Stack of ornate layers for a watch or clock face

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stack (5) of at least one opaque substrate (7) having a first face (11) at least partially 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 fastening member (17), the stack (5) being configured to form a watch or clock face, such 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 a 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 layer stacking combined with watch dial manufacturing techniques, intended for traditional timepieces, for example, watch or clock dials. PRIOR TECHNOLOGY

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

[0004] When decorative patterns that create a perception of depth, commonly referred to as a "3D effect," are desired, it is known to apply at least one traditional watch dial-making technique, such as micro-painting, to the substrate after it has been worked in depth. However, regardless of the technique applied, the currently known architecture of watch dials does not allow for a satisfactory perception of depth, which limits the types of decorative patterns that can be created and therefore the aesthetic variety of the backgrounds of the dials thus formed. Furthermore, the legibility of the indications on a watch or clock with such a dial can also be improved.

[0005] The invention aims to solve all or part of the problems of the prior art, by proposing a stacking 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 legibility 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 partially 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 fastening device, the stack being configured to form a watch or clock face, so that the first worked face of the opaque substrate is visible through the first transparent layer.

[0007] The term "worked" refers to the application of at least one watch dial manufacturing technique. The work on the face can be carried out manually or using a dedicated machine, for example, a laser machine. When only part of the substrate face is worked, a distinction is then made between worked and unworked areas on the substrate face. Furthermore, several different works can be carried out successively on the same face. The work on a face may, in particular, consist of deep material removal, surface treatments, or a decorative application.

[0008] Thanks to this combination of features, such a stacking allows for a dial that generates a better perception of depth for the user, particularly through the alignment and interaction of the textured face of the opaque substrate with the first transparent layer. Furthermore, this stacking has the advantage of providing free surfaces on which decorative dial techniques can be applied, thus enriching the diversity of aesthetic finishes of the dial thus formed. Finally, by creating a decorative pattern using several textured faces, the legibility of the dial markings is improved.

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

[0010] Advantageously, the first textured 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 textured face of the first transparent layer is as close as possible to the textured face of the opaque substrate, thus generating a better perception of depth.

[0011] Alternatively, the textured face of the first transparent layer is positioned on the opposite side from the face of the opaque substrate when the opaque substrate and the first transparent layer are assembled. In such a configuration, the textured face of the first transparent layer is furthest from the textured face of the opaque substrate, thus generating a different perception of depth.

[0012] Advantageously, the first transparent layer has a second face that is at least partially worked, the second face of the first transparent layer being opposite the first face of the first transparent layer. In such a In this configuration, both sides of the first transparent layer are used to generate a perception of depth using at least three crafted layers, allowing for even greater diversification of the dial's aesthetic renderings.

[0013] Advantageously, the stack comprises at least one second transparent layer assembled against the first transparent layer by means of the mechanical fastening element such that the textured face of the opaque substrate is visible through both the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer. In such a configuration, the stack comprises additional layers enabling the generation of further 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 for manufacturing a watch or clock dial 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 upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and referring to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects and on which:

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

[0020] The [Fig.2] is a schematic side view representation of the stacking of the [Fig.1];

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

[0022] The [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] The [Fig.6] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a stacking according to a third embodiment;

[0025] The [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of a stacking 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 implementation of the invention; although not limiting, said figures serve in particular to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a watch 1 comprising at least one case in which is housed at least one watch dial 3, a movement (not shown), hands 21 connected to the movement, and a transparent crystal (not shown) 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 fastening member 17. The stack 5 is configured to form a watch dial 3 of a watch 1. Here, the fastening member 17 comprises four sets of screws, configured to secure the opaque substrate 7 and the first transparent layer 9 together. The stack 5 is housed in the watch case 1, to form the dial 3 such 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 the first transparent layer 9. The stacked opaque substrate 7 and the first transparent layer 9 are 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 joined together by means of a fastening member 17 as described above and shown in [Fig. 2] and / or by means of a bezel of the watch case dial 1, the stacked opaque substrate 7 and first transparent layer 9 of which would form the dial 3. Alternatively, the opaque substrate 7 and first transparent layer 9 are glued or stapled to each other, or, for example, made . joined 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] Figure 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 partially worked. The term "worked" refers to the application of at least one watch dial manufacturing technique. This may involve techniques affecting depth or surface treatment, for example, or even inlay techniques, micro-painting, or any desired combination of the aforementioned techniques when the face comprises several successive works.

[0031] In the case of material removal, the work can, for example, be carried out by means of laser ablation or using a milling cutter. In the case of surface treatment, the work may, in particular, consist of galvanic treatment, heat treatment, gilding, rhodium plating, polishing, sandblasting, or microblasting of the face. In the case of decorative application, the work may, in particular, consist of enameling, guilloché engraving, lacquering, varnishing, crimping, pad printing, decal application, or the application of appliqués.

[0032] The machining of the first face 11 of the opaque substrate 7 can be carried out manually or using a dedicated machine. Here, the first face 11 of the opaque substrate 7 features material removals, generating a relief on at least two different levels, the removals being carried out along the stacking direction. The material removals are, for example, performed by laser ablation. It is understood that there may be more than two levels, with material ablations carried out at several different depths. When the machining in depth is partial, a distinction is then made on a given face of the opaque substrate 7 between machined and unmachined areas. Machining the first face 11 of the opaque substrate 7 in depth further improves the rendering, in particular the perception of the three-dimensionality of the stacking.

[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 motif, for example, the plan of a city where 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 material removals are discontinuous, but can alternatively be continuous, so that all the worked parts at the same depth level are contiguous. Moreover, each depth level can receive a specific additional work, for example, laser coloring. Here, a part of the first depth level receives additional work, notably 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] Figure 4 illustrates a first transparent layer 9 before assembly of 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, and 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 race track layout.

[0035] Advantageously and independently of the working of the first face 13 of the first transparent layer 9, the first transparent layer 9 may include a second face 15 that is at least partially worked. The second face 15 of the first transparent layer 9 here includes, by way of illustration, a plurality of appliqués forming the time markers of the dial 3.

[0036] Figure 5 illustrates the stacking 5 of the opaque substrate 7 of Figure 3 with the first transparent layer 9 of Figure 4, thus forming a watch face 3 or a clock face. The stacking 5 makes it possible to obtain a dial 3 that generates a better perception of depth for a user, in particular through the alignment and cooperation of the first textured face 11 of the opaque substrate 7 and the first textured face 13 of the first transparent layer 9.

[0037] Such a stack 5 presents more free surfaces on which decorative techniques can be applied, enriching the diversity of aesthetic finishes of the dial thus formed. Finally, by forming a decorative pattern through several worked faces, the legibility of the indications on the dial 3 is improved.

[0038] The opaque substrate 7 and the first transparent layer 9 preferably have a generally parallelepiped prismatic shape, with a thickness in the stacking direction that is substantially less than on the other sides. The opaque substrate 7 and the first transparent layer 9 also have substantially equal cross-sections in the stacking direction. Furthermore, a central opening is provided in the center of the opaque substrate 7 and in the center of the first layer 9, said openings being configured to receive shafts that transmit motion to the hands 21 of the watch 1. The opaque substrate 7 is, for example, made of a metallic material such as titanium or a titanium alloy. The opaque substrate 7 can also be made, for example, of gold, steel, or any other suitable material.The first transparent layer 9 is for example formed from a mineral material, for example an aluminium oxide such as a transparent sapphire, but can 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] Figure 6 illustrates a stack 5 according to another embodiment. Here, the opaque substrate 7 is partially worked; the first face 11 of the opaque substrate 7 then has a material removal on one level. Furthermore, the first face 11 of the opaque substrate 7 receives a treatment such as laser texturing, particularly on the area without material removal. The area with material removal receives an additional treatment on its surface, for example, the application of appliqués. Finally, the first face 11 of the opaque substrate 7 receives a third treatment, for example, laser texturing, forming, for example, a decorative pattern of sparkles. The first transparent layer 9 receives, on a first face 13, a treatment, for example, the application of a decorative dial technique such as micro-painting forming a decorative pattern of sparkles.The first transparent layer 9 also includes a second face 15 comprising here a plurality of appliqué applications forming the time indices 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 the first transparent layer 9 cooperate with each other but also with an ornate decorative pattern on one face of the glass 19, to generate an additional perception of depth.

[0041] Figure 7 illustrates a stack 5 according to another embodiment. Here, the opaque substrate 7 is partially worked, with face 11 exhibiting a continuous material removal. Furthermore, face 11 receives a second treatment, such as laser texturing, on both its removed and unremoved portions. As illustrated, the removed portion receives a third treatment, in this case, laser texturing generating a pattern of horizontal lines. The unremoved portion of face 3 also receives a fourth treatment, namely the application of a decorative dial technique, here the application of micro-painting generating a nebulous effect. Finally, the unremoved portion of face 11 receives a fifth treatment, in this case, the application of appliqués.The first transparent layer 9 receives on its first face 13 a work, for example the application of a decorative dial technique such as a micro-paint forming a decorative pattern generating a blurring effect. The first transparent layer 9 also includes a second face 15 comprising here a plurality of appliqués forming the dial's hour markers. Here, the hour markers are at least partially pad-printed.

[0042] It should also be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will indeed be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiment described above, in light of the information just disclosed to them.

[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 fastening member 17, so that the textured face of the opaque substrate 7 is visible through the first transparent layer 9 and through the second transparent layer 23. Similar to the first transparent layer 9, each face of the second transparent layer 23 can be textured. In such a configuration, the stack comprises additional layers enabling the generation of further depth perceptions.

Claims

Demands

1. Stack (5) of at least one opaque substrate (7) having a first face (11) at least partially worked in depth and of 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 fastening member (17), the stack (5) being configured to form a dial of a watch or clock, such that the first worked face of the opaque substrate (7) is visible through the first transparent layer (9), the first transparent layer (9) having a first face (13) at least partially worked in depth.

2. Stack (5) according to claim 1, wherein the first deep 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).

3. Stack (5) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first transparent layer (9) has a second face (15) at least partly worked in depth, the second face (15) of the first transparent layer (9) being opposite the first face (13) of the first transparent layer (9).

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

5. Stack (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opaque substrate (7) is formed from titanium or a titanium alloy.

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

7. Watch (1) comprising a dial (3), said dial being formed from a stack (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method for manufacturing a watch dial (1) or a clock from a stack (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: • 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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