Length-adjustable link for a bracelet

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjustable link (10) for a bracelet comprising a first and a second link element (20, 50). The first and second link elements are interconnected by a telescopic adjustment mechanism so as to be able to move in translation with respect to one another and to take up at least two separate indexed positions. The mechanism comprises an actuator (28) that is accessible from the outside of the adjustable link (10), a lock (30) that is rigidly attached to the actuator and arranged in a cavity (26) of one of the first and second link elements (20, 50), and an indexing member (58) that is arranged to co-operate with the lock (30) and that is rigidly attached to the other of the first and second link elements (20, 50) while extending in the direction of translational movement of the first link element (20) with respect to the second link element (50). The first and second link elements (20, 50) are also configured to conceal the indexing member (58) independently of whether they are in one or the other of the at least two indexed positions.

Description

Adjustable length link for bracelet Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a length-adjustable link for a bracelet, in particular for a watch bracelet with a link in order to make the bracelet comfortable. The invention also relates to a wristwatch comprising a bracelet with links incorporating one or more adjustable links for adjusting the length of the bracelet. State of the art

[0002] Many solutions have already been proposed in the prior art for expandable clasps allowing the bracelet, in particular a watch, to be made comfortable, in order to adjust the length of the bracelet according to the circumstances, in particular the ambient temperature, for optimal comfort. Adjustable links have also been proposed as an alternative in order to modify their length to make the bracelet comfortable. These solutions have the advantage of allowing more precise and easier adjustment of the bracelet length compared to adjusting the length of a link bracelet by adding or removing a link.

[0003] For example, CH695656 discloses an adjustable link whose link length can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet according to at least two different lengths. This link comprises at least two link elements, one of which is capable of sliding relative to the other between at least two indexed positions according to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. This link further comprises a system for locking the link elements in the indexed positions. The locking system comprises a pusher secured to a lock and mounted on one of the link elements. Actuation of the pusher releases the AUDEMA-22-PCT indexing means lock provided in the other of the link elements to allow relative movement between the two link elements to change the length of the link.

[0004] A bracelet incorporating this adjustable link has the disadvantage of having to remove the bracelet to change its length. Furthermore, certain parts of the mechanism are visible outside the link, impacting the aesthetics of the bracelet.

[0005] CH706086 discloses another example of a known adjustable link. This comprises two half-links, one of which has a rod while the other has a longitudinal channel to receive the rod. The channel is profiled to allow the rod to pass through and to cooperate with elastic return locking means integrated into the rod to lock the link in a short or extended configuration. The transition of the link from a retracted configuration to an extended position is achieved by elastic deformation of the rod.

[0006] A bracelet incorporating the aforementioned link also has the disadvantage of having to remove the bracelet to modify its length. Furthermore, the link in its deployed configuration has gaps that are prone to fouling. These gaps are difficult to access, making cleaning tedious. In addition, an additional part is mounted captive between the two half-links to hide the guidance and indexing means, which complicates the manufacture of the link with a significant impact on its production cost and reliability.

[0007] EP2759222 discloses an adjustable link of the drawer type comprising a first half-link housed inside a second half-link. The first half-link comprises elastic return locking means intended to be housed in first and second cavities AUDEMA-22-PCT of the second half-link in order to lock the link in a retracted and deployed configuration respectively. The length of the link is adjusted by pulling one and / or the other of the two half-links in an opposite direction in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. It is therefore preferable to remove the bracelet for easy adjustment of its length.

[0008] EP2484245 discloses a link provided with two half-links and comprising in particular elastic return means making it possible to adjust the position of one of the half-links relative to the other while ensuring that the position chosen by the user is maintained. This link is therefore devoid of an actuator for adjusting its length.

[0009] US20170105493 discloses a link having two half-links and adjustment means comprising a screw passing through one of the half-links and cooperating with a thread located in the other of the half-links in order to allow fine adjustment of the length of the link. This link is without an actuator and does not include any telescopic adjustment mechanism allowing at least two distinct indexed positions to be adopted.

[0010] EP3795027 discloses an adjustable link comprising the features of the preamble of the independent claim. Brief summary of the invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a length-adjustable link free from the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0012] In particular, an aim of the present invention is to provide an adjustable link whose mechanism for adjusting its length is AUDEMA-22-PCT invisible from the outside of the link to improve the visual appearance of the bracelet.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a link allowing easy adjustment of the length of the bracelet when it is worn.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable link which is less susceptible to dirt and fouling in its deployed configuration.

[0015] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a length-adjustable link which has a reduced number of parts so that it is reliable and economical to produce.

[0016] These aims are achieved in particular by an adjustable bracelet link, comprising a first and a second link element interconnected by a telescopic adjustment mechanism so as to be able to move in translation relative to each other and adopt at least two distinct indexed positions. The mechanism comprises an actuator accessible from the outside of the adjustable link, a lock secured to the actuator and arranged in a cavity of one of the first and second link elements and an indexing member arranged to cooperate with the lock and secured to the other of the first and second link elements by extending in the direction of translational movement of the first link element relative to the second link element. The first and second link elements are further configured to conceal the indexing member independently of whether they are in one or other of said at least two indexed positions. AUDEMA-22-PCT

[0017] According to one embodiment, the actuator is arranged on a face extending between two lateral sides of the adjustable link and accessible when the bracelet comprising the adjustable link is worn.

[0018] According to one embodiment, one of the first and second link elements comprises a connecting body configured to slide in a complementary shaped housing, arranged in the other of the first and second link elements. The connecting body is further configured to conceal the indexing member therein regardless of the indexed position adopted.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the periphery of the housing is in contact with the corresponding periphery of the connection body independently of the indexed position adopted.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the mechanism further comprises additional connecting means making it possible to guide the relative movement of the first and second link elements and / or to take up mechanical stresses between said first and second link elements.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the additional connecting means are formed by at least one female element arranged within the connection body of one of the first and second link elements, to receive a complementary male element secured to the other of the first and second link elements.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the additional connecting means are arranged symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis of the indexing member. AUDEMA-22-PCT

[0023] According to one embodiment, the actuator is in the form of a pusher arranged to move the lock from a locking position in which it is at rest and engaged with the indexing member, to an unlocking position in which the lock is actuated and is no longer engaged with the indexing member.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the pusher is arranged to be actuated in an unlocking direction which is perpendicular to the direction of translational movement of the first link element relative to the second link elements. The unlocking direction is more particularly perpendicular to the general plane of the adjustable link.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the lock further comprises an opening arranged to receive a portion of the indexing member.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the lock is crossed from one side to the other by the indexing member when the link is in a retracted or partially retracted configuration.

[0027] According to one embodiment, one of the first and second link elements comprises an attachment portion. This comprises a central portion and two lateral portions arranged on either side of the central portion in order to form two spaces for receiving the horns of a watch case or an attachment portion of an adjacent link. The central portion comprises the cavity receiving the lock.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the central portion further comprises a blind hole in the axial extension of the opening of the lock in order to receive the free end of the indexing member when the link is in a retracted or partially retracted configuration. AUDEMA-22-PCT

[0029] According to one embodiment, the indexing member is in the form of a rod comprising at least one indexing element intended to cooperate with the lock.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the indexing elements consist of two adjacent radial extensions providing three indexing positions.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the indexing member is in the form of a notched bar comprising several notches intended to cooperate with the lock to lock the link in several indexed positions.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the notched bar further comprises a longitudinal slot oriented in the direction of translational movement. A stop is arranged inside the longitudinal slot to limit the relative movement between the first and second link elements.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the lock comprises two blind holes arranged on either side of the opening. A resilient member is mounted in each hole. The resilient member is preferably a compression spring.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the opening of the lock has a profile complementary to the indexing member to match the contour of a portion of the latter when the link is in the retracted configuration.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the indexing member is entirely rigid. AUDEMA-22-PCT

[0036] Another aspect of the invention relates to a wristwatch comprising at least one link according to any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The actuator is arranged on the visible face of the watch strap when worn. Brief description of the figures

[0037] Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which: - figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the adjustable link according to the first embodiment; - figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the adjustable link according to another orientation; - figure 3 illustrates a top view of the adjustable link in a retracted configuration; - figure 4 illustrates a side view of figure 3; - figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of figure 3 along AA; - figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of figure 3 along BB; - figure 7 illustrates a sectional view of figure 4 along CC; - figure 8 illustrates a top view of the adjustable link in a deployed configuration; AUDEMA-22-PCT - Figure 9 illustrates a side view of Figure 8; - Figure 10 illustrates a sectional view of Figure 8 along AA; - Figure 11 illustrates a sectional view of Figure 8 along BB; - Figure 12 illustrates a sectional view of Figure 9 along CC; - Figures 13a to 13d represent different sectional views of the adjustable link according to a first sequence of manipulations to bring the link from a retracted configuration to an intermediate indexed position, in which the link has been extended by one millimeter compared to its retracted configuration; - Figures 14a to 14c represent different sectional views of the adjustable link according to a second sequence of manipulations to bring the link from the intermediate indexed position to the deployed configuration, in which the link has been extended by two millimeters compared to its retracted configuration; - Figure 15 illustrates an exploded view of the adjustable link according to a second embodiment;- figure 16 illustrates an exploded view of the adjustable link of figure 15 in another orientation; - figure 17 illustrates a sectional view along the length of the link when it is in a retracted configuration; AUDEMA-22-PCT - Figure 18 illustrates a sectional view in the plane of the link when it is in a retracted configuration; - Figure 19 illustrates a sectional view similar to Figure 17 when the link is in an intermediate position, - Figure 20 illustrates a sectional view similar to Figure 18 when the link is in a deployed configuration, and - Figure 21 illustrates a sectional view similar to Figure 17 when the link is in a deployed configuration. Examples of embodiments of the invention

[0038] According to a first embodiment and with reference to Figures 1 to 2, the adjustable link 10 comprises a first and a second link element 20, 50 interconnected so as to be able to move relative to each other in translation so that the link 10 can pass from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration in order to adjust the length of the link.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment, the link 10 can be adapted to be able to be locked in at least one intermediate position between the retracted position and the deployed position. This allows fine adjustment of the comfort of the bracelet comprising the adjustable link since the circumference of the bracelet can be increased respectively by a first value when the link passes from the retracted configuration to the intermediate position, and by a second value when the link passes from the intermediate position to the deployed configuration. The first and second values ​​can for example be respectively of the order of one millimeter and two millimeters. AUDEMA-22-PCT

[0040] For this purpose, the first link element 20 comprises a locking / unlocking system and the second link element 50 has a rigid indexing rod 58 extending in the translation direction of the first and second link elements 20, 50. The locking / unlocking system cooperates with the indexing rod 58 in order to be able to lock the first link element 20 relative to the second link element 50 in at least two indexed positions corresponding to the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration of the link.

[0041] This system comprises an actuator 28 typically arranged on a face extending between two lateral sides of the adjustable link 10 and accessible when the bracelet comprising the adjustable link is worn. The actuator 28 is in this example in the form of a pusher 28. This comprises a lock 30 provided with an opening 32, preferably circular, arranged to receive a segment of the indexing rod 58 when the link is in the retracted configuration as illustrated in FIG. 5. The pusher 28 and the lock 30 are a single piece in this example but could just as easily comprise two separate parts joined together according to a variant.

[0042] The lock 30 generates its locking action in particular by means of a locking element 34 arranged to cooperate with the indexing rod 58 so that the latter is locked in translation when the link 10 is in the retracted configuration or in the intermediate position. This lock 30 is arranged in a cavity 26 located at a central portion 24 of an attachment part 22. Two blind holes 36 (figure 6) are made in the lock 30 on either side of the opening 32. An elastic member in the form for example of a compression spring 38 is arranged in each hole in order to exert a return force forcing the pusher 28 into a rest position. Other return means can be implemented, in particular by the arrangement of a rod AUDEMA-22-PCT spring or a leaf spring in the bottom of the cavity in order to force the lock and therefore the pusher into its rest position.

[0043] Depending on whether the adjustable link 10 is in the retracted configuration illustrated in Figure 5, in the deployed configuration according to Figure 10 or in the intermediate position illustrated in Figure 13d, the indexing rod 58 is always engaged, at least in part, in the opening of the lock 30 holding the latter in the cavity 26.

[0044] In view of Figures 3 and 4, the pusher 28 projects from the upper face of the first link element 20 when it is at rest. Pressure on the pusher 28, in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the indexing rod 58, brings its actuating face substantially at the level of the upper face of the central portion 24 of the first link element 20. According to a variant, the pusher is embedded in the body of the central portion when it is at rest.

[0045] The attachment part 22 comprises two lateral portions 40a, 40b arranged on either side of the central portion 24 in order to form two spaces 39 for receiving the horns of a watch case (not illustrated) or the attachment part of an adjacent link of the bracelet.

[0046] According to Figure 1, the link 10 comprises guide means, which will be described later, intended to guide the relative movement of the first and second link elements 20, 50. The latter are configured to conceal the indexing member 58 as well as the guide means independently of the indexed position of the first link element 20 relative to the second link element 50. This makes it possible to improve the aesthetics of a bracelet incorporating at least one link of this type compared to the solutions of the prior art. The first link element 20 may for example comprise for this purpose a connection body 44 AUDEMA-22-PCT comprising an external surface 44a visible from the outside of link 10 when the latter is in the deployed configuration. The external surface 44a is continuous in order to hide the indexing member 58 and the guide means whether the link is in its retracted, intermediate or deployed configuration.

[0047] The connection body 44 is arranged to slide inside a housing 57 of complementary shape to the second link element 50 inside which the indexing member 58 is located. In this example, the cross-section of the connection body 44 is substantially rectangular but other shapes can be envisaged according to alternative embodiments. The periphery of the housing 57 is arranged with an operating clearance on the corresponding periphery of the connection body 44 independently of the retracted, intermediate and deployed configurations of the link.

[0048] The indexing rod 58 may for example comprise a threaded part 61 screwed into the bottom of the housing 57 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The connection body 44 comprises a preferably cylindrical passage 46 which, on the one hand, extends from the cavity 26 receiving the lock 30 to a front face 45 of the connection body 44 and, on the other hand, is aligned with the opening 32 of the lock 30 so that the latter can receive, through the opening 32, a segment of the indexing rod 58.

[0049] In view of Figure 5, a blind hole 27, preferably cylindrical, is arranged in the central portion 24 of the attachment part. The blind hole 27 is arranged in the axial extension of the passage 46 and the opening 32 of the lock 30 in order to receive the free end of the indexing rod 58 when the link 10 is in the retracted configuration. The lock 30 is therefore crossed right through by the indexing rod 58 in this configuration. AUDEMA-22-PCT

[0050] The indexing rod 58 comprises, according to this example, two radial extensions 60a, 60b which extend over the entire circumference of the indexing rod 58 in order to form a groove between the two extensions. The radial extensions may however extend only over a portion of the circumference of the indexing rod according to a variant. The locking element 34 is in the form of a rim located at the lower part of the opening 32 of the lock 30 in order to abut against one or the other of the two radial extensions 60a, 60b. According to the retracted configuration of the link illustrated in FIG. 5, the rim 34 abuts against the radial extension 60b, thus preventing any translation of the indexing rod 58.

[0051] Pressing the pusher 28 allows the rim 34 to be released from the radial extension 60b in order to be able to bring the link into the deployed configuration illustrated in FIG. 10. A stop 48 is arranged at one end of the passage 46 in order to prevent the first and second link elements 20, 50 from becoming detached. The stop is in this example in the form of two pins arranged on either side of the indexing rod 58 in order to come into abutment against the radial extension 60b.

[0052] Referring in particular to Figures 1, 2 and 12, the connecting body 44 comprises a first and a second guide portion 49a, 49b arranged symmetrically with respect to the passage 46. The second link element 50 comprises a first and a second complementary guide portion 68a, 68b arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the indexing rod 58 to be able to move in translation inside respectively the first and second guide portions 49a, 49b. In this example, the guide portions of the connecting body 44 of the first link element 20 are in the form of holes 49a, 49b while the complementary guide portions of the second link element 50 are in the form of rods. AUDEMA-22-PCT

[0053] These guide means 49a, 49b, 68a, 68b also allow forces to be taken up, in particular torsion during the manipulation of link 10 to modify its length. The rods 68a, 68b have the advantage of guaranteeing the operating clearance between the connection body 44 of the first link element 20 and the housing 57 of the second link element 50 so as to avoid friction between the connection body 44 and the housing 57. This makes it possible to prevent any appearance of scratches on the surface 44a of the connection body 44 which would be visible in the deployed configuration of the link.

[0054] Figures 13a to 13d illustrate a first sequence of manipulations for bringing the link 10 from a retracted configuration to an intermediate indexed position. In the retracted configuration of the link illustrated in Figure 13a, the locking element 34 of the lock is in abutment against the radial extension 60b preventing any translation of the indexing rod 58 of the second link element 50 relative to the lock of the first link element 20.

[0055] It is sufficient to press the pusher 28 in order to release the rim 34 of the radial extension 60b, then to impart a translational movement to the second link element 50 relative to the first link 20 while maintaining pressure on the pusher 28 until the locking element 34 of the lock is at the level of a groove formed between the two radial extensions 60a, 60b. At this moment, the pusher 28 is released so that the locking element 34 of the lock 30 engages in the groove, thus locking the link in the intermediate position between its retracted and deployed configuration. The link has been lengthened in this example by the order of one millimeter.

[0056] Figures 14a to 14b illustrate a second sequence of manipulations to bring the link from the intermediate position to the AUDEMA-22-PCT deployed configuration. To do this, it is sufficient to press the pusher 28 again in order to release the rim 34 of the radial extension and then to impart a translational movement to the second link element 50 relative to the first link 20 while maintaining pressure on the pusher 28 until the locking element 34 of the lock is located on the other side of the radial extension 60a located close to the free end of the indexing rod 58. At this moment, the pusher 28 is released so that the locking element 34 of the lock comes against the flank of the radial extension 60a thus locking the link in the deployed configuration. The link has been lengthened in this example by the order of two millimeters compared to its retracted configuration.

[0057] According to another embodiment illustrated by Figures 15 to 21, the indexing rod is replaced by an indexing bar 58 comprising a notched portion 62 and a fixing portion 66 screwed against the bottom of the housing 57 of the second link element. The notched portion 62 comprises several parallel grooves preferably located at regular intervals along the movement of the first link element 20 relative to the second link element 50 to lock the link in several indexed positions. The notched portion preferably comprises three grooves 63a, 63b, 63c, intended to cooperate with the locking element 34 of the lock 30 to lock the link in three indexed positions corresponding respectively to the retracted, intermediate and deployed configuration. Alternatively, these grooves could be replaced by holes or notches having another geometric shape.

[0058] The lock 30 has an oblong opening 32 adapted to the shape of the notched part 62 so that the latter can pass through the lock 30 from one side to the other when the link is in the retracted configuration as illustrated in figure 17. In this configuration, the end of the notched part 62 is housed in a blind hole 27, which can AUDEMA-22-PCT be of rectangular cross-section, located in the central portion 24 of the attachment part of the first link element.

[0059] With reference to Figures 18 and 21, the passage 46 extending from the cavity 26 to the front face of the connection body 44 preferably has a rectangular cross-section. The notched bar 58, in particular its notched portion 62, further comprises a longitudinal slot or opening 64 inside which is mounted a stop, for example a pin 67, secured to the first link element 20. This pin makes it possible to limit the relative movement of the first and second link elements 20, 50 by preventing them from becoming detached when the link 10 is in the deployed configuration as illustrated in Figure 21.

[0060] The sequence of operations to be carried out for adjusting the link length remains the same as that described with reference to the first embodiment. In its retracted configuration illustrated in Figure 17, the locking element 34 of the lock is engaged in a first groove 63a located furthest from the free end of the notched part. According to this configuration, the stop 67 is arranged against an edge forming one of the distal ends of the longitudinal opening 64 as illustrated in Figure 18.

[0061] When the link is in the intermediate position as illustrated in Figure 19, the locking element 34 of the lock is engaged in a second groove 63b adjacent to the first groove 63a and approximately one millimeter away from it.

[0062] When the link is in the deployed position as illustrated in Figures 20-21, the locking element 34 of the lock is engaged in a third groove 63c located close to the free end of the notched portion and distant from the first groove 63a by approximately two AUDEMA-22-PCT millimeters. In this configuration, the stop 67 has moved relative to the second link 50 along the longitudinal opening 64 during the relative movement between the first and second link members 20, 50 to rest against an opposite edge of the opening to prevent decoupling between the first and second link members.

[0063] Like the first embodiment, the connection body 44 comprises a first and a second guide portion 49a, 49b arranged on either side of the passage 46. The second link element 50 comprises a first and a second complementary guide portion 68a, 68b arranged symmetrically with respect to the indexing bar 58 so as to be able to move in translation inside the first and second guide portions 49a, 49b respectively.

[0064] The link 10 is intended to be integrated into a bracelet, in particular a watch bracelet, so that the pusher 28 is arranged on the visible side of the bracelet when worn, which allows easy adjustment of the length of the bracelet when worn. The bracelet may have several adjustable links in order to increase the adjustment length.

[0065] Various modifications may be made to the adjustable link just described without departing from the invention as defined by the claims. For example, the pusher may be replaced by a wheel with an integrated lock comprising a cylindrical opening coaxial with the axis of rotation of the wheel. A locking element similar to that described previously is arranged in the opening in order to be engaged or not with the indexing member according to the two embodiments mentioned above depending on the angular position of the wheel. According to another variant, the pusher could be replaced by a pull tab to actuate the lock not in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the bracelet but in a direction parallel to this plane towards a lateral edge of the link. AUDEMA-22-PCT Reference List Adjustable link 10 First link element 20 Attachment part 22 Locking / unlocking system Central portion 24 Cavity 26 Blind hole 27 Actuator 28 (e.g. pusher) Lock 30 Opening 32 Locking element 34 Holes 36 Elastic member 38 Spaces 39 Side portions 40a, 40b Hole 42 Connection body 44 External surface 44a Face 45 Passage 46 Opening 47 (e.g. circular, rectangular) Stop 48 (e.g. pins) First and second guide part 49a, 49b (e.g. holes) Second link element 50 Attachment part 52 Central portion 53 Side portions 54a, 54b Hole 55 Housing 57 Indexing member 58 Indexing rod (1 er execution mode) Indexing elements 60a, 60b (eg radial extensions) Threaded part 61 Indexing bar (2 ndexecution mode) Notched part 62 Grooves 63a, 63b, 63c Longitudinal opening 64 Fixing part 66 Stop 67 First and second complementary guide part 68a, 68b AUDEMA-22-PCT

Claims

Claims 1. Adjustable link (10) for a bracelet, comprising a first and a second link element (20, 50) interconnected by a telescopic adjustment mechanism so as to be able to move in translation relative to each other and to adopt at least two distinct indexed positions, the mechanism comprising an actuator (28) accessible from the outside of the adjustable link (10), a lock (30) secured to the actuator and arranged in a cavity (26) of one of the first and second link elements (20, 50), and an indexing member (58) arranged to cooperate with the lock (30) and secured to the other of the first and second link elements (20, 50) while extending in the direction of translational movement of the first link element (20) relative to the second link element (50), characterized in that said first and second link elements (20,50) are further configured to conceal the indexing member (58) regardless of whether they are in one or other of said at least two indexed positions.

2. Adjustable link (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (28) is arranged on a face extending between two lateral sides of the adjustable link (10) and accessible when the bracelet comprising said adjustable link is worn.

3. Adjustable link (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the first and second link elements (20, 50) comprises a connection body (44) configured to slide in a housing (57) of complementary shape, arranged in the other of the first and second link elements (20, 50), and to conceal the indexing member (58) therein regardless of the indexed position adopted.

4. Adjustable link (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanism further comprises AUDEMA-22-PCT connecting means,5. Adjustable link (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said additional connecting means are formed by at least one female element (49a, 49b) arranged within the connection body (44) of one of the first and second link elements (20, 50), to receive a complementary male element (68a, 68b) secured to the other of the first and second link elements.

6. Adjustable link (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the additional connecting means are arranged symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis of the indexing member (58). 7.Adjustable link (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator is in the form of a pusher (28) arranged to move the lock (30) from a locking position in which it is at rest and engaged with the indexing member (58), to an unlocking position in which the lock (30) is actuated and no longer has engagement with the indexing member (58).

8. Adjustable link (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lock (30) further comprises an opening (32) arranged to receive a part of the indexing member (58).

9. Adjustable link (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lock (30) is traversed right through by the indexing member (58) when the link is in a retracted or partially retracted configuration. AUDEMA-22-PCT.

10. Adjustable link (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the first and second link elements (20, 50) comprises an attachment part (22), the attachment part comprising a central portion (24) and two lateral portions (40a, 40b) arranged on either side of the central portion in order to form two spaces (39) for receiving the horns of a watch case or an attachment part of an adjacent link, the central portion (24) comprising the cavity (26) receiving the lock (30).

11. Adjustable link (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the central portion (24) further comprises a blind hole (27) in the axial extension of the opening (32) of the lock (30) in order to receive the free end of the indexing member (58) when the link (10) is in a retracted or partially retracted configuration. 12.Adjustable link (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indexing member is in the form of a rod (58) comprising at least one indexing element (60a, 60b) intended to cooperate with the lock (30).

13. Adjustable link (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the indexing elements (61a, 61b) are constituted by two adjacent radial extensions conferring three indexing positions.

14. Adjustable link (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the indexing member is in the form of a notched bar (58) comprising several notches (63a, 63b, 63c) intended to cooperate with the lock (30) to lock the link in said at least two indexed positions. AUDEMA-22-PCT.

15. Adjustable link (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the notched bar (58) further comprises a longitudinal slot (64) oriented in the direction of translational movement of the first link element (20) relative to the second link element (50), and in that a stop (67) is arranged inside the longitudinal slot (64) to limit the relative movement between said first and second link elements (20, 50).

16. Wristwatch comprising at least one adjustable link (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (28) is arranged on the visible face of the bracelet when it is worn. AUDEMA-22-PCT

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