Dial including autonomous device for determining event related to defect in water-resistance of watch, and watch including the same dial

Abstract

To provide a dial that includes a device that determines an event related to a defect in the water-resistance of a watch and thus allows a loss of water-resistance in a case of the watch to be detected by monitoring the humidity in the case without having to open it.SOLUTION: One aspect of the invention relates to a dial 2a, 2b of a watch 1. The dial includes an autonomous device for determining an event related to a defect in water-resistance of the watch. Such a dial includes a visible face 20a and a hidden face, and the dial is formed by a stack of thin layers of material extending between these two faces. Each layer includes one or more of functional elements included in the device: a control module 23 for checking the water-resistance of the watch; a module 4 for reporting a water--resistance defect event; a stand-alone power supply unit; and a control unit for managing operation of the reporting module and of the control module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wristwatch having a dial, and more particularly to a wristwatch including a device for determining an event related to a waterproof defect of the wristwatch. This device is completely autonomous.

Background Art

[0002] The waterproofness of a watch is measured in bars (a bar is a unit of pressure, and 1 bar is equal to 1 atmosphere (atm)). The waterproofness of a wristwatch is often expressed in meters (m). A wristwatch marked as waterproof is intended for normal daily use that must guarantee resistance to water during activities such as swimming or even just in a shower. So-called diver's watches must comply with even more stringent standards, and according to current standards, they must guarantee waterproofness down to a minimum depth of 100 m. The dials 2a, 2b are not electrically connected to the movement of the wristwatch 1 and are thus also referred to as "autonomous dials". The dials 2a, 2b may be regarded as separate parts attached to the wristwatch 1.

[0003] To ensure waterproofness, a wristwatch is usually provided with a set of waterproof seals arranged at the assembly locations of certain parts of the wristwatch, such as the crystal, bezel and back cover of the wristwatch, as well as movable parts such as the crown and push buttons. Over time and with use, the mechanical properties of the seals change, and the waterproofness of the watch may decrease. As a result, the permeability of water or water vapor increases. Consequently, a condensation phenomenon may occur on the inner surface of the wristwatch crystal. Or in the worst case, oxidation of certain metal parts or deterioration of certain polymer parts may occur. That is, there is a need to be able to sometimes monitor the relative humidity level inside the wristwatch without necessarily opening the wristwatch. Opening the wristwatch case requires systematically replacing the seals and the intervention of an expensive watch technician. Excessive water vapor inside the wristwatch may indicate the need to replace one or more seals in the short to medium term.

[0004] In this context, it is understood that there is a need to find a solution to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a dial to be mounted on a wristwatch. This dial includes a device that determines events related to the waterproofing defect of the wristwatch and, thus, monitors the detection of the loss of waterproofing in the case of the wristwatch without the need to expose the humidity in the case, thereby allowing it. Such a dial provided with the decision device is cost-effective, easy to use, and enables reliable and rapid measurement of the relative humidity level inside the watch case.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a wristwatch dial including an autonomous device that determines events related to the waterproofing defect of the wristwatch. Such a dial includes a visible face and a hidden face, and the dial is formed by a laminate of thin material layers extending between these two faces. Each of the layers includes one or more of the following functional elements included in the device. That is, the functional elements are · A control module that checks the waterproofing of the wristwatch, · A module that reports waterproofing defect events, · A stand-alone power supply unit, and · A control unit that manages the operations of the reporting module and the control module.

[0007] In other embodiments, · The control module includes at least one humidity sensor and / or at least one pressure sensor, · The reporting module includes at least one element capable of generating an optical signal, · The reporting module includes at least one element capable of generating a vibration signal, · The reporting module includes at least one element capable of generating an audio signal, · The laminate of thin layers includes a first layer provided with the visible surface of the dial, and the first layer includes the control module and the reporting module. · The control module is disposed in a cavity formed on the hidden surface of the dial. · The first layer is configured such that light radiation, particularly sunlight radiation, can pass through it completely or partially. · The first layer is wholly or partially transparent or translucent. · The laminate of thin layers of materials includes a second layer including a photovoltaic module that constitutes a stand-alone power supply unit. · The second layer includes a substrate on which the photovoltaic module is printed. · The photovoltaic module is disposed in the effective area of the second layer, and the area is configured to receive light radiation emitted from the first layer of the laminate of thin layers of materials. · The laminate includes a third layer including an electrical energy accumulator that constitutes a stand-alone power supply unit. · The third layer includes a substrate on which the electrical energy accumulator is printed. · The laminate includes a fourth layer forming the hidden surface of the dial including a control unit. · The laminate includes a third layer having a hidden surface of the dial including a control unit and an electrical energy accumulator that constitutes a stand-alone power supply unit. · The first layer is rigid compared to the other flexible layers in the laminate of thin layers of materials. · The gaseous fluid is air including water vapor. · The visible surface and the hidden surface are flat or domed.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a wristwatch including such a dial.

[0009] Advantageously, the wristwatch includes a mechanical, electronic, or electromechanical movement.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] The objectives, advantages, and features of the wristwatch according to the present invention will become clear in the following description given based on at least one non-limiting embodiment shown by the drawings.

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] FIG. 1 schematically shows a wristwatch 1 including a case 19 having an intermediate portion to which a back cover and a crystal 22 are attached, a set of components forming a timepiece movement, and dials 2a, 2b disposed between the timepiece movement and the crystal 22.

[0013] In a manner well known to those skilled in the art, the timepiece movement drives a set of hands including an hour hand, a minute hand, and optionally a second hand. For this purpose, the dials 2a, 2b include through holes for receiving the shafts of these hands. The dials 2a, 2b further include two surfaces 20a, 20b, namely, · the so-called visible surface 20a that is visible from the outside of the wristwatch 1, also referred to as the "visible part" or "visible upper part" of the dials 2a, 2b, and · the so-called hidden surface 20b that is disposed opposite to the timepiece movement in the enclosure of the case 19 of the wristwatch 1, also referred to as the "hidden part" or "hidden lower part" of the dials 2a, 2b including.

[0014] Such a visible surface 20a, in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner, · Contributes to the display of horological information / horological measurements, or physical information / physical measurements obtained by sensors included in the movement, regardless of the presence or absence of hands, for example, reference (or display) elements such as numbers, indexes, lines or points, inscriptions, patterns, texts, or logos, etc. may include at least one graphic representation such as.

[0015] The visible surface 20a and the hidden surface 20b are substantially flat and / or parallel and / or opposite to each other. It should be noted that in other alternative embodiments, the dials 2a, 2b may include a domed visible surface 20a and a hidden surface 20b that may be domed or flat. These surfaces 20a, 20b are also connected to each other by the peripheral walls of the dials 2a, 2b.

[0016] Also, it should be noted that in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the dials 2a, 2b preferably have a circular shape. It is understood that the present invention can also be implemented for dials 2a, 2b having other shapes, such as triangular shapes or shapes similar to quadrilateral shapes.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the timepiece movement is a mechanical movement. Alternatively, this movement may be an electromechanical or electronic movement. In the following description, when the movement is mechanical, a mechanical wristwatch is referred to, when it includes an electric movement, an electric wristwatch is referred to, and when it includes an electromechanical movement, an electromechanical wristwatch is referred to.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, such dials 2a, 2b include a device 3 for determining an event related to a waterproofing defect of the wristwatch, and this device 3 is autonomous. The determination device 3 includes its own power supply means, as will be described later. The device 3 relates specifically to the movement of the wristwatch 1, and more specifically to the power source of the movement. For example, when the power source is a power supply such as in an electromechanical movement, it is autonomous. In these situations, it is understood that the power used by this determination device 3 does not impair the autonomy of the movement.

[0019] In this context, the dials 2a, 2b can be removably mounted on the wristwatch 1 regardless of the type of the wristwatch 1. The only condition to be satisfied is that the dials 2a, 2b include this determination device 3 which is autonomous with respect to the movement of the wristwatch 1.

[0020] The determination device 3 included in the dials 2a, 2b includes a module 4 for reporting a waterproofing defect event, a stand-alone power supply unit 21, a control module 23 for checking the waterproofness of the wristwatch, and a control unit 7.

[0021] In the device 3, the reporting module · at least one element capable of generating an optical signal 4, such as a light source 4 that allows the device 3 to broadcast a visual message in relation to the determined waterproofing defect event · At least one element capable of generating a vibration signal, such as a piezoelectric vibrator, or an ERM motor (eccentric rotating mass vibration motor) or an LRA motor (linear resonance actuator vibration motor), which allows Device 3 to broadcast a message in the form of vibration in relation to a determined waterproof defect event, and / or · At least one element capable of generating an audio signal, such as a loudspeaker, which allows Device 3 to broadcast an audible message related to a determined waterproof defect event including.

[0022] As described above, the at least one light source 4 is implemented to be useful, in particular, for displaying a visual message related to a determined waterproof defect event. Each light source 4 can correspond to any light-emitting element selected from a non-exhaustive and non-limiting list. The list is · A light-emitting capacitor or LEC, · Light-emitting diodes of the LED (light-emitting diode) type, OLED (organic light-emitting diode) type, AMOLED (active matrix organic light-emitting diode) type, or QLED (quantum light-emitting diode) type, · Any light-emitting material activated by a local electric field, · Any light-emitting material activated by an electric current, · Any combination of these light-emitting elements including.

[0023] It should be noted that the light source 4 may be a light source 4 capable of forming an area light source in a predetermined embodiment of the present invention. Thereby, a predetermined shape can be given to the area light source. Typically, although not exhaustive or limiting, a shape related to a graphic representation of numbers, letters, logos or text can be given. It should also be noted that the light source 4 can generate light of any color and / or in any direction.

[0024] In the determination device 3, the control module 23 is configured to be used for measuring humidity and / or measuring the pressure present in the enclosure of the case 19 of the wristwatch 1. The control module 23 can convert the measured humidity and / or pressure into an electrical signal.

[0025] The control module 23 includes a humidity sensor. The sensor is preferably a capacitive sensor typically made of a substrate such as glass, silicon or ceramic, on which a thin film of a hygroscopic polymer or metal oxide (e.g., aluminum oxide) is deposited between two conductive electrodes. The electrode on the side opposite to the substrate is made porous to allow the surrounding moisture to penetrate to the dielectric and, conversely, the moisture in the dielectric to penetrate to the surroundings. In one alternative embodiment, the sensor may be a resistive humidity sensor that utilizes, for example, the resistance characteristics of a hygroscopic polymer. It should be noted that in other alternative embodiments, the humidity sensor may be a combination of at least two of these sensors.

[0026] The control module 23 includes a pressure sensor. The sensor may be a piezoelectric sensor capable of converting physical pressure into an electrical signal. The pressure sensor may be any of a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or an optical sensor. It should be noted that in other alternative embodiments, the pressure sensor may be a combination of at least two of these sensors.

[0027] In this decision device 3, the stand-alone power supply unit 21 includes an electrical energy accumulator 6 and a photovoltaic module 5 including at least one photovoltaic cell, also referred to as a solar cell. The photovoltaic module 5 is connected to the electrical energy accumulator 6 via connection elements denoted by reference numerals 17b and 18 in FIGS. 3 and 5. The photovoltaic module 5 may include one or more unit cells of a heterojunction type or a multi-junction type connected in parallel or in series. Each photovoltaic cell of the module 5 may be made of a semiconductor material of copper-based, indium-based, gallium-based, and selenium-based, a cadmium telluride-based semiconductor material, a single-crystalline gallium arsenide-based semiconductor material, a single-crystalline or polycrystalline silicon-based semiconductor material, or a perovskite-based semiconductor material in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that these examples are not limiting, and those skilled in the art can find a type of photovoltaic cell suitable for the present invention.

[0028] In this decision device 3, a control unit 7, also referred to as a microcontroller, includes an electronic circuit 8. The electronic circuit 8 includes hardware resources, in particular, memory elements, and at least one processor cooperating with an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. The control unit 7 is connected to the reporting module 4, to the control module 23, and to the stand-alone power supply unit 21.

[0029] The memory element 4 of such a control unit 7 includes an algorithm for determining events related to a waterproof defect of the wristwatch.

[0030] It should be noted that such algorithms executed by the processor of the control unit 7 may also take into account other types of events based on data from the event sensors included in the decision device 3 in order to improve the determination of events related to the waterproof defect. These events may include, in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner, detection of a specific luminance level in the environment of the wristwatch 1, detection of a specific visual object, or detection of the temperature in the enclosure of the wristwatch 1. In this context, the event sensors of the decision device 3 may include, in particular, in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner, · a luminance sensor for detecting the ambient luminance level, · a temperature sensor, and / or · a photographic type optical sensor including.

[0031] Furthermore, when the reporting module 4 includes a plurality of light sources 4, its operation can be managed / controlled by the control unit 7 simultaneously and / or sequentially. Furthermore, each light source 4 is individually managed / controlled by this control unit 7. In this context, the management of the operation of each light source 4 can be configured in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner from performing the following operations, that is, sequential switching on or off, simultaneous switching on or off of two or more light sources 4, flashing of one or more light sources 4, the flashing frequency of each light source 4, the flashing time of each light source 4, and defining the switching on or off time of each light source 4.

[0032] The memory elements of such a control unit 7 may further include algorithms for managing the electrical energy accumulator 6, in particular algorithms for managing the recharge by the photovoltaic module 5, as well as algorithms for managing the electrical consumption of the control module 23 and the notification module.

[0033] As described above, the determination device 3 is thus included in the dials 2a, 2b. In this configuration, the components of this determination device 3, namely the reporting module 4, the electrical energy accumulator 6, the photovoltaic module 5, the control module 23, and the control unit 7, are included in one or more layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 forming the dials 2a, 2b.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the dials 2a, 2b are formed or constituted by a stack 9a, 9b of a plurality of thin layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and these layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 are joined and integrated together by a joining element such as an adhesive material in order to obtain a stack 9a, 9b of monolithic thin layers and thus form an integral dial 2a, 2b. The joining element may be a clip or a screw. Such layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 are superimposed within the stack 9a, 9b of multiple layers. That is, in the dials 2a, 2b, one is arranged on top of the other in a defined order. It should be noted that such a stack 9a, 9b of layers may also be referred to as an assembly of layers. In this stack 9a, 9b, the plurality of layers are substantially the same, having substantially the same upper and lower surfaces of the same area / surface, and thus contribute to the formation of the peripheral wall of the dial 2a, 2b without relief.

[0035] It should be noted that these thin layers are each layers having a micrometer thickness. Specifically, each layer may have a thickness of 1 to 100 μm, preferably 2 μm, more preferably 3 μm. With respect to the thickness of the dials 2a, 2b, this thickness may be 8 to 400 μm, preferably 6 μm, more preferably 12 μm, more preferably 100 μm, more preferably 200 μm, or more preferably 300 μm.

[0036] In addition to facilitating its integration in the case 19 of the wristwatch 1, such an integral dial 2a, 2b also has the additional advantage that it can be removably mounted on this case 19.

[0037] In a first alternative embodiment of the laminate 9a of this layer shown in FIG. 3, it is composed of the following four consecutive thin layers 10, 11, 12, 13. That is, · A first layer that forms / configures the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a including the control module 23 and / or the reporting module 4, · A second layer 11 including the photovoltaic module 5, · A third layer 12 including an electrical energy accumulator 6, also referred to as a rechargeable battery, and · A fourth layer 13 that forms the hidden surface 20b of the dial 2a including the control module 23 and / or the control unit 7.

[0038] The first layer 10 of the laminate 9a is preferably rigid or semi-rigid compared to the second, third, and fourth thin layers 11, 12, 13 which are preferably soft or flexible. It is understood that such a first layer 10 contributes to the structural rigidity of the laminate 9a of the thin layers and thus the dial 2a.

[0039] In this laminate 9a, the first, second, third, and fourth layers 10, 11, 12, and 13 each include an upper surface and a lower surface.

[0040] The first layer 10 is formed by a rigid or semi-rigid substrate that is transparent, translucent, at least partially transparent, or at least partially translucent. Such a substrate is made of a material with a transmittance (also known as UVT, "ultraviolet transmittance") to sunlight, especially ultraviolet light, between 65 and 95 percent. The transmittance is preferably 85 percent. Such a material may be transparent or translucent. Such materials may be, without limitation and non-exhaustively, polymers, glass, or ceramics.

[0041] As is understood in this context, the substrate · allows the light generated by the at least one light source to escape outside the dials 2a, 2b and thus outside the wristwatch 1, ·Light emitted from the environment of the wristwatch 1 (when this light is of natural origin, it includes solar radiation) is configured to be able to pass through the dials 2a, 2b in the direction of the photovoltaic module 5 of the communication device 3.

[0042] In other words, this transparent or translucent substrate is configured such that light (especially solar radiation) that can be supplied to the photovoltaic module 5 passes through, and the photovoltaic module 5 can convert solar energy from this radiation into electrical energy.

[0043] The first layer 10 further includes a reporting module 4 disposed on the main body of the substrate. In this configuration, the arrangement of the light source of the module 4 on the substrate is such that it ensures illumination of all or part of the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, for example, illumination of graphic representations such as reference elements (or displays) such as numbers, indices, lines, dots, etc., or illumination of one or more hands, and further illumination of all or part of the surface of the visible surface of the dial 2a. In an alternative embodiment, this light source 4 may have a predetermined shape such as the shape of a number, letter, index, line, dot, logo, or text.

[0044] When the light source 4 is disposed in a cavity defined in the substrate, the illumination can be backlight illumination or semi - direct illumination. Specifically, the cavity may be a blind opening made on the lower surface of this substrate. In this configuration, when the bottom of the cavity includes a graphic representation, the light radiation or light generated by the light source 4 can escape outside the dial 2a through the visible surface 20a of this dial 2a, and thus at least one graphic representation can be seen in the dark. Specifically, the light radiation escaping from the visible surface 20a outlines the contour of this graphic representation. In this context, this graphic representation included on the upper or lower surface of the substrate forming the first layer 10 is preferably opaque, non - transparent or non - transmissive.

[0045] When the illumination is such that the light source 4 is arranged in a cavity defined in the substrate, it can be direct illumination. The cavity may be a blind opening made in the lower surface of the substrate, and there is no graphic representation at its bottom. In such a configuration, the light emission or light generated by the light source 4 can escape through the bottom of the cavity towards the outside of the dial 2a, and thus can escape through the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a.

[0046] The illumination may also be direct illumination when the light source 4 is arranged in a through-opening extending through the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10, with both ends thereof opening to the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate respectively. In such a configuration, all or part of the light source 4 may protrude from the upper surface of the substrate, and thus from the first layer 10, or from the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, so as to form a graphic representation such as an index, a number, a dot, or a line.

[0047] Such illumination may also be remote illumination when the at least one light source 4b is coupled to at least one waveguide. The waveguide is also referred to as an optical guide and is used to convey light from the point where the light enters the guide to the substrate or to an area of the substrate close to the upper surface of the substrate (such as a cavity or a through-opening). Such an optical guide may be an optical fiber on the substrate that can bypass obstacles that may occur, for example, between an electroluminescent element and an area on the substrate close to the upper surface of the substrate, and light will escape through this optical fiber. In this alternative embodiment, the light is thus brought from the electroluminescent element via the waveguide to the area of the substrate to be irradiated.

[0048] In such a configuration, the first end of the waveguide is coupled to the light source 4, and the second end of the waveguide is · a cavity that may be a blind opening made in the lower surface of the substrate of the first layer 10, or · A through-opening extending through the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10, each end of which opens to the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate, and thus the first layer 10, respectively, may be disposed. That is, the second end may protrude from the upper surface of the substrate or the first layer 10, or from the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, to form a graphic representation of the dial 2a, such as a reference element such as an index, number, dot or line.

[0049] In this context, the indirect lighting is achieved by a single light source 4 included in the lower surface of the substrate of the first layer 10 by being coupled to a plurality of waveguides, and these second ends are · Each is a cavity that emits light radiation from this light source 4 (since this radiation escapes outside the dial 2a through the visible surface 20a, at least one graphic representation is allowed to be seen in the dark. In this context, this graphic representation included on the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a or the upper surface of the substrate is preferably opaque), and / or · Each is disposed in a through-opening that protrudes or does not protrude from the upper surface of the substrate to form a reference element such as an index, line or dot that emits light radiation from this light source 4.

[0050] In the first layer 10, the reporting module 4 is applied / fastened by printing or vapor deposition on the lower or upper surface of the substrate of the first layer 10 that is in the cavity or on the inner wall of the aforementioned through-opening. In other words, the light source of the module 4 is applied / fastened by printing or vapor deposition on the lower or upper surface of the substrate of the first layer 10 that is in the cavity or on the inner wall of the aforementioned through-opening.

[0051] In the first layer 10, the control module 23 is arranged within / on the substrate such that it can come into contact with the gaseous fluid, in this case air, enclosed within the enclosure of the case 19 of the wristwatch 1. The control module 23 may be arranged on or within the upper surface of the substrate forming the first layer 10. When arranged on the substrate, the control module 23 is arranged within a blind cavity formed in the upper surface, the cavity opening onto the surface. In an alternative embodiment, this may be arranged within a through-hole connecting the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate.

[0052] It should also be noted that the lower surface of the first layer 10 may be self - adhesive so as to be assemblable with the second layer 11.

[0053] In the laminate 9a, the second layer 11 includes a substrate provided with the photovoltaic module 5. Such a substrate is preferably flexible or soft. The substrate of the second layer 11 may be a film on which the photovoltaic module 5 is arranged, or may be made of a material belonging to the polymer family.

[0054] In the second layer 11, the photovoltaic module 5 extends preferentially over the entire so - called active area of the upper surface of the substrate. The active area is a part of the upper surface of the substrate that can receive light from the lower surface of the first layer 10 of the dial 2a. The light that has passed through all or part of the first layer 10 is derived from the external environment of the dial 2a and thus of the wristwatch 1, in this case mainly, in the case of natural origin, from sunlight rays.

[0055] It should be noted that the photovoltaic module 5 is applied to the upper surface of this substrate using an ink - jet printing or screen - printing process, or using a thermal evaporation printing process. Here, reference is also made to the second layer 11 including the printed photovoltaic module 5, particularly the photovoltaic module 5 printed on the substrate of the second layer 11.

[0056] It should be noted that once the photovoltaic module 5 is applied to the substrate, a layer of self - adhesive material may be deposited on all or part of the upper and / or lower surfaces of the substrate. In these situations, the second layer 11 can be a self - adhesive layer that helps facilitate the assembly with other layers, particularly the first layer 10 and / or the third layer 12 of the laminate 9a.

[0057] In the laminate 9a, the third layer 12 preferably further includes a flexible or soft substrate. The substrate includes the electrical energy accumulator 6 of the self - determination device 3. The substrate of the third layer 12 can be a film on which the accumulator 6 is disposed. Such a substrate can be made of a material belonging to the polymer family.

[0058] The accumulator 6 can be a lithium battery or a semiconductor battery. Such a battery 6 is applied to the upper surface of the substrate using a process known in the prior art as follows. That is, · A printing process on a flexible polymer substrate (which is involved in, for example, lithium - ion batteries), or · A three - dimensional printing process (which is involved in semiconductor batteries such as lithium - metal semiconductor batteries).

[0059] Here, mention is also made of the third layer 12 including the printed electrical energy accumulator 6, particularly the electrical energy accumulator 6 printed on the substrate of the third layer 12.

[0060] By such a process, a flexible and extremely thin third layer 12 including this accumulator 6 can be obtained.

[0061] Furthermore, it should be noted that once the accumulator 6 is applied to the substrate, a layer of self - adhesive substance may be deposited on all or part of the upper and / or lower surfaces of this substrate. In these situations, the third layer 12 can be a self - adhesive layer that helps facilitate the assembly with other layers, particularly the second layer 11 and / or the fourth layer 13 of the laminate 9a.

[0062] It should be noted that the accumulator 6 is used to store the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic module 5 and to discharge it as required to supply power to the decision device 3, the reporting module 4, and the control module 23.

[0063] In the laminate 9a, the fourth and final layer 13 forms the hidden surface of the dial 2a. Such a fourth layer 13 is formed by a preferably flexible or soft substrate including the control unit 7. Such a substrate for the fourth layer 13 may be, for example, a flexible PCB on which the control unit 7 is disposed, and the control unit 7 is disposed on the upper surface of the PCB, and thus of the substrate. In this context, the control unit 7 may be constructed on the upper surface of the substrate using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process.

[0064] In the fourth and final layer 13, the control module 23 is disposed within / on the substrate such that it can contact the gaseous fluid, in this case air, enclosed within the enclosure of the case 19 of the wristwatch 1. The control module 23 may be disposed on or within the lower surface of the substrate forming the fourth layer 13. When disposed on the substrate, the control module 23 is disposed in a blind cavity formed in the lower surface, and the cavity opens to the surface. In an alternative embodiment, this may be disposed in a through-hole connecting the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate.

[0065] In a second alternative embodiment, the laminate 9b forming the dial 2b includes three thin layers 10, 11, 14 joined together. It should be noted that this second alternative embodiment differs from the first alternative embodiment in that it includes three layers 10, 11, 14 instead of four layers 10, 11, 12, 13 as in the first alternative embodiment. In this second alternative embodiment, the electrical energy accumulator 6 of the autonomous decision device 3 is here included in the third and final layer 14 of the laminate 9b together with the control unit 7.

[0066] When such a third and final layer 14 of the laminate 9b forms the hidden face of the dial 2b and preferably consists of a flexible or soft substrate. On this substrate, preferably on the upper face of the substrate, a battery 6 and an electronic circuit 8 constituting a control unit 7 are constructed. The accumulator 6 and the control unit 7 may be constructed on this upper face of the substrate using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process. It should be noted that such a substrate may be, for example, a flexible PCB.

[0067] In this third and final layer 14 of this second alternative embodiment, the control module 23 is arranged within / on the substrate so as to be able to come into contact with a gaseous fluid, in this case air, enclosed in the enclosure of the case 19 of the wristwatch 1. The control module 23 may be arranged on the lower face or within the lower face of the substrate forming the final layer 14. When arranged on the substrate, the control module 23 is arranged in a blind cavity formed in the lower face, and the cavity opens to the surface. In an alternative embodiment, this may be arranged in a through-hole connecting the upper and lower faces of the substrate.

[0068] In summary, in this second alternative embodiment, the laminate 9b comprises · a first layer forming the visible face 20a of the dial 2a containing said at least one control module 23 and / or reporting module 4, · a second layer 11 containing a photovoltaic module 5, · a third layer 14 forming the hidden face 20b of the dial 2b containing said control module 23 and / or accumulator 6 and control unit 7 and.

[0069] It should be noted that in this second alternative embodiment, the first and second layers 10, 11 are the same as those of the first alternative embodiment of the laminate 9a.

[0070] Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the electronic circuit 8 of the control unit 7 includes a first connection element 15a, which · A reporting module 4 for broadcasting messages related to specifically determined waterproofing defect events for managing the operation of this module 4 is connected to a connection element 16 that is connected to a control module 23 used to determine waterproofing defect events.

[0071] The electronic circuit 8 further includes a second connection element 15b connected to a first connection element 17a of the accumulator 6.

[0072] Furthermore, it should be noted that the event sensors of the above-described determination device 3 are preferably arranged in the first layer 10 and / or the final layers 13, 14 of the plurality of layers of the stack 9a, 9b and are connected to the control unit 7 of the device 3.

[0073] In a third alternative embodiment (not shown), the stack of a plurality of thin layers forming the dial includes two mutually connected layers. It should be noted that the difference between this third alternative embodiment and the second alternative embodiment is that it includes two layers instead of the three layers 10, 11, 14 as in the second alternative embodiment. In this third alternative embodiment, the photovoltaic module 5 of the self-determination device 3 is now included in the first layer, particularly on the lower surface of the substrate forming the first layer. The photovoltaic module 5 can be applied to the lower surface of the substrate of this first layer using an inkjet printing process or a screen printing process, or using a thermal evaporation printing process. Therefore, the first layer is similar to the first layer 11 of the first and second alternative embodiments, but it should be noted that in this third alternative embodiment, the first layer additionally includes a photovoltaic module.

[0074] In a third alternative embodiment, similar to the second alternative embodiment, the electrical energy accumulator 6 of the autonomous decision device 3 is included, together with the control unit 7, in the second and final layer of the laminate. Such a second layer forming the hidden face of the dial preferably consists of a flexible or soft substrate. On the preferably upper surface of the substrate, the battery 6 and the electronic circuit 8 constituting the control unit 7 are constructed. The accumulator 6 and the control unit 7 may be constructed on the upper surface of the substrate using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process. It should be noted that such a substrate may be, for example, a flexible PCB.

[0075] In summary, in this third alternative embodiment, the multi-layer laminate thus · a first layer forming the visible face 20a of the dial including the control module 23 and / or the reporting module 4 and the photovoltaic module 5, and · a second layer forming the hidden face 20b of the dial including the control module 23 and / or the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7 is included.

[0076] In the final layers 13, 14 of the various alternative embodiments, the control module 23 is applied / fastened by printing or vapor deposition to the lower or upper surface of the substrate of these layers, in the cavity, or on the inner wall of the aforementioned through-opening.

[0077] That is, in the dials 2a, 2b, the decision device 3 includes a control module 23 that performs at least one measurement of the moisture present in the gaseous fluid enclosed in the case 19 of the wristwatch 1. This at least one measurement is transmitted in the form of data by the control module 23 to the control unit 7. The control unit 7 processes these data based on an algorithm for determining events related to waterproofing defects of the wristwatch. By such processing, a waterproofing defect event is · by comparing the at least one humidity measurement value, or the average value of a sample of a plurality of humidity measurement values, with a humidity threshold, and / or ·By comparing the variation of the humidity measurement values implemented during a given period with the threshold variation value identification is allowed.

[0078] In this context, as soon as an event leading to a waterproofing defect is determined, the control unit 7 generates visual, vibratory, and / or audible messages by controlling / driving the reporting module 4.

[0079] Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various simple alternatives and modifications that do not depart from the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims can be conceived by those skilled in the art.

Claims

**Claim 1** A dial (2a, 2b) of a wristwatch (1), said dial comprising an autonomous device (3) for determining an event related to a waterproofing defect of said wristwatch (1), said dial (2a, 2b) comprising a visible face (20a) and a hidden face (20b), said dial (2a, 2b) being formed by a laminate (9a, 9b) of thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of material extending between these two faces (20a, 20b), said layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) each being a functional element comprised in said device (3). - A control module (23) for checking the waterproofness of said wristwatch (1); - A module (4) for reporting a waterproofing defect event; - A stand-alone power supply unit (21); - A control unit (7) for managing the operation of said reporting module (4) and said control module (23). A dial (2a, 2b) comprising one or more of the above. **Claim 2** The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein said control module (23) comprises at least one humidity sensor and / or at least one pressure sensor. **Claim 3** The reporting module comprises - At least one element capable of generating an optical signal (4); - At least one element capable of generating a vibration signal, and / or - At least one element capable of generating an acoustic signal. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1. **Claim 4** The laminate (9a, 9b) of thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of material comprises a first layer (10) provided with said visible face (20a) of said dial (2a, 2b), said first layer (10) comprising said control module (23) and said reporting module (4). The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1. **Claim 5** The control module (23) is arranged in a cavity formed in said hidden face of said dial (2a, 2b). The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1. **Claim 6** The first layer (10) is configured such that light radiation, in particular solar radiation, can pass through it completely or partially. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1. **Claim 7** The first layer (10) is wholly or partially transparent or translucent. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1. **Claim 8** The laminate (9a, 9b) of the thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of the material includes a second layer (11) provided with the photovoltaic module (5) constituting the stand-alone power supply unit (21), the front panel (2a, 2b) according to claim 1.

9. The second layer (11) includes a substrate on which the photovoltaic module (5) is printed, the front panel (2a, 2b) according to claim 1.

10. The laminate (9a, 9b) of the thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of the material includes a second layer (11) provided with the photovoltaic module (5) constituting the stand-alone power supply unit (21), and the photovoltaic module (5) is disposed in the effective area of the second layer (11), and the area is configured to receive the light emission emitted from the first layer (10) of the laminate (9a, 9b) of the thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of the material, the front panel (2a, 2b) according to claim 1.

11. The laminate (9a) of the thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13) includes a third layer (12) provided with the electrical energy accumulator (6) constituting the stand-alone power supply unit (21), the front panel (2a) according to claim 1.

12. The laminate (9a) includes a third layer (12) provided with the electrical energy accumulator (6) constituting the stand-alone power supply unit (21), and the third layer (12) includes a substrate on which the electrical energy accumulator (6) is printed, the front panel (2a) according to claim 1.

13. The laminate (9a) includes a fourth layer (13) forming the hidden surface (20b) of the front panel (2a) including the control unit (7), the front panel (2a) according to claim 1.

14. The laminate (9b) of the thin layers (10, 11, 14) includes a third layer (14) including the hidden surface (20b) of the front panel (2b) provided with the control unit (7), and the electrical energy accumulator (6) constituting the stand-alone power supply unit (21), the front panel (2b) according to claim 1.

15. The first layer (10) is rigid as compared with the other flexible layers (11, 12, 13, 14) in the laminate (9a, 9b) of the thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of the material, the front panel (2a, 2b) according to claim 1.

16. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the gaseous fluid is air containing water vapor.

17. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the visible surface and the hidden surface (20a, 20b) are flat or domed.

18. A wristwatch (1) including the dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1.

19. The wristwatch (1) according to claim 18, including a mechanical, electric or electro-mechanical timepiece movement.

Images