of movement, approximately 15 turns of the ratchet, or 1500 to 2000 turns of the oscillating weight, correspond to a complete winding, or 11 minutes of winding at 180 rpm of rotation of the movement (for example on a system for acquiring data or physical quantities relating to a watch movement, including rotation or positioning of the watch movement, for example in order to wind the movement) or 8 turns of the ratchet for a 24-hour winding, or 4 to 6 minutes for a 24-hour winding.

[0101] For example, for a second type of movement, approximately 15 turns of the ratchet, or 1500 to 2000 turns of the mass, correspond to a complete winding, or 11 minutes of winding at 180 revolutions / min of rotation of the movement.

[0102] For example, for a third type of movement, approximately 18 turns of the ratchet, or 1800 to 2340 turns of the mass, correspond to a complete winding, or 13 minutes of winding at 180 turns / min of rotation of the movement.

[0103] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art may be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description.

[0104] Finally, note that it is possible to combine the embodiments as much as possible or necessary, and to carry out the steps sequentially, simultaneously and / or repeatedly.

Claims

1. Method for characterizing a winding system of a timepiece mechanism, comprising the following steps: - tensioning a spring of the winding system in order to wind the winding system, from a predetermined winding state, such as a disarmed state, - acoustically detecting the winding system, - identifying at least one characteristic sound (1) of the progressive winding, before fully tensioning the spring, and - determining a level of tension imposed on the spring during tensioning, based on the at least one characteristic sound identified.

2. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising the following step: - extracting the at least one sound from a noise, such as a mass rotation noise (4) or an exhaust noise (3) or an engine noise (5), during operation of the mechanism.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the step of identifying at least one sound (1) comprises a step of frequency and / or time analysis of a detected sound signal.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the winding action is carried out by an action on a rod of the mechanism or in which the winding action is carried out by one or more rotations of an oscillating mass of the mechanism, preferably by setting the mechanism in motion 5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the identification step comprises the following step: - identifying at least one sound (1), characteristic of the progressive winding action before complete tensioning of the spring, of one or more members of a manual or automatic winding system of the mechanism.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one sound (1) characteristic of the progressive winding action before fully tensioning the spring is at least one click.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the following step: - counting a number of sounds (1) characteristic of the progressive winding action before fully tensioning the spring.

8. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising the following step: - comparing the number of sounds (1) characteristic of the progressive winding action before fully tensioning the spring with a predetermined number in order to verify conformity of the mechanism.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following step: - determining the voltage level, as a percentage of a full voltage level, such as 25%, 50%, 75%, more than 99% or 100%.

10. Control method comprising the following steps: - determining a voltage level of a clockwork mechanism with the method according to one of the preceding claims, - performing one or more winding actions in order to wind the mechanism to a desired voltage level.

11. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising the following step: - stopping performing one or more arming actions if the voltage level is greater than a predetermined level, such as 25%, 50%, 75%, more than 99% of a full voltage level.

12. Method according to one of claims 10 to 11, comprising the following step: - carrying out correlations or regressions on measurements made on the mechanism as a function of a number of arming actions carried out.

13. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, comprising the following step: - carrying out measurements on a state of the mechanism as a function of the voltage level, in particular the desired voltage level.

14. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the measurements are chosen from a measurement of a winding speed, a reduction ratio, a measurement of a braking angle of the mechanism, a measurement of a dead angle of the mechanism, a measurement of an efficiency of the mechanism, a measurement of power reserve, a measurement of chronometry, a measurement of isochronism or a detection of the rebeat.

15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the following step: - determining an arming speed based on the at least one characteristic sound (1) identified.

16. Device arranged to implement the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

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