Stack of worked layers for watch or clock dial

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stack (5) of at least one opaque substrate (7) having a first face (11) at least partly worked and at least one first transparent layer (9), said first transparent layer (9) being assembled against the substrate (7) by means of at least one mechanical fixing member (17), the stack (5) being configured to form a dial of a watch or a clock, so that the first worked face of the opaque substrate (7) is visible through the first transparent layer (9). Abstract figure: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Stack of worked layers for watch or clock dial Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of watchmaking.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a stack of layers combined with techniques for producing watch dials, intended for traditional timepieces, for example watch or clock dials. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Known from the prior art is a timepiece such as a watch or clock dial, formed from at least one substrate. Such a substrate may for example be an opaque substrate, for example a metal substrate based on a titanium alloy. To obtain at least one decorative pattern visible when the watch or clock is assembled, it is known to work at least in part the substrate using a laser, for example by engraving said decorative pattern and / or by coloring said decorative pattern in a thickness of the substrate and / or by adding superimposed decorative elements, such as indexes.

[0004] When it is desired to obtain decorative patterns generating a perception of depth, referred to in common language as a "3D effect", it is known to apply to the substrate, once worked in depth, at least one technique for producing watch dials known from traditional watchmaking, such as for example micro-painting. However, whatever the technique applied, the currently known architecture of dials does not allow a satisfactory perception of depth to be obtained, which limits the types of decorative patterns produced and therefore the variety in the aesthetics of the backgrounds of the dials thus formed. Furthermore, the readability of the indications of a watch or clock comprising such a dial can also be improved.

[0005] The invention aims to solve all or part of the problems of the state of the art, by proposing a stack of layers on a substrate forming a watch or clock dial allowing the use of more combined decorative techniques, and generating a better perception of depth, and allowing better readability of the indications of said watch or clock. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] More specifically, the invention relates to a stack of at least one opaque substrate having a first face that is at least partly worked and at least one first transparent layer, said first transparent layer being assembled against the opaque substrate by means of at least one mechanical fixing member, the stack being configured to form a dial of a watch or clock, such that the first worked face of the opaque substrate is visible through the first transparent layer.

[0007] The term "worked" means the application of at least one technique for producing watch dials. The work on the face can be carried out manually or using a dedicated machine, for example a laser machine. When only a portion of the face of the substrate is worked, a distinction is then made on the face of the substrate between worked portions and non-worked portions. Furthermore, several different works can be carried out successively on the same face. The work on a face can in particular consist of a deep removal of material, surface treatments or a decorative application.

[0008] Thanks to such a combination of characteristics, such a stack makes it possible to obtain a dial generating a better perception of depth for a user, in particular by the alignment and cooperation of the worked face of the opaque substrate with the first transparent layer. In addition, such a stack has the advantage of making available free surfaces on which decorative dial techniques can be applied, making it possible to enrich the diversity of the aesthetic renderings of the dial thus formed. Finally, by forming a decorative pattern by means of several worked faces, the legibility of the indications on the dial is improved.

[0009] Advantageously, the first transparent layer has a first face that is at least partly worked. By forming a decorative pattern using several worked faces, the readability of the indications on the dial is improved, and the diversity of the aesthetic renderings of the dial thus formed is further enriched.

[0010] Advantageously, the first worked face of the first transparent layer is positioned opposite the face of the opaque substrate during the assembly of the opaque substrate and the first transparent layer. In such a configuration, the worked face of the first transparent layer is as close as possible to the worked face of the opaque substrate, making it possible to generate a better perception of depth.

[0011] Alternatively, the worked face of the first transparent layer is positioned on a side opposite the face of the opaque substrate during assembly of the opaque substrate and the first transparent layer. In such a configuration, the worked face of the first transparent layer is furthest from the worked face of the opaque substrate, making it possible to generate a different depth perception.

[0012] Advantageously, the first transparent layer has a second face that is at least partly worked, the second face of the first transparent layer being opposite the first face of the first transparent layer. In such a confi guration, the two sides of the first transparent layer are used to generate a perception of depth using at least three worked layers, allowing the aesthetic rendering of the dial to be diversified even further.

[0013] Advantageously, the stack comprises at least one second transparent layer assembled against the first transparent layer by means of the mechanical fixing member so that the worked face of the opaque substrate is visible through the first transparent layer and through the second transparent layer. In such a configuration, the stack comprises new layers making it possible to generate other depth perceptions.

[0014] Advantageously, the opaque substrate is formed from titanium or a titanium alloy.

[0015] Advantageously, the first transparent layer is formed from sapphire.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, it relates to a watch comprising a dial, said dial being formed from a stack as described above.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, it relates to a method of manufacturing a dial of a watch or a clock from a stack as described above, comprising: • the work, at least in part, of a first face of an opaque substrate; • the work, at least in part, of one face of a first face of a first transparent layer; • positioning for assembly of the first transparent layer against the opaque substrate; • fixing the first transparent layer against the opaque substrate. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and referring to the appended drawings given as non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects and in which:

[0019] [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation in front view of a watch case comprising a stack forming a dial according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0020] [Fig.2] is a schematic side view representation of the stack of [Fig.l];

[0021] [Fig. 3] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a worked opaque substrate;

[0022] [Fig.4] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a worked transparent layer;

[0023] [Fig.5] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a stack of the opaque substrate of [Fig.3] with the transparent layer of [Fig.4];

[0024] [Fig.6] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a stack according to a third embodiment;

[0025] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of a stack according to a fourth embodiment;

[0026] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of a stack of layers according to a fifth embodiment.

[0027] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to enable the invention to be implemented; although not limiting, said figures serve in particular to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In [Fig.l] is illustrated a watch 1 comprising at least one case in which is housed at least one watch dial 3, a movement (not illustrated), hands 21 connected to the movement, and a transparent crystal (not illustrated) closing the case. The transparent crystal is for example formed from polished sapphire, so that the dial 3 and the hands 21 are visible through said crystal.

[0029] The invention relates in particular to a stack 5 as illustrated in [Fig.2] according to a first embodiment. The stack 5 comprises at least one opaque substrate 7 and at least one first transparent layer 9. The opaque substrate 7 is assembled against the first transparent layer 9 by means of at least one fixing member 17. The stack 5 is configured to form a dial 3 of watch 1. Here, the fixing member 17 comprises four screw assemblies, configured to make the opaque substrate 7 and the first transparent layer 9 integral. The stack 5 is housed in the case of watch 1, to form the dial 3 so that the opaque substrate 7 is visible through the first transparent layer 9, defining a stacking direction, substantially normal to the opaque substrate 7 and to the first transparent layer 9. The stacked opaque substrate 7 and the first transparent layer 9 are here in surface contact with each other.Alternatively, the stacked opaque substrate 7 and first transparent layer 9 may not be in surface contact with each other. In this case, they may for example be made integral by means of a fixing member 17 as described above and shown in [Fig. 2] and / or by means of a bezel of the dial of the watch case 1 of which the stacked opaque substrate 7 and first transparent layer 9 would form the dial 3. Alternatively, the opaque substrate 7 and first transparent layer 9 are glued or stapled to each other, or even, for example, made integral by means of lugs or a set of protuberances cooperating with cavities. distributed on the opaque substrate 7 or on the first transparent layer 9.

[0030] [Fig. 3] illustrates an opaque substrate 7 before assembly of the stack 5. The opaque substrate 7 has a first face 11. The first face 11 of the opaque substrate 7 is at least partly worked. The term “worked” means the application of at least one technique for producing watch dials. This may involve works impacting the depth or surface treatment techniques, for example, or even inlay techniques, micro-painting, or any desired combination of the techniques cited when the face comprises several successive works.

[0031] In the case of material removal, the work may for example be produced by means of laser ablation or using a milling cutter. In the case of a surface treatment, the work may in particular consist of a galvanic treatment, a heat treatment, gilding, rhodium plating, polishing, sandblasting or micro-blasting of the face. In the case of a decorative application, the work may in particular consist of enameling, guilloché work, lacquering, varnishing, setting, pad printing, decaling or applying appliques.

[0032] The work of the first face 11 of the opaque substrate 7 can be carried out manually or by means of a dedicated machine. Here, the first face 11 of the opaque substrate 7 has material removals, generating a relief on at least two different levels, the removals being carried out in particular according to the stacking direction. The material removals are for example carried out by means of laser ablation. It is understood that there may be more than two levels, with material ablations carried out on several different depths. When the work in depth is partial, then on a given face of the opaque substrate 7, worked parts and non-worked parts are distinguished. The work of the first face 11 of the opaque substrate 7 in depth makes it possible to further improve the rendering, in particular the perception of the three-dimensionality of the stack.

[0033] Here, the worked and unworked parts have different depths, but can also have the same depth in the case of a different work, not involving laser ablation. In such a configuration, the first face 11 of the opaque substrate 7 can form a first decorative pattern, for example the plan of a city of which a first depth level represents the streets and a body of water, and a second depth level represents the buildings of said city. Here, the removals of material are discontinuous, but can alternatively be continuous, so that all the worked parts at the same depth level are adjacent. Furthermore, each depth level can receive a particular additional work, for example laser coloring. Here, a part of the first depth level receives an additional work, in particular the application of a decorative dial technique, in this case, for example, a micro-painting mounted in lacquer representing the sea or the ocean.

[0034] [Fig.4] illustrates a first transparent layer 9 before assembly of the stack 5. The first transparent layer 9 has a first face 13, as illustrated in [Fig.4]. The first face 13 of the first transparent layer 9 is advantageously worked, for example by means of laser ablation, then colored by laser. In such a configuration, the first face 13 of the first transparent layer 9 can form a second decorative pattern, for example here a layout of a motor racing circuit.

[0035] Advantageously and independently of the work of the first face 13 of the first transparent layer 9, the first transparent layer 9 may comprise a second face 15 at least partly worked. The second face 15 of the first transparent layer 9 comprises here, by way of illustration, a plurality of applique applications forming the time indexes of the dial 3.

[0036] [Fig. 5] illustrates the stack 5 of the opaque substrate 7 of [Fig. 3] with the first transparent layer 9 of [Fig. 4], thus forming a dial 3 of a watch 1 or a clock. The stack 5 makes it possible to obtain a dial 3 generating a better perception of depth for a user, in particular by the alignment and cooperation of the first worked face 11 of the opaque substrate 7 and the first worked face 13 of the first transparent layer 9.

[0037] Such a stack 5 presents more free surfaces on which decorative techniques can be applied, making it possible to enrich the diversity of the aesthetic renderings of the dial thus formed. Finally, by forming a decorative pattern by means of several worked faces, the readability of the indications on the dial 3 is improved.

[0038] The opaque substrate 7 and the first transparent layer 9 preferably have a generally prismatic parallelepiped shape, with a thickness in the stacking direction that is substantially less than the other sides. The opaque substrate 7 and the first transparent layer 9 also have sections in the stacking direction that are substantially equal. Furthermore, a central orifice is provided in the center of the opaque substrate 7 and in the center of the first layer 9, said orifices being configured to receive shafts transmitting a movement to hands 21 of the watch 1. The opaque substrate 7 is for example formed from a metallic material such as titanium or a titanium alloy. The opaque substrate 7 may also be for example made of gold, steel or any other suitable material.The first transparent layer 9 is for example formed from a mineral material, for example an aluminum oxide such as a transparent sapphire, but may alternatively be formed from any other suitable material, such as diamond or glass for example. Alternatively, the . Opaque substrate 7 and the first transparent layer 9 are for example formed from a plastic material, respectively opaque and transparent.

[0039] [Fig.6] illustrates a stack 5 according to another embodiment. Here, the opaque substrate 7 is partly worked, the first face 11 of the opaque substrate 7 then has a removal of material on one level. Furthermore, the first face 11 of the opaque substrate 7 receives a work such as laser texturing, in particular on the part without removal of material. The part having a removal of material receives an additional work on its surface, for example the application of appliques. Finally, the first face 11 of the opaque substrate 7 receives a third work, for example laser texturing, forming for example a decorative pattern of sparks. The first transparent layer 9 receives on a first face 13 a work, for example the application of a decorative dial technique such as micro-painting forming a decorative pattern of sparks.The first transparent layer 9 also comprises a second face 15 here comprising a plurality of applique applications forming the time indexes of the dial 3. [Fig.6] also illustrates a crystal 19 of the watch 1. The crystal 19 is configured to close the case of the watch 1 in which the stack 5 is housed.

[0040] Advantageously, the decorative patterns formed on the faces 11, 13, 15 of the opaque substrate 7 and of the first transparent layer 9 cooperate with each other but also with a decorative pattern worked on one face of the glass 19, to generate an additional perception of depth.

[0041] [Fig.7] illustrates a stack 5 according to another embodiment. Here, the opaque substrate 7 is partly worked, the face 11 then has a removal of material on a continuous level. Furthermore, the face 11 receives a second work such as laser texturing on its part having a removal of material as well as on its part without removal of material. As illustrated, the part with removal of material receives a third work, in this case a laser texturing generating a pattern of horizontal lines. The part without removal of material of the face 3 also receives a fourth work, in particular the application of a decorative dial technique, here the application of a micro-painting generating a nebulous effect. Finally, the part without removal of material of the face 11 receives a fifth work, in this case an application of appliques.The first transparent layer 9 receives on a first face 13 a work, for example the application of a decorative dial technique such as micro-painting forming a decorative pattern generating a blurring effect. The first transparent layer 9 also comprises a second face 15 here comprising a plurality of appliques forming the time indexes of the dial. Here, the time indexes are at least partly pad printed.

[0042] It will also be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will indeed appear to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiment described above, in light of the teaching which has just been disclosed to him.

[0043] For example, in an embodiment illustrated in [Fig.8], the stack 5 comprises a second transparent layer 23 assembled against the first transparent layer 9 by means of the mechanical fixing member 17, so that the worked face of the opaque substrate 7 is visible through the first transparent layer 9 and through the second transparent layer 23. In a manner similar to the first transparent layer 9, each of the faces of the second transparent layer 23 can be worked. In such a configuration, the stack comprises new layers making it possible to generate other depth perceptions.

Claims

Claims

1. Stack (5) of at least one opaque substrate (7) having a first face (11) at least partly worked and at least one first transparent layer (9), said first transparent layer (9) being assembled against the opaque substrate (7) by means of at least one mechanical fixing member (17), the stack (5) being configured to form a dial of a watch or a clock, so that the first worked face of the opaque substrate (7) is visible through the first transparent layer (9).

2. Stack (5) according to claim 1, in which the first transparent layer (9) has a first face (13) at least partly worked.

3. Stack (5) according to claim 2, in which the first worked face (13) of the first transparent layer (9) is positioned opposite the face (11) of the opaque substrate (7) during the assembly of the opaque substrate (7) and the first transparent layer (9).

4. Stack (5) according to claim 2 or 3, in which the first transparent layer (9) has a second face (15) at least partly worked, the second face (15) of the first transparent layer (9) being opposite the first face (13) of the first transparent layer (9).

5. Stack (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one second transparent layer (23) assembled against the first transparent layer (9) by means of the mechanical fixing member (17) so that the worked face of the opaque substrate (7) is visible through the first transparent layer (9) and through the second transparent layer (23).

6. A stack (5) according to any preceding claim, wherein the opaque substrate (7) is formed from titanium or a titanium alloy.

7. Stack (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first transparent layer (9) is formed from sapphire.

8. Watch (1) comprising a dial (3), said dial being formed from a stack (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Method of manufacturing a dial of a watch (1) or a clock from a stack (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, including: • the work, at least in part, of a first face (11) of an opaque substrate (7); • the work, at least in part, of a first face (13) of a first transparent layer (9); • positioning for assembly of the first transparent layer (9) against the opaque substrate (7); • fixing the first transparent layer (9) against the opaque substrate (7).

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