Variable watch parts

Abstract

To provide a clock component that is simple and can achieve attractive aesthetic effect.SOLUTION: A clock component 1 for a clock includes a first section 10 and a second section 20. The first section comprises a portion made of at least one opaque material at least partially superposed on an upper portion of the second section. The second section includes a material capable of emitting at least one emission wave when excited by at least one excitation light wave. The portion of the first section includes a structure state 13 allowing a light emission wave emitted by the second section to at least partially transmit toward an outside of the clock component so that the clock component exhibits at least first appearance during a daytime and at least one different second appearance at night when the first section is irradiated with backlight by the light emission wave emitted by the second section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a variable timepiece component, which may be a dial, a dial counter, a scale (hour markers, number markers or other markers), a bezel disc or, more generally, a decorative plate. The present invention also relates to a timepiece, such as a wristwatch, that includes such a variable timepiece component. [Background technology]

[0002] There are currently watch components, particularly dials, whose aesthetics change depending on the lightness to create a decorative effect. Such watch components traditionally include a coating of luminous varnish. Complex construction leading to complex manufacturing processes, difficult handling, limited use and / or high overall costs; and / or Expression is limited from an aesthetic point of view, It presents drawbacks such as: [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2730636 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The overall object of the present invention is to provide a solution for variable timepiece parts that does not have all or some of the drawbacks of the prior art and that forms an improvement over existing solutions.

[0005] More specifically, one of the aims of the present invention is to provide a solution for variable timepiece components that is simple and allows for the achievement of attractive aesthetic effects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Therefore, the present invention relates to a timepiece component for a watch, said component comprising a first part and a second part, said first part comprising at least one location made of at least one opaque material at least partially superimposed on top of said second part, said second part comprising a material capable of emitting at least one luminescent wave when excited by at least one excitation light wave, said at least one location of said first part comprising a structural state that allows said timepiece component to at least partially transmit the luminescent waves emitted by said second part towards the outside of the timepiece component, such that said timepiece component exhibits at least a first appearance during the day and at least one different second appearance during the night, when said first part is backlit by the luminescent waves emitted by said second part.

[0007] The timepiece part may be a dial, a dial counter, a scale (hour markers, number markers, or other markers), a bezel disc, or a decorative plate.

[0008] The invention also relates to the timepiece itself, in particular a wristwatch, which includes said timepiece component.

[0009] The invention is more particularly defined by the claims.

[0010] The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of specific non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a variable timepiece part according to a first alternative of a first embodiment of the invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a variable timepiece part according to another first alternative of the first embodiment of the invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a variable timepiece part according to yet another first alternative of the first embodiment of the invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a variable timepiece part according to yet another first alternative of the first embodiment of the invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a variable timepiece part according to a second alternative of the first embodiment of the invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a variable timepiece part according to a first particular alternative of the second embodiment of the invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of a detail of FIG. [Figure 8a] FIG. 8a illustrates the daytime appearance of a variable timepiece part according to a first particular alternative of the second embodiment of the invention. [Figure 8b] FIG. 8b illustrates the nighttime appearance of the variable timepiece part according to the first particular alternative of the second embodiment of the invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a variable timepiece part according to yet another first alternative of the second embodiment of the invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a variable timepiece part according to yet another first alternative of the second embodiment of the invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a variable timepiece part according to yet another first alternative of the second embodiment of the invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a variable timepiece part according to a second particular alternative of the second embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] For purposes of discussion, the same reference numbers are used to denote the same or equivalent features in various embodiments.

[0013] Also, to simplify the following description, the adjective "external" is used to refer to a volume or surface of a timepiece component that is intended to face towards the outside of the timepiece, including in particular volumes or surfaces that are directly visible to an observer looking at the timepiece. Conversely, the adjective "internal" is used to refer to a volume or surface of a timepiece component that is intended to face towards the inside of the timepiece, in contrast to other volumes or surfaces of the same timepiece component that face towards the outside.

[0014] Furthermore, the adjective "opaque" is used to refer to the property of a material when the material in question actually has a transmission of less than 10% of optical radiation, including wavelengths in at least the visible and / or ultraviolet regions of the spectrum. "Opaque material" is considered to mean a material whose properties, when combined with the thickness used, form an opaque barrier to the optical radiation. As explained in detail below, in embodiments of the present invention, a first portion of material is opaque with respect to the wavelengths of light that excite other materials in a second portion, or with respect to the wavelengths of light waves emitted by the other excited materials. Note: The same material may be opaque when used at a certain thickness and non-opaque when used at a thinner thickness. The same term "opaque material" is used in the plural for structures that include a combination of several materials that meet the conditions explained above for the definition of "opaque material." The term "opaque area" or "opaque portion" is used to refer to a localized area of ​​a component formed of at least one opaque material, which reacts to radiation in the manner described above and ultimately prevents any visual effects of light waves passing through the opaque area or portion.

[0015] The adjective "transparent" is used to refer to a material or portion of a component that is not opaque, thus encompassing fully transparent embodiments and partially transparent embodiments, such as translucent or translucent. The adjective "transparent" is used to refer to the property of a material when the material in question actually has a transmission of 10% or more of optical radiation, including wavelengths in at least the visible and / or ultraviolet regions of the spectrum. A "transparent material" is considered to mean a material whose properties, when combined with the thickness used, permit at least partial transmission of said optical radiation. As explained in more detail below, in embodiments of the present invention, all or part of a material in a first portion is transparent with respect to the wavelength of light that excites another material in a second portion and / or with respect to the wavelength of the light waves emitted by said other excited material. Note: The same material may be transparent when used at a certain thickness and non-transparent when used at a greater thickness. The same term "transparent material" is used in the plural for structures that include an arrangement of several combinations of materials that meet the conditions explained above with respect to the definition of "transparent material." The term "transparent area" or "transparent spot" is used to refer to a localized portion of a component that is formed of at least one transparent material and reacts in the above-mentioned manner with respect to radiation, ultimately allowing any visual effects of light waves passing through said transparent area or spot. As will be explained in more detail below, said transparent spot can be obtained using at least one transparent material or, advantageously, using at least one transparent material in combination with a particular structural condition.

[0016] All embodiments of the present invention are based on the use of a portion within a clock component that is capable of emitting light when exposed to, or when exposed to, illumination of a specific wavelength range, particularly from external lighting or other suitable excitation sources. This is because the portion is made of a material that is, among other things, phosphorescent and / or fluorescent. For this reason, the term "excitation light waves" is used to refer to illumination of a wavelength range that allows the portion to be excited to emit light or illumination. In practice, this wavelength range refers to all or part of the wavelengths corresponding to the ultraviolet and visible portions of the spectrum. Finally, the term "emission waves" is used to refer to any illumination or emission spectrum emitted by a component after exposure to excitation light waves, particularly at night or under reduced light conditions, that produces a visible effect for an observer looking at the associated clock component. Note: For simplicity, the two opposing conditions are referred to as day / night, but the term "night" is not limited to completely dark conditions but is expanded to include the partially dark period between near day and night.

[0017] Note: The excitation light wave may come from outside and reach the second part after passing through the first part. Alternatively, the excitation light wave may be emitted by any other means, in particular by an internal light source. For example, the excitation light wave may be emitted by a light source including an LED, located inside the watch, below the second part.

[0018] Some embodiments of the invention will be described below in terms of timepiece components intended for timepieces.

[0019] Said timepiece component 1 may for example be a dial for a timepiece, in particular for a wristwatch, comprising at least one first part 10 made of an opaque material and at least one second part 20 made of a material that is capable of emitting luminescent waves, in particular by phosphorescence and / or fluorescence, when exposed or when exposed to excitation light waves of a certain range of frequencies.

[0020] The first part 10 comprises at least one structural state 13 that enables the second part 20 to be at least partially transparent when exposed to lighting, in particular external lighting, such that the light emitted by the second part 20 can produce a visual effect that is visible to an observer looking at the timepiece part. In other words, the first part comprises at least one opaque material that would be opaque without the structural state.

[0021] A "structure" may be any opening formed in the surface or thickness of the first portion. Thus, the term opening 13 may be used to refer to structure 13. The opening may be a blind hole, an open end, a through hole, or internal porosity within the thickness of the first portion. The opening may be a micro- or nano-aperture, preferably of sufficiently small dimensions to be invisible or virtually invisible to the naked eye during daylight hours. Alternatively, the opening may have larger, visible dimensions to be intentionally visible. The opening may also contribute to a decorative effect during daylight hours. Alternatively, a blind hole may be formed in a non-visible surface to be intentionally invisible. The opening does not contribute to a decorative effect during daylight hours. In all cases, the opening, whether entirely through or not, may have any cross-section, not necessarily circular. The cross-section may be effectively square or star-shaped, for example, or may have any other suitable shape.

[0022] Alternatively, the structural condition may be at least a localized modification, through all or part of the thickness of the first part, to the transparency properties of the material of which the first part is made.

[0023] Said structure may be obtained in particular by means of any conventional machining technique or by laser machining, in particular by femtosecond laser machining or deep reactive ion etching (DRIE), or else by chemical etching.

[0024] A first embodiment of the invention will now be described in terms of a timepiece component intended for a timepiece.

[0025] According to a first embodiment, the first part 10 takes the form of a massive part. The first part comprises an outer surface 11 intended to face the outside of the watch and visible or partially visible to the observer. The first part also comprises an opposite, parallel or substantially parallel inner surface 12 that is not visible to the observer. The first part may have a thickness of 2 mm or less, or a thickness of 0.05 mm to 2 mm. A part is considered massive, in particular if, when considered independently of other parts, it constitutes a solid body that does not require structural mechanical supports to support it without deforming it.

[0026] The first portion may be formed from one or more materials selected from the following non-exhaustive list: some nacre, especially black; some fossil material; tortoiseshell; manganese calcite; lepidolite; petrified wood; coral; amber; pearls; ivory; metals or metal alloys such as platinum or ferrite or meteorite; engineering ceramics based on zirconia and / or alumina, whether coloured or not; gemstones; minerals; stones or precious materials of organic origin; sphalerite; fluorite; agate; alexandrite; amethyst; anatase; aventuri quartz; chalcedony; chrysoberyl; green chalcedony; citrine; jasper; tiger's eye; opal; quartz; spinel; aragonite; azurite; malachite; crimsonite; apatite; lazulite; turquoise; blue gemstone; beryl; tourmaline; obsidian; or snowflake obsidian.

[0027] According to a first alternative of the first embodiment, the second part 20 takes the form of a massive part. Such a second part advantageously comprises a massive structure containing luminescent material distributed throughout its volume. The advantage of said second part is that it contains a large amount of luminescent material, which allows it to emit more light, and it has sufficient rigidity to give it mechanical properties that allow it to be used as a mechanical support for the structure. The second part may have a substantially constant thickness, on average, between 0.01 mm and 5 mm. The second part may have a thickness of 1 mm or less. 2 Surface area of ​​more than 0.01cm 2 Over 15cm2 It may have a surface area of: The second part may also be a plate made of fluorescent and / or phosphorescent ceramic, in particular a composite ceramic based on yttrium-stabilized zirconia and Dy / Eu-doped strontium aluminate, advantageously made of "luminescent zirconia", as disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,699,399.

[0028] The advantage of this second part is that it has sufficient rigidity, giving it mechanical properties that allow it to be used as a mechanical support for the structure. Thus, the second part may form the mechanical support for the first part and / or the support that allows the timepiece component to be mounted in the timepiece. Finally, the second part may have the dual role of illuminating at night, i.e., capable of generating luminous waves, and supporting the first part of the timepiece component. Through this mechanical property, the second part allows the timepiece component to be formed from only two sub-components, thus maximizing the simplification of the timepiece component.

[0029] Thus, according to a first alternative of the first embodiment, the two parts 10, 20 of the timepiece part take the form of two separate massive or solid elements assembled together. Figure 1 illustrates one particular way of implementing said timepiece part, which is provided with only two separate massive or solid parts assembled together, for example by joining.

[0030] More specifically, the watch component is provided with a first part 10 including structural features 13 in the form of several through-holes. The purpose of these through-holes is to make the first part at least partially transparent. To this end, the first part may include a sufficient number of openings to obtain a visible backlighting effect provided by the luminescent material present in the second part. The through-holes are therefore sufficient to allow the transmission of excitation light waves coming from the outside to the second part, and, on the other hand, the transmission of light waves emitted by the second part following excitation of the second part. More specifically, the first part is made at least partially transparent to wavelengths that allow the excitation and emission of the luminescent material present in the second part. This means that at least certain wavelengths within the range allowing the excitation of the luminescent material specifically used pass through the first part with sufficient efficiency for the luminescent material to reach the required level of excitation, and conversely, at least certain wavelengths within the emission range of the same luminescent material pass through the first part with sufficient efficiency to reach the required emission level and to obtain a visual effect, particularly at night.

[0031] The openings 13 in the first part are, in this case, preferably fully penetrating micro-apertures or fully penetrating nano-apertures, with dimensions sufficiently small that they are indistinguishable from the naked eye. For example, these openings have a substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter of 60 μm or less, since it is generally accepted that the naked eye can perceive details of this size from a distance of 20 cm. In other words, for these through-apertures to be invisible during the day, their dimensions are preferably smaller than the maximum resolving power of the eye under standard conditions for a small watch. The resolving power of the eye is approximately one arc minute. Finally, due to two properties of the micro-apertures in this embodiment, even if the first part is made of an opaque material, they allow the second part 20 to be exposed to illumination, particularly external illumination, and allow the light emitted by the second part 20 to generate a visible visual effect for an observer looking at the watch component.

[0032] Of course, the quantity of apertures 13, their respective dimensions, and their distribution represent a compromise reached based on the desired aesthetic result. In particular, the shape, arrangement, and density of the structural elements depend on the desired effect in terms of the resulting pattern and / or level of afterglow, depending on whether a momentary decorative effect or a display lasting several hours is desired. This compromise also depends on the luminescent material selected for the second portion. Thus, the number of possibilities is very large. However, it should be noted that microapertures equivalent to open-ended or completely through cylinders with diameters of 100 microns or less, or even 60 microns or less, and diameters of about 250 nm or greater, whose small dimensions physically allow the passage of excitation and / or emission waves, are sufficient to achieve the desired goal. Of course, the apertures may have any dimensions suitable for the passage of excitation and / or emission waves.

[0033] Of course, an equivalent, additional or alternative visual effect can be achieved by using at least one blind hole deep enough to allow the passage of excitation and emission waves through the remaining material. The at least one opening may be formed starting from the outer surface of the first part or starting from the inner surface. The opening may have straight or sloping sides. Optionally, the opening may contain optical means such as optical fibers or may be filled with any at least partially transparent material.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, the first portion may include structural conditions that at least locally modify the transparency properties of the material from which the first portion is made. In other words, various structural conditions may be combined to produce a desired visual effect. For example, Figure 2 illustrates one particular way of implementing a part of a first alternative of the first embodiment, in which a first portion is provided that includes both a through opening 13 and a stop opening 15.

[0035] Furthermore, the structure may be uniform. In particular, all openings may be identical and evenly distributed over the entire surface of the first part to create a uniform effect. Alternatively, the distribution and / or shape may vary within the first part to create a non-uniform effect, giving different visual effects. For example, the watch part may include stop openings of gradually varying depths based on a gradient. This makes it possible to see gradual changes in luminous intensity depending on the area of ​​the watch part.

[0036] Alternatively, as in the implementation illustrated in Figure 1, the distribution of the apertures is not uniform, but they are positioned to form a design that is perceptible at night, which is revealed by backlighting by the luminescent second portion. In this case, the apertures serve a dual role: making the first portion at least partially transparent, and at the same time, forming an aesthetic design, i.e., a decoration visible at night. According to one advantageous embodiment, the design may be, for example, a pattern that not only provides decoration, but also provides some kind of indication or information that is visible at night.

[0037] In the particular configuration shown in FIG. 1 , the first portion 10 defines the daytime aesthetic of the watch component. In this case, an observer cannot see through the first portion. During the day, the observer sees the watch component as if it were made up of only the first portion without any openings. The resulting watch component is thus variable in that it has at least a first daytime appearance that substantially corresponds to the appearance of the first portion, and at least a second nighttime appearance in which the first portion is backlit by visible luminous waves emitted by the second portion. Thus, there exists a level of darkness, particularly partial darkness, above which a difference between at least the first and at least the second appearances is visible. Furthermore, the backlighting may vary with the intensity of the luminous waves emitted by the second portion diminishing over time. Thus, the nighttime appearance of the component may change gradually.

[0038] In an alternative scenario where all or some of the apertures are visible during the day, such apertures contribute to the daytime aesthetic of the timepiece component. Furthermore, the nighttime aesthetic of the timepiece component is the aesthetic of the first portion backlit by light emitted by the second portion. Thus, the resulting timepiece component has at least one first appearance during the day and at least one second appearance during the night, and is a variable timepiece component because the first and second appearances are different.

[0039] In a first alternative of the first embodiment, the two parts of the timepiece part take the form of two separate solid elements that are assembled together. The assembly of the two parts of the part is achieved, for example, by bonding. Alternatively, the assembly of the two parts of the timepiece part may be achieved by capillary adhesion. The assembly advantageously allows the two parts to be fixed in a more or less detachable manner. Alternatively, the two parts may be assembled by riveting, setting or driving in auxiliary mechanical means. For example, the two parts may be brought into contact and held together by a mechanical bond.

[0040] In a particular implementation of the timepiece component according to the first alternative of the first embodiment, a third part may be provided to modify or enhance the visual effect produced by the second part of the timepiece component and to modify the daytime and / or nighttime aesthetics of the timepiece component. This third part may be interposed between the first and second parts. For example, this third part may take the form of a mask that limits the transmission of light, whatever the structural state of the first part present thereon. This third part may also take the form of a layer, for example a fluorescent layer excitable by the second part. Advantageously, this third part may be intended to contribute to the function of assembling the first and second parts of the timepiece component.

[0041] 3 illustrates one way of implementing said clock element. A third part 30 is interposed between two first parts around the periphery of the first parts to form a skirt including an inward extension 32 intended for fastening the clock element. In the middle, the two parts 10, 20 are separated by a space 5 corresponding to the thickness of the third part 30, overlapping but not touching. Advantageously, said third part thus makes it possible to modify the daytime and / or nighttime aesthetics of the clock element by keeping the first and second parts at a certain distance apart.

[0042] 4 illustrates another way of implementing the watch part, in which the third part 30 takes the form of a decorative mask contained between the two parts 10, 20 of the watch part. The mask may be opaque and may have openings 31 that allow the passage of excitation and emission waves, possibly forming a decorative design. Advantageously, the third part thus makes it possible to modify the daytime and / or nighttime aesthetics of the watch part. Advantageously, the third part may also include optical means for modifying the backlight from the second part, such as optical fibers. Alternatively, the third part may take the form of a layer, in particular a translucent layer, for example a translucent fluorescent layer excitable by the second part.

[0043] In a second alternative to the first embodiment, the second part 20 does not take the form of a solid part and / or does not perform the mechanical support function described above. The second part may take any form that allows it to perform an illumination function, based on any luminescent, phosphorescent and / or fluorescent material or other material. For example, the second part may take the form of a varnish applied underneath the first part 10, i.e., on the inner surface 12 of the first part 10. Figure 5 illustrates such an implementation, for example, for a watch part.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the second part may take the form of a varnish applied to an opening formed in the interior surface 12 of the first part.

[0045] For this reason, the timepiece part may take the form of a unitary timepiece part rather than two separate elements assembled in a more or less detachable manner.

[0046] Further alternatively, the second part may take the form of a varnish applied to an element separate from and located below the first part, for example a support part in the form of a massive element, advantageously having sufficient rigidity to provide mechanical properties that can be used as a mechanical support in the structure.

[0047] The support part may thus form a mechanical support for the first and second parts and / or a support that allows the watch part to be mounted in a watch.

[0048] In a specific implementation of the timepiece element according to the second alternative of the first embodiment, a third part may be provided to modify or sublimate the effect emitted by the second part of the timepiece element, i.e., to modify the daytime and / or nighttime aesthetics of the timepiece element. This third part may be interposed between the first and second parts. This third part may, for example, take the form of a mask that limits the transmission of light, whatever the structural state of the first part present thereon. This third part may also take the form of a layer, in particular a translucent layer, for example a translucent fluorescent layer excitable by the second part. Advantageously, this third part may be intended to contribute to the function of assembling the first and second parts of the timepiece element.

[0049] According to a second embodiment, the first part 10 takes the form of a coating applied to the second part 20. The thickness of the coating is such that the coating material is opaque. The structural features 13 are, for example, micro- or nano-apertures provided in the coating, as described above. The coating may be made of metal, metal alloy, polymer, lacquer, varnish, enamel, ceramic, glass-ceramic, or hybrid material. The coating may be applied by any means, for example, physically by physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemically by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), by electrolytic layer deposition (ALD), by spraying (which allows the liquid to be vaporized into fine droplets by air pressure), using a sol-gel process, etc. Any other method for applying the coating known to those skilled in the art is also contemplated.

[0050] According to a first alternative of the second embodiment, the second portion 20 takes the form of a block portion. Such a block portion advantageously comprises a block structure containing a luminescent material distributed throughout its entire volume. Such a block portion may have a substantially constant thickness between 0.01 mm and 5 mm on average. Such a block portion may be a plate made of a luminescent ceramic, advantageously luminescent zirconia.

[0051] The advantage of this second part is that it has sufficient rigidity to provide mechanical properties that allow it to be used as a mechanical support in a structure. Thus, the second part may form the mechanical support for the first part and / or the support that allows the timepiece part to be mounted in a timepiece. Finally, the second part may have the dual role of being luminous at night, i.e. capable of generating luminous waves, and of supporting the first part of the timepiece part. Through its mechanical properties, it is possible to create a timepiece part that comprises only two parts. This simplifies the timepiece part as much as possible.

[0052] Thus, according to a first alternative of the second embodiment, the first part takes the form of a coating applied to the external surface of the second part, and the timepiece part according to the first alternative of the second embodiment therefore takes the form of an integral timepiece part, rather than two separate elements assembled in a more or less detachable manner.

[0053] Figure 6 illustrates a particular method of implementing a watch component according to a first alternative of the second embodiment, in which, as previously mentioned, the coating is provided with a structure 13 based on micro-apertures, which is shown enlarged in Figure 7.

[0054] 8a and 8b illustrate a specific method for implementing a watch part according to a first alternative of the second embodiment, which includes a first portion 10 formed of a gray shading on an opaque layer of 100 nm thick titanium, which forms a coating on a second portion 20 made of bulk luminescent zirconia. The titanium layer is perforated, in particular using a femtosecond laser, with the degree of perforation gradually increasing to form a gray shading that is perceptible to an observer in the daytime. More specifically, the titanium layer includes micro-apertures, the density of which varies locally. FIG. 8a illustrates the watch part during the day, with a shaded, metallic gray appearance, while FIG. 8b illustrates the same watch part at night, with a luminescent appearance whose luminescence intensity varies according to the shade. Alternatively, the titanium layer may be thinned using a femtosecond laser, with the degree of ablation gradually increasing. This forms a gray shading that may or may not be perceptible to an observer in the daytime, providing the aesthetic effect illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 8b. Here, "ablation" means at least a local thinning of the coating forming the first portion 10.

[0055] FIG. 9 illustrates another particular way of implementing a timepiece part according to a first alternative of the second embodiment, in which the second part 20 has an internal extension 24 to facilitate its fixation.

[0056] 10 illustrates another specific way of implementing a watch component according to a first alternative of the second embodiment, in which the first part 10 takes the form of an opaque platinum coating on a massive second part 20 containing a luminescent material such as luminescent zirconia. The first part includes micro-apertures (not shown) and a macroscopic aperture 13, which forms a decoration visible in daylight. All or part of the macroscopic aperture may optionally be filled with at least one second coating, which may constitute a decoration or lettering. The openings can be achieved by localized deposition or by using masking when depositing the coating.

[0057] FIG. 11 illustrates another specific way of implementing a timepiece element according to a first alternative of the second embodiment. The timepiece element includes a third part 30 in the form of a solid part that serves as the base of the timepiece element, and includes, for example, feet 34 for fastening to a timepiece, e.g., a timepiece movement. The second part 20 includes several distinct solid portions that are contained in cavities in the external surface of the third part 30 and that contain a luminous material, such as luminous zirconia, distributed throughout its volume. The external surfaces of the second and third parts are substantially flush with each other and are covered by the first part 10, e.g., a coating. The second part 20 may comprise additional numerals or hour markers. Alternatively, the additional numerals and hour markers may be in relief rather than flush with the third part 30. The numerals and hour markers may be added, for example, to a dial that constitutes the third part 30. This may advantageously serve as a support and / or allow for varying the aesthetics of the timepiece element during the day and / or night.

[0058] Whatever the implementation, the third part may be interposed between the first and second parts. The third part may, for example, take the form of a mask that limits the transmission of light whatever the structural state of the first part located thereon. Alternatively or additionally, the third part may also take the form of a layer, in particular a semitransparent layer, for example a semitransparent fluorescent layer excitable by the second part.

[0059] In a second alternative of the second embodiment, the second part does not take the form of a solid part and / or does not perform the mechanical support function described above. The second part may take any other form that allows it to perform its luminescent function, based on luminescence, phosphorescence or other materials. For example, the second part may take the form of a varnish applied to a separate element, such as a support part in the form of a solid element, advantageously having sufficient rigidity to provide it with mechanical properties that allow it to be used as a mechanical support in a structure. Thus, the support part may form a mechanical support for the second part and / or the watch part.

[0060] 12 shows such an embodiment, in which the support part 40 is covered on its outer surface by the second part 20, which in turn is covered by the first part 10. The support part 40 takes the form of a solid part that serves as a substrate for a watch component and includes feet 44 for fixing, for example, to a watch, for example to a watch movement.

[0061] Thus, according to a second alternative of the second embodiment, the first part takes the form of a coating applied to a second part supported on a support part, and the timepiece part according to the second alternative of the second embodiment therefore takes the form of a support part covered twice by first and second parts which at least partially overlap.

[0062] Whatever the embodiment under consideration, the timepiece component may be a dial, a dial counter, hour markers, numeral markers, a bezel disc, or more generally, a decorative plate. In the latter case, the decorative plate may be assembled with other timepiece components in order to decorate them. The decorative plate may not itself form the dial, as in the specific embodiment described above, but may instead complement a dial of substantially traditional construction. More generally, therefore, the invention applies to any object whose cladding or decoration implements the solutions described above. The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, that includes a variable timepiece component according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0063] The watch components have been described above in a non-limiting manner. Many other implementations are possible.

[0064] Whatever the embodiment under consideration, other additional elements such as numerals and hour markers or inscriptions may be superimposed on the first part to conceal certain areas, and depending on the nature of these additional elements, the luminous effect may be maintained or removed.

[0065] Of course, alternatives and implementations of the above-described embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, the two parts 10, 20 of the watch part may be partially overlapped. The two parts may, for example, form the entire dial or only a part of the dial, such as the numerals and hour markers or counters, and may have any shape. Additionally, the first part may include one or more areas made of the aforementioned opaque material combined with one or more areas made of a transparent material. Here, the structural state is not essential and can be considered as an option to change the transparency of the areas. The first part may have a thin thickness of 2 mm or less, or between 5 nm and 2 mm, or between 5 nm and 1 mm, or between 5 nm and 0.8 mm. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1. Watch parts 10 Part 1 11 External Surface 12 Internal surfaces 13 Structural state 20 Part 2

Claims

1. A timepiece component (1) for a timepiece, said component comprising a first portion (10) and a second portion (20), said first portion (10) comprising at least one location made of opaque material at least partially superimposed on top of said second portion (20), said second portion (20) comprising a material capable of emitting at least one luminescence wave when excited by at least one excitation light wave, said location of said first portion (10) comprising a structural state (13) that allows said luminescence waves emitted by said second portion (20) to be at least partially transmitted towards the outside of said timepiece component, so that said timepiece component exhibits at least a first appearance during the day and at least one different second appearance at night when said first portion (10) is backlit by the luminescence waves emitted by said second portion (20), the structural state comprises a structure exhibiting internal porosity within the thickness of the first portion; Watch parts.

2. The structural state (13) of the location of the first part (10) allows at least a portion of excitation light waves coming from outside the timepiece component to be transmitted to the second part. A watch component (1) according to claim 1.

3. The portion of the first part (10) is formed of at least one material that is opaque to excitation light waves that excite the second part and / or to emission waves emitted by the second part.

3. A watch component according to claim 1 or 2.

4. said portion of said first portion (10) comprises a structuring (13) which adopts at least a local modification of the transparency properties of the material from which said first portion (10) is made; The timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the said portion of the first part (10) comprises a structuring (13) that is invisible or barely visible to the naked eye in daytime and / or comprises a structuring (13) that is visible to the naked eye in daytime to form a visible decoration in daytime; The watch component according to claim 1.

6. the portions of the first portion (10) comprise a uniformly distributed structuring or a non-uniformly distributed structuring to form a pattern, information and / or to show a gradient, The timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the first portion (10) is made of an at least partially transparent material, which may be uniform or non-uniform, and includes at least one portion juxtaposed with at least one portion comprising an opaque material, which includes a structuring; A timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The second part (20) is in the form of a block structure formed from a material having phosphorescent and / or fluorescent properties. A timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The second portion (20) is in the form of a fluorescent and / or phosphorescent ceramic.

9. A watch component according to claim 8.

10. the second part (20) forms a support for the first part and / or includes a fixing device for fixing the timepiece part to the timepiece; A timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The second part (20) is in the form of a varnish containing fluorescent and / or phosphorescent properties, applied to the internal surface (12) of the first part (10), or to a cavity in the internal surface (12) of the first part (10), or to the surface of another part located opposite the internal surface (12) of the first part (10). A timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

12. The first part (10) is in the form of a block structure and / or a coating on the second part (20). A timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The first part is made of nacre; fossil material; tortoiseshell; manganese calcite; lepidolite; petrified wood; coral; amber; pearl; ivory; metals or metal alloys such as platinum or ferrite or meteorite; engineering ceramics based on zirconia and / or alumina, whether colored or not; gemstones; minerals; stones or precious materials of organic origin; sphalerite; fluorite; agate; alexandrite; amethyst; anatase; aventuri quartz; chalcedony; chrysoberyl; green chalcedony; citrine; jasper; tiger's eye; opal; quartz; spinel; aragonite; azurite; malachite; crimsonite; apatite; lazulite; turquoise; blue gemstone; beryl; tourmaline; obsidian; or snowflake obsidian. A timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The part comprises a detachable or non-detachable assembly between the first part and the second part (10; 20) by bonding, or by using a mechanical device such as a mechanical binding or setting, or by using capillary adhesion, or the first part (10) is a surface coating of the second part (20), or a lacquer, or an enamel, or a ceramic, or a glass-ceramic, or a hybrid material, or a varnish, or the second part (20) is a varnish applied under the first part (10) to the internal surface (12) of the first part, or to a cavity in the internal surface (12) or to the surface of another part, or the second part (20) is a varnish applied to a part separate from the first part and the first part (10) is a coating applied to the varnish forming the second part (20), A timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. the first portion has an average thickness of 2 mm or less, or an average thickness of 5 nm to 2 mm, or 5 nm to 1 mm, or 5 nm to 0.8 mm, and / or the second portion (20) has a thickness of 0.01 mm or more, or an average thickness of 0.01 mm to 5 mm, and / or the second portion (20) has a surface area of ​​1 mm 2 or more; A timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The component comprises the first part (10) and the second part (20), or the component comprises a third part (30) disposed on or substantially flush with the second part (20), or interposed between the first and second parts. A watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The third part (30) is a mask which may or may not be selective, and / or the third part (30) includes a fixing device for fixing the watch part, and / or the third part (30) supports several distinct points of the second part (20), and / or the third part (30) contributes to the function of assembling the first and second parts, and / or the third part (30) includes an optical element such as an optical fiber, 17. A watch component according to claim 16.

18. The part is a dial, a dial counter, an hour marker, a number marker, a bezel disc, or a decorative plate. A watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A watch comprising a watch part described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

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