Chiming mechanism for a watch

Abstract

The striking mechanism comprises a resonating element (12) and a hammer (11) having a first part (21) and a second part (22) joined by a pivot joint so that they can pivot relative to each other about an axis of rotation (30). The first and second parts of the hammer (11) each carry a first permanent magnet (26) and a second permanent magnet (27), respectively, which form a magnetic return system between the two parts. The permanent magnets are arranged to generate an attractive force between them, returning the first and second parts to a stable configuration of the hammer.During a strike, the first part, called the drive part (21), comes to rest against a fixed stop (24) before the second part, called the striking part (22), reaches the resonating element, also called the 'snare'. The striking part then continues its rotation towards the snare to strike the bell before returning to the drive part to finally occupy a resting position, behind the bell. The magnetic return system limits the risk of a rebound striking the bell again after a strike.

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