Transformable watch case

Abstract

The present invention relates to a watch case (1) comprising a structure (15) configured to support a watch movement and an intermediate part (2) connected to said structure (15) and comprising an outer casing configured to house said structure, said casing comprising a network of articulation elements (20) forming the outer wall of the outer casing, said articulation elements being movable relative to one another so as to allow said outer wall to be deformed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of watchmaking, and more particularly to the field of watch exteriors, in particular watch cases with movable or operable parts.

[0002] One of the essential functions of a watch case is to house the movement, to contain the mechanical parts and lubricating fluids, and to protect the movement from the environment and shocks. Watch cases are generally rigid, whether made of metal or plastic.

[0003] Some known cases include external rubber elements placed on the rigid portion to absorb shock or to give a particular appearance.

[0004] In other case constructions, such as that described in EP 0 703 512, there is a push button obtained by a deformable element placed inside the case, making it possible to activate the mechanical part of the pusher.

[0005] The present invention aims to propose a new case construction, which offers new aesthetic and playful possibilities in implementation and use, in particular the new possibilities proposed result in an improved user experience.

[0006] The present invention provides a structure configured to support a timepiece movement; and an intermediate part including an outer casing connected to the structure and configured to house the structure, the casing comprising a network of articulation elements which together form the outer wall of the outer casing, the articulation elements being movable relative to one another and articulated to one another so as to allow the outer wall to be deformed.

[0007] Deformable here means that the deformation of the wall occurs without material deformation and while maintaining the dimensions of the articulation elements. Only the relative displacement of the articulation elements relative to one another allows for deformation. Therefore, the degrees of freedom provided for in the design between the articulation elements determine the possible deformations. Therefore, the case can assume an infinite number of shapes depending on the forces it is subjected to, whether it be pressure from the wearer or the action of gravity on the wall, which can deform under its own weight when free. Furthermore, the "middle part" refers to the central part of the watch case where the movement is located. The back cover and the bezel are fixed to the middle part directly or indirectly to close the case via the crystal attached to the bezel. Furthermore, in other words, the articulation elements are articulated to one another. "Articulated" means that the articulation elements are connected while retaining the ability to move relative to one another.

[0008] This makes it possible to propose a watch case with a deformable outer wall, giving designers new possibilities for designing the case shape and giving the user the possibility of a more tactile interaction with the watch with the possibility to deform it and play with it. In particular, the articulated elements linked together to form a mesh allow the outer wall to at least partially recover its original shape and volume after being subjected to compression, bending or stretching.

[0009] Preferably, the articulation elements are integrally formed. Preferably, adjacent articulation elements are articulated together, or at least some adjacent articulation elements are articulated together.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the wall is elastically deformable.

[0011] This allows the watch case to return to its nominal shape after being deformed by stress, for example by pressing.

[0012] Advantageously, each articulation element comprises an outer panel.

[0013] Advantageously, the articulation elements are provided with an interlacing, preferably a spiral interlacing, which interlocks the articulation elements with one another.

[0014] This makes it possible to hold the articulation elements in motion relative to one another in a manner that ensures the mechanical strength of the watch case.

[0015] Advantageously, at least one articulation element is supported by an elastic member, such as an elastic net.

[0016] This allows the outer wall to be elastically deformed, and the outer wall returns to its original shape after deformation due to the action of the elastic member. When the outer wall is held by the elastic member, if the elastic force is greater than the weight of the wall, it can no longer deform completely freely, especially under that weight.

[0017] Advantageously, the watch case further comprises a plurality of horns, and the elastic member comprises elastic mesh portions, each elastic mesh portion being disposed around or on at least one of the plurality of horns.

[0018] This makes it possible to isolate the horn from the outer wall via an elastic member, avoiding an excessively rigid behavior of the wall at the height of the horn.

[0019] Advantageously, the watch case comprises a back cover, and the structure has a portion that protrudes towards the back cover of the watch case and that can cooperate with the back cover to guide the displacement of the structure during deformation of the outer casing. Alternatively or additionally, the back cover has a portion that protrudes towards the inside of the watch case and that can cooperate with the structure to guide the displacement of the structure during deformation of the outer casing.

[0020] This makes it possible to guide the displacement of the structure or container and the deformation of the case to maintain an aesthetically predetermined curve.

[0021] Advantageously, the back cover has a curvature with a centre of curvature on the side of the back cover.

[0022] Advantageously, the watch case comprises a plurality of horns, the centre of curvature also being on the side of one of the horns.

[0023] Advantageously, an air gap is formed between the container and the outer casing or between a part of the structure at the level of the container and the outer casing.

[0024] This makes it possible to ensure the gap necessary for the container to be displaced within the watch case when the user presses the case.

[0025] Advantageously, at least one articulation element is decorated, preferably by setting with decorative elements such as stones.

[0026] This makes it possible to propose an efficient and safe technique for fastening decorative elements, improving their retention and aesthetics.

[0027] Advantageously, the outer casing comprises a removable element or opening arranged to allow access, typically by means of a key, to the means for adjusting and / or winding the movement housed within the container.

[0028] This makes it possible to improve the functions available on the watch case, since it makes it possible to offer easy access to the means for adjusting the watch.

[0029] Advantageously, the watch case comprises a back cover, a structure intended to support the watch movement, a crystal that closes the case, and an intermediate part including a deformable outer casing that houses the structure so as to allow relative displacement between the back cover and the crystal.

[0030] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a watch case according to the first aspect.

[0031] Advantageously, the timepiece comprises a strap connected to the watch case, the strap being at least partially made of articulation elements and being integrally formed with the articulation elements of said case.

[0032] Another aspect of the invention relates to an article of jewelry comprising an attachment or connecting member and a body including an outer casing including a network of articulation elements that together form an outer wall of the outer casing, the articulation elements being movable relative to one another to allow deformation of the outer wall.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the outer wall is elastically deformable.

[0034] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more clearly apparent on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 shows a first embodiment of a watch case according to the invention, having a deformable outer wall with a network of articulation elements; [Figure 2] 2 shows a second embodiment of a watch case according to the invention with an underlying elastic net. [Figure 3] 10 shows a cross-sectional view and an elevation view of a third embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 shows a cross-sectional view and an elevation view of a fourth embodiment having a dome-shaped back with strap strands fixed thereto. [Figure 5] 10 shows a fifth embodiment in which the elastic net is formed in two parts. [Figure 6] 1 shows a detailed view of the articulation element from above. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows a detailed perspective view of two articulation elements from below. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 shows a detailed perspective view of two articulation elements. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B show cross-sectional and elevational views of a variant for fastening the bezel.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a watch case 1 with a deformable outer wall.

[0037] The watch case 1 is represented in a perspective view cut away to show the interior of the watch case 1. The watch case 1, also called case 1, comprises a middle part 2 closed by a crystal 10 and a case back 11 so as to generally define a volume in which the movement is intended to be located in particular. The crystal 10 and the case back 11 are conventionally located on opposite sides of the case 1, with the crystal 10 attached to the top of the case 1 and the case back attached to the bottom of the case 1.

[0038] The case 1 typically includes a dial 14 and hands 12h, 12m indicating the hours and minutes, respectively.

[0039] The case 1 further comprises a structure 15 configured to support a clock movement. The clock movement can be housed in a container 30 forming a sealed container. The clock movement can drive the hands 12h, 12m. The middle part 2 further comprises a middle portion 25 fixed to the structure 15 and visible from the top side of the case 1.

[0040] The intermediate section 2 forms the side of the case 1, and a gap 15b is formed at the central plane of the intermediate section 2 between the intermediate section 2 and the container 30, or between the intermediate section 2 and the structure 15. The structure 15 and the container are disposed within a volume substantially defined by the intermediate section, the crystal, and the back cover. The structure 15 may be a one-piece or multiple-piece structure.

[0041] The intermediate part 2 comprises an outer casing comprising a network of articulation elements 20 which form the outer wall of the outer casing, the outer wall being deformable.

[0042] The mesh of joint elements 20 is composed of an appropriate number of joint elements 20 connected together and movable relative to one another to ensure the flexibility of the case 1. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the mesh of joint elements 20 includes approximately 500 joint elements 20. It should be noted that the number of joint elements 20 can be adapted to the size of the case 1 in terms of both diameter and thickness (e.g., case diameters of 40 mm, 36 mm, and thicknesses of 8 mm to 12 mm), but can also be adapted to change the flexibility of the case 1 by adjusting the dimensions of the joint elements themselves. For example, the number of joint elements can vary from 200 to 1000 depending on the size of the case 1, without being limited to these examples.

[0043] Each articulation element 20 includes an outer panel 20p visible from the outside of the case 1, an articulation element base 20b, and an interlacing 20e. The panels are arranged substantially contiguous with adjacent panels to define an outer wall. The articulation elements 20 can be made from any suitable material, such as gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, or a suitable metal.

[0044] The interlacings 20e are arranged to allow the joint elements 20 to be connected together. In other words, the joint elements 20 are intertwined with each other via their interlacings 20e. In this way, the joint elements 20 interlock with each other. The interlacings 20e are preferably spiral, and the diameter of the interlacing wires is preferably about 0.2 to 0.3 mm.

[0045] Thus, the term "mesh of articulation elements 20" refers to a set of meshes whose more or less dense interleaving forms a grid, a lattice, or cross-links. In other words, it is a structure of preferably metallic mesh, i.e. a flexible thin set of thin wires or interlocking fibers, preferably made of metal, obtained by conventional assembly by weaving a single wire or by weaving several wires, or formed by continuous one-piece molding produced by three-dimensional printing (also called 3D printing). In this case, the interlacing and the panel are advantageously formed as one continuous piece. The articulation element 20 is represented and explained in more detail with reference to Figures 6 to 8.

[0046] The panels 20p can be positioned to support and hold decorative elements 20d, which may be, for example, precious, fine or organic stones. The mobility of the panels 20p makes it possible to create reflective and light effects on the set stones.

[0047] In addition to or instead of the setting, it is further possible to effect a smoothing of the panel 20p or to effect a surface heat treatment to give a texture or, for example, a satin or colored appearance on the panel 20p.

[0048] As mentioned above, case 1 is deformable, i.e., intermediate part 2 is deformable and a part of intermediate part 2 is movable relative to the structure and / or container 30 and relative to the watch movement within container 30. Intermediate part 2 allows relative movement between crystal 10 and back cover 11 relative to watch case 1 resting on back cover 11 along a vertical axis Z passing through crystal 10 and back cover 11 and / or along a horizontal plane XY passing through horizontal axes X and Y. Horizontal plane XY is preferably a major surface of container 30 or a major surface of dial 14.

[0049] In this way, a new kind of watch case is obtained that offers a novel aesthetic and allows the user to tactilely interact with his watch, transforming it or creating light effects on the panel 20p or the set stones.

[0050] It would be conceivable to have an accessible winding stem in the middle section, but such an arrangement could be complicated and could affect the deformability of the middle section. It would be preferable to have access to the movement through the back cover, for example by arranging an opening in the case back to allow access to the back of the container. The latter could have time-setting and / or winding means operable, for example, by a key.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the watch case 1 with an underlying elastic net.

[0052] In the different embodiments, reference numbers in the drawings are included wherever possible for elements common to other embodiments.

[0053] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in particular in Fig. 1 by the presence of an elastic member 22 that supports the articulation element 20, preferably at the articulation element base 20b. The elastic member 22 is preferably underlying, i.e. arranged below the mesh of the articulation element 20 and at least partially covered by the latter. In other words, the elastic member is arranged between the articulation element 20 and the container 30. The elastic member 22 can be made of elastomer or silicone.

[0054] The elastic member 22 may be an elastic mesh 22, also called a bumper. The elastic mesh 22 forms a frame that supports and holds the mesh of the joint element 20. The elastic mesh 22 may be made by 3D printing.

[0055] Preferably, the elastic mesh 22 comprises a network of elastic elements with solid portions 22b separated by perforated portions 22t. The solid portions 22b are preferably positioned facing the base 20b of the articular element so as to elastically hold the articular element.

[0056] Thus, when the user presses on the intermediate part 2, at the height of one or several panels 20p, the articulation element 20 is held elastically, i.e., when the user's pressing action ends, the articulation element 20 returns to its initial position.

[0057] This also provides resistance to the user's pushing action, which feels nice to the touch and allows for playing with the case walls.

[0058] The perforated portions 22t of the elastic mesh 22 also contribute to good mechanical strength of the mesh, particularly by limiting bulging of the elastic mesh 22, denting of the plastic or deterioration.

[0059] Preferably, the repeating pattern of the mesh of the elastic net 22 is diamond-shaped when viewed from above.

[0060] Preferably, the elastic mesh 22 comprises mesh sizes similar or proportional to (or corresponding to) the mesh sizes of the mesh of the articulation element 20. In practice, the mesh sizes of the articulation element mesh and the elastic mesh are not identical.

[0061] As a variant, the elastic mesh may be wider or looser, ie the mesh size is larger and elastic support is ensured, for example, only for the base half 20b of the articulation element.

[0062] In the first and second embodiments, the intermediate portion 25 may be a first row of fixed articulation elements compared to the movable articulation elements 20. Thus, each articulation element, except for the first row of fixed articulation elements, is movable relative to its neighboring or adjacent articulation elements.

[0063] Those skilled in the art can envisage other solutions for making the elastic members 22, such as filling the height of each articulation element with gel.

[0064] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view and an elevation view of the third embodiment.

[0065] The structure 15 has a flat surface facing the back cover 11. The back cover 11 has a partially flat surface facing the container 30. In other words, the surfaces of the structure 15 and the back cover 11 facing each other are flat or form a plane.

[0066] Thus, the container 30 can move along a vertical axis Z and / or along a horizontal plane XY. It also has degrees of freedom of rotation along axis X, along axis Y, and / or along axis Z.

[0067] Case 1 further includes connecting members, such as cables 52 and 53, that connect attachments, such as horns 54, of case 1 together. Structure 15 has a domed surface (or domed surface crown) facing cables 52 and 53, improving guidance of receptacle 30 when the user presses on middle section 2 or crystal 10. This type of strap attachment to the case is particularly suited to deformable cases according to the present invention. As an alternative to this type of strap attachment, it is possible to provide a strap that is attached to pass through case 1 and passes through case 1 via a slot located in the middle section. Thus, the strap can have a single main section that is arranged to wrap around the wrist, with or without an attachment portion in the middle section. Alternatively, the strap may not have an attachment portion and / or a link portion. The strap can be located within the interior volume of case 1 between structure 15 and case back 11. These types of strap attachments are described in detail in the patent application entitled "Watch Comprising a Movable Strap," filed by the applicant on the same date as this application, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0068] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section and an elevation of a watch case according to a fourth embodiment, having a domed back to which the strap strands are fixed.

[0069] The watch case 1 is coupled to a strap having two strands 50, 51 connected to the case 1 via a horn 54. The two strands 50, 51 may be made of leather or any other suitable material and may be connected to each other by a pin buckle or a folding buckle.

[0070] In one embodiment, the strap can be made at least in part from a network of articulation elements similar to that of case 1. Advantageously, the articulation elements of the case and the strap are printed during the same operation and formed as a single piece. The articulation elements forming the strap can be connected to conventionally formed strap portions by links or flexible strands, or to clasps. The articulation element portions, or conventionally formed portions if desired, can be sized to fit the wearer's wrist size to adjust the overall length of the strap.

[0071] Note that the strap can be adapted to all embodiments of Case 1 described herein.

[0072] The cables 52, 53 are made of any suitable material, for example titanium, in particular grade 5 titanium, which makes it possible to limit the elongation of the set when tension is applied to the height of the watch strap, so as not to damage the mesh of the articulation element 20.

[0073] In the fourth embodiment of the case 1, the back cover 1 further comprises a dome-shaped portion 11b, the dome shape of which faces the inside of the case 1. In other words, the dome-shaped back portion 11b protrudes towards the inside of the case 1.

[0074] This allows the structure 15 and the container 30 to be guided over the curved portion 11b when the structure 15 is pressed against the dome-shaped portion 11b.

[0075] In addition, it is possible to provide a domed (or spherical) lower part for the structure 15, the domed shape of which is directed towards the back cover 11. The domed lower part of the structure 15 can therefore be guided by the cooperating domed part 11b of the back cover 11, or by the back cover 11 itself if the domed part 11b is absent.

[0076] In addition, the cooperation of the domed lower portion of structure 15 with the domed portion 11b of back cover 11 allows for point contact between the two parts, thus creating unstable movement of container 30 and ultimately improving the aesthetics of case 1.

[0077] 4, the domed portion 11b of the back cover 11 is centrally located. It is possible to provide a lateral offset in the XY plane of the dome shape, i.e., for example, that the dome shape is shifted towards one of the horns, or towards "6 o'clock", or towards "3 o'clock", or towards "9 o'clock", for example.

[0078] In the third and fourth embodiments, an intermediate portion 25 fixed to the structure 15 is attached to a bezel 24 which is screwed to the structure 15 by means of screws 26 .

[0079] The intermediate portion 2 may further comprise slots 27 arranged to allow the passage of the strands of the strap.

[0080] 5 shows a fifth embodiment in which the elastic member 22 is formed in two parts. A first elastic mesh part 23a encases one of the horns 54, and a second elastic mesh part 23b encases another of the horns 54 of the other strap strand. The horns 54 are connected by cables 52, 53.

[0081] It should be noted that it is possible to provide one or two horns 54 on the side of the first strand 50 of the strap and one or two horns 54 on the side of the other strand 51 of the strap.

[0082] The elastic mesh in the two parts 23a, 23b makes it possible to improve the flexibility of the intermediate part 2, which for clarity is not shown in Figure 5. The deformability of the intermediate part 2 is therefore greater or freer in the central region between the two parts of the elastic member 22.

[0083] The elastic members may be divided into several subsets and may be distributed under the outer casing, around the periphery of the structure 15 or only in the central part under the intermediate part 2 .

[0084] An elastic member 22 in the form of an elastic blade can be arranged between the middle portion 2 and the container 30 or the structure 15. The elastic member 22 can also comprise a gel, for example a torus made of gel, or a filling of the middle portion 2 with gel.

[0085] More generally, it is also possible to provide a support disposed between the structure and the casing. This support may be elastic, as described above with respect to the elastic member, but may also be rigid to provide a stop against deformation of the outer casing. The support may be a combination of elastic and rigid portions.

[0086] FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of the articulation element 20 from above.

[0087] Here, "top view" means a view from outside the case 1 perpendicular to the surface of the casing when the articulation elements 20 are assembled into a network of articulation elements 20 to form the outer casing of the intermediate part 2.

[0088] Each articulation element 20 comprises an outer panel 20p, as described above. In the example shown in Figure 6, each articulation element 20 comprises four interlacings 20e, preferably spiral interlacings.

[0089] Articulation element 20 is shown with diamond 20d disposed on outer panel 20p, which by way of example measures approximately 1.60mm square.

[0090] FIG. 7 shows a detailed perspective view of two articulation elements 20 seen from below.

[0091] Here, "bottom view" means a view from inside the case 1 when the articulation elements 20 are assembled into a network of articulation elements 20 forming the outer casing of the intermediate part 2.

[0092] As mentioned above, each of the joint elements 20 comprises an joint element base 20b.

[0093] The joint elements 20 are intertwined, with the interlacing 20e of one joint element 20 intertwined with the interlacing 20e of another adjacent joint element 20. The interlacings 20e are therefore in an engaging position with one another, i.e., held together with a gap, which allows the joint elements 20 to be interlocked and connected to one another.

[0094] It is possible to provide a gap between the panels 20p of the articulation elements 20. The gap between two articulation elements 20 is typically 0.1 to 0.2 mm at the height of the panels 20p. This gap is consistent with the fact that the surfaces of the panels are substantially continuous with one another to form an outer wall.

[0095] FIG. 8 shows a perspective detail view of two articulation elements 20 .

[0096] The articulation elements 20 are intertwined with one another via interlacings 20e. The articulation elements 20 are typically 1.6 mm high.

[0097] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view and an elevational view of an alternative arrangement for securing the bezel 24.

[0098] The intermediate part 2 comprises fixing lugs 28 which can be made by printing and integrated with the first row of rigid articulation elements. The bezel 24 is fixed to the fixing lugs by means of screws 29.

[0099] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements may be made to the various embodiments of the invention described herein which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0100] In particular, mention is made of the possibility of having a different number of interlacings 20e, for example two or three interlacings 20e per articulation element 20, the possibility of having interlacings 20e of different shapes, and the possibility of engaging only some of the articulation elements 20 (for example half of them) rather than all of them together.

[0101] Those skilled in the art will be able to envisage different variations of the above-described embodiment. Thus, it is possible for the interlacing 20e to engage with an intermediate portion of the case 1 rather than with the interlacing 20e of an adjacent joint element 20. This intermediate portion may be the elastic member 22 or another underlying portion of the case 1.

[0102] It is possible to have another general shape for Case 1, which is represented in the form of a modified torus or pad with rounded corners, but which may also be triangular, elliptical, or conical.

[0103] A structure 15 can be attached to the top of the intermediate part 2, made in the form of a claw, and configured to hold the container 30. In this case, the dome-shaped portion of the structure 15 is replaced by an equivalent dome shape on the container 30.

[0104] Those skilled in the art can also imagine a variant in which the back cover is also formed with articulation elements extending through the middle. In that case, their dimensions are adapted to create an entire surface. Access to the movement is arranged for adjustment / winding operations through an opening or removable panel. This variant allows the case to be very flexible. A bumper can be interposed between the structure and the back cover to prevent direct contact between the structure or the container and the back cover.

[0105] According to one additional embodiment, the principles of construction described above can be used to make jewelry such as rings, earrings, pendants, etc. Such jewelry comprises an attachment member, e.g., a connecting member such as a clasp or buckle, and a body. The body comprises an outer casing including a network of articulation elements that form the outer wall of the outer casing, the articulation elements being movable relative to one another to allow the outer wall to deform. The outer wall may also be made elastically movable, in particular by adding an underlying elastic member. All of the above-mentioned descriptions and variations regarding the manufacture of the articulation elements and supports, whether elastic or not, can be applied to the manufacture of jewelry according to the invention.

Claims

1. a structure (15) configured to support a clock movement; A watch case (1) comprising an intermediate part (2) connected to the structure (15) and including an outer casing configured to house the structure, the casing comprising a network of articulation elements (20) which together form the outer wall of the outer casing, the articulation elements being movable relative to one another and articulated to one another so as to allow the outer wall to be deformed.

2. 2. Watch case (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the articulation element is formed in one piece.

3. 3. Watch case (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer wall is elastically deformable.

4. 4. Watch case (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each articulation element (20) comprises an outer panel (20p).

5. 5. The watch case (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an interlacing (20e) for interlocking the articulation elements (20) with one another.

6. 6. Watch case (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein at least one articulation element (20) is supported by an elastic member (22).

7. 7. A watch case (1) according to claim 6, further comprising a plurality of horns (54), wherein the elastic member (22) comprises elastic mesh portions (23a, 23b), each of which is disposed around or on at least one of the horns (54).

8. It has a back cover (11), the structure (15) has a part that projects towards the back cover (11) of the watch case (1) and that can cooperate with the back cover (11) to guide the displacement of the structure (15) during deformation of the outer casing; and / or A watch case (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the back cover (11) has a portion that protrudes towards the inside of the watch case (1) and that can cooperate with the structure (15) to guide the displacement of the structure (15) during deformation of the outer casing.

9. The watch case (1) according to claim 8, wherein the back cover (11) has a dome-shaped portion, the dome-shaped portion is directed toward the inside of the watch case (1), and the dome-shaped portion has a curvature whose center of curvature is on the side of the dome-shaped portion.

10. 10. A watch case (1) according to claim 9, wherein the watch case (1) comprises a plurality of horns (54), and the centre of curvature is also on the side of one of the plurality of horns (54).

11. 11. Watch case (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a gap (15b) is formed between the container (30) of the watch case (1) and the outer casing.

12. 12. Watch case (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one articulation element (20) is decorated by setting with a decorative element (20d).

13. 12. Watch case (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the outer casing comprises removable elements arranged to allow access to the means for adjusting the movement housed in the container (30).

14. The watch comprises a back cover (11), a structure intended to support a watch movement, a crystal (10) that closes the watch case (1), and an intermediate part (2) that includes a deformable outer casing that houses the structure so as to allow relative displacement between the back cover (11) and the crystal (10), A watch (100) comprising a strap connected to said watch case, said strap being at least partially made of articulation elements and being integrally formed with the articulation elements of said watch case.

15. A watch (100) comprising a watch case (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. a structure (15) configured to support a jewelry piece; an intermediate part (2) connected to said structure (15) and including an outer casing configured to house said structure; the outer casing comprises a network of articulation elements (20) which together form the outer wall of the outer casing, The articulation elements are articulated to one another so as to be movable relative to one another and to allow the outer wall to deform.

17. 17. The jewelry case of claim 16, wherein the outer wall is elastically deformable.

18. 1. A jewelry item having a jewelry case, the jewelry case comprising: a structure (15) configured to support said jewelry; an intermediate part (2) connected to said structure (15) and including an outer casing configured to house said structure; the outer casing comprises a network of articulation elements (20) which together form the outer wall of the outer casing, The articulation elements are movable relative to one another and are articulated to one another to allow deformation of the outer wall.

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