Spring for notch system and watch notch system

Abstract

To provide a particularly compact spring and a particularly reliable notching system which make it possible to obtain a variety of and a large number of notches.SOLUTION: A spring 1 for a notching system includes at least two elastic arms 11, 12, and a first toothset including first notching teeth 11a, 12a disposed on each of the arms, the spring 1 being designed such that, in a position where one of the arms of the spring is not loaded, the arm is convex as seen from the top of the first notching tooth of the arm.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a spring for a notch system. The present invention also relates to a notch system including said spring. The present invention also relates to a watch case or a watch movement including said spring or said notch system. The present invention also relates to a watch including said case or said movement or said notch system or said spring. [Background technology]

[0002] The literature in the watch sector makes reference to numerous notched devices, in particular angularly indexed or notched rotating bezels.

[0003] For example, US Pat. No. 5,629,999 discloses a unidirectional rotating bezel, the angular indexing of which is effected by a single first notched element in the form of a jumper which is returned by a return spring in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the bezel relative to a row of circular holes. In this case, the spring is in the form of a spiral spring.

[0004] Patent document 2 discloses a bidirectional rotating bezel, the angular indexing of which is achieved by a wire spring in the form of a single elastic arm. The elastic arm is articulated at its first end to an annular seat on the case barrel, and its free end forms a single first notch element designed to cooperate with an internal toothing formed on the bezel. Thus, angular indexing of the bezel is achieved by the single first notch element formed on the spring. The wire spring disclosed in Patent document 2 has the particular feature of being designed to provide a substantially equal rotational torque regardless of the direction of rotation of the bezel. For this purpose, the wire spring has, in particular, a concave or substantially concave shape when viewed from the axis of rotation of the bezel.

[0005] The device disclosed in Patent Document 3 further proposes to improve such bidirectional notch rotating bezels by ensuring a balanced force relative to the bezel's axis of rotation, which contributes to a comfortable feel when manipulating the bezel. To this end, the device employs a spring in the form of a closed loop centered on the bezel's axis of rotation. The spring includes resilient arms, each of which is provided with a first notch element adapted to cooperate with a second notch means of the notch ring. The spring includes first coupling means formed and arranged on each of the first notch means such that the first notch means are radially movable relative to the bezel's axis of rotation and cooperate with the second notch means.

[0006] Similarly, Patent Document 4 discloses a spring in the form of a closed loop that participates in the notch system of a unidirectional or bidirectional rotating bezel. The spring has the particular feature of including elastic arms, each of which is connected to one another at its longitudinal ends by first connecting means in the form of a recess. Furthermore, each elastic arm includes a first notch element equidistant from the two recesses, which is designed to cooperate with a second notch element of the notch ring. The first and second notch elements are specifically in the form of teeth. Within the scope of a preferred variant of the device, the spring is adapted to the bezel in its recesses, which cooperate with knobs arranged on the bezel. Therefore, the arms of the spring are elastically deformed with respect to this adaptive connection. More specifically, the arms are elastically deformed simultaneously and in a synchronized manner. Therefore, each tooth of the elastic arm cooperates in an integrated manner with a tooth of the notch ring. More specifically, in the first bezel indexing configuration, all of the teeth of the resilient arms are located between two teeth of the notch ring. In the second bezel configuration, all of the teeth of the resilient arms are located at the apex of the teeth of the notch ring. Nevertheless, the elastic deformation of a given resilient arm is independent of the deformation of its neighboring resilient arms, and the deformation is defined solely by the design of that arm, particularly its cross-section. Furthermore, the spring has an annular shape at rest. In particular, each resilient arm, at rest, is shaped like a segment of a circle centered on the bezel's rotation axis. Thus, each arm has a concave shape when viewed from the bezel's rotation axis. When the bezel passes from the first configuration to the second configuration, each of the resilient arms is bent, resulting in a decrease in the radius of curvature of each arm.

[0007] Patent Document 5 discloses a rotating bezel that includes a notch system employing a spring similar to that disclosed in Patent Document 4. The notch system is designed to prevent simultaneous deformation of the spring arms. To this end, the spring and notch ring are arranged and designed so that only one tooth of a given elastic arm is located at the base of a tooth row on the notch ring. Again, the elastic deformation of a given elastic arm is independent of the deformation of the adjacent elastic arm. This embodiment allows for maximizing the number of notches on the bezel. However, this requires minimizing the size of the notch ring teeth, which may entail the risk of premature wear of the notch system.

[0008] Also known is patent document 6, which discloses a notch mobile including a closed-loop spring formed of two symmetrical arms and a notch ring, both of which are centered on the mobile. Two first notch means of the spring cooperate with second notch means formed on the notch ring. To this end, first coupling means of the spring (on the gear of the mobile) are arranged on the two first notch means so that the first notch means can move in translation relative to the second notch means and so that the arms of the spring can be elastically deformed.

[0009] Patent document 7 presents a notch system, the structure of which is equivalent to that of the device of patent document 6, with the particular feature that the spring is made of an amorphous metal alloy. The first coupling means of the spring (on the mobile gear) is likewise arranged on two first notch means of the spring.

[0010] Patent document 8 discloses a notch mobile, the closed-loop spring of which includes a first notch element in the form of a tooth adapted to cooperate with a notch ring. The spring has the particular feature of being fixed to the gear of the mobile in a hole formed in the spring, which is located at a different position from the teeth of the spring. More specifically, the holes and teeth of the spring are located on either side of the axis of the mobile. The spring has an annular shape when at rest. As a result, the spring has a concave shape when viewed from the axis of rotation of the mobile and is centered on the axis of rotation of the mobile. When the teeth of the spring pass the teeth of the notch ring, the spring is bent, causing it to pass from an annular shape to a substantially elliptical shape. As a result, the radius of curvature of the spring at or in the region of the teeth is reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2624076 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 0686897 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 1431845 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 3543800 [Patent Document 5] European Patent Application Publication No. 3608730 [Patent Document 6] European Patent Application Publication No. 1544691 [Patent Document 7] European Patent Application Publication No. 3379342 [Patent Document 8] Swiss Patent Application Publication No. 454375 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a notch spring and a notch system which can improve on those known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a particularly compact spring and a particularly reliable notch system which makes it possible to obtain a wide variety and a large number of notches. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, the subject matter is defined by the following propositions:

[0014] 1. A spring (1;1';1*) for a notch system (100;100';100*), said spring comprising: At least two elastic arms (11, 12; 11'12'; 11*, 12*); a first row of teeth including first notched teeth (11a, 12a; 11a', 12a'; 11a*, 12a*) disposed on each of the arms; and wherein the spring is designed such that, in an unloaded position of one of the arms of the spring, the arm is convex as viewed from the apex of the first notch tooth of the arm.

[0015] 2. The spring comprises at least one first pivot connection element (1b; 1b'; 1b*) between the two elastic arms (11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*), Spring proposed in proposal 1 (1;1';1*).

[0016] 3. The spring is in the form of a closed loop; Springs suggested in proposal 1 or 2 (1;1';1*).

[0017] 4. Each elastic arm, when not loaded, is in the form of a circular arc, the center of which is preferably coaxial with the spring and is located on a first circle (C10; C10'; C10*) having a non-zero radius, in particular greater than 0.2 times the radius of the spring, or greater than 0.3 times the radius of the spring, or greater than 0.4 times the radius of the spring; A spring as described in any one of proposals 1 to 3 (1;1';1*).

[0018] 5. The first circle (C10; C10') has a radius greater than 1.5 times the radius of the spring, or greater than 1.8 times the radius of the spring, or greater than 2 times the radius of the spring; Spring (1;1') proposed in proposal 4.

[0019] 6. said at least two resilient arms (11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*) form a clamp intended to act on a first member (2; 2'; 2*) having a second row of teeth including second notched teeth (22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a*, 22b*); Springs proposed in any one of proposals 1 to 5 (1;1';1*).

[0020] 7. The spring is designed so that when any one of the arms of the spring is loaded by the action of the second notched teeth (22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a*, 22b*) of the first member (2; 2'; 2*), the radius of curvature of that arm increases or reverses; Spring proposed in one of proposals 1 to 6 (1;1';1*).

[0021] 8. Each of the first notch teeth (11a', 12a') includes a first stop element (111a', 121a'); Spring (1') proposed in any one of proposals 1 to 7.

[0022] 9. Each of the first notch teeth (11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*) is arranged at the midpoint of each resilient arm, and / or each resilient arm (11', 12') comprises a first abutment force reaction element (11b', 12b'), the first abutment force reaction element being arranged, for example, at the midpoint of each resilient arm; Springs proposed in any one of proposals 1 to 8 (1;1';1*).

[0023] 10. The spring comprises n elastic arms and / or n first pivot connection elements, where n≧2, and / or the spring exhibits n-fold rotational symmetry. Springs proposed in any one of proposals 1 to 9 (1;1';1*).

[0024] 11. The spring has a substantially polygonal shape, in particular a regular polygonal shape, and / or the line segments connecting the axes of the first pivot connection elements (1b; 1b'; 1b*) form a polygonal shape, in particular a regular polygonal shape. Springs proposed in one of suggestions 1 to 10 (1;1';1*).

[0025] 12. A notch system (100; 100'; 100*) comprising a spring (1; 1'; 1*) as proposed in any one of proposals 1 to 11 and a first member (2; 2'; 2*) having a second tooth arrangement, said spring and said first member being arranged to act on each other. Notch system (100;100';100*).

[0026] 13. A second member (3; 3'; 3*) movably mounted, in particular rotatably mounted, relative to said first member (2; 2'; 2*), or vice versa, said second member comprising at least one second pivotal connection element (3a, 3b; 3a', 3b'; 3a*, 3b*) cooperating with at least one first pivotal connection element (1a, 1b; 1a', 1b'; 1a*, 1b*) to form at least one pivotal connection between said spring (1; 1'; 1*) and said second member (3; 3'; 3*), The notch system proposed in Proposal 12 (100;100';100*).

[0027] 14. The first tooth row includes n first teeth (11a, 12a; 11a', 12a'; 11a*, 12a*), and the first member (2; 2'; 2*) includes a second tooth row including m second teeth (22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a*, 22b*), where, for example, n=8 and m=6, or n=6 and m=5, or n=10 and m=12, or n=12 and m=15, or n=12 and m=20, or n=8 and m=15, The notch system proposed in Proposal 12 or 13 (100;100';100*).

[0028] 15. Clock devices (110; 110'; 110*), esp. Rotating bezel (110;110';110*), or Rotating flange, or Orientable back cover, or Orientable crown, or a display device, typically a time zone display device or a programmable display device, The device includes a spring as proposed in any one of proposals 1 to 11 and / or a notch system as proposed in any one of proposals 12 to 14. Clock device (110;110';110*).

[0029] 16. A watch case (10; 10'; 10*) including a spring as proposed in any one of proposals 1 to 11 and / or a notch system as proposed in any one of proposals 12 to 14 and / or a clock mechanism as proposed in proposal 15.

[0030] 17. A clock (200; 200'; 200*) including a spring as proposed in any one of proposals 1 to 11 and / or a notch system as proposed in any one of proposals 12 to 14 and / or a clock mechanism as proposed in proposal 15 and / or a case as proposed in proposal 16.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the invention, the subject matter is defined by the following propositions:

[0032] 18. A spring 1;1';1* including a first row of teeth including n first teeth 11a, 12a; 11a', 12a'; 11a*, 12a*; a first member 2; 2'; 2* including a second tooth row including m second teeth 22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a*, 22b*; a second member 3;3';3* movably mounted, in particular rotatably mounted, relative to said first member 2;2';2*; A notch system 100; 100'; 100* comprising: the first and second rows of teeth are arranged to define, through their interaction, p notches or index positions; The springs 1; 1'; 1* are at least two elastic arms 11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*; at least one first pivot connection element 1b; 1b'; 1b* between the two elastic arms 11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*; Including, the second member comprises at least one second pivot connection element 3b;3b';3b* which cooperates with the at least one first pivot connection element 1b;1b';1b* to form at least one pivot connection between the spring 1;1';1* and the second member 3;3';3*; Notch system 100;100';100*.

[0033] 19. p=m×n / k, where k is a natural integer, for example, k=1 or k=2 or k=3 or k=4, and in particular, p=24 and n=8 and m=6, or p=30 and n=6 and m=5, or p=60 and n=10 and m=12, or p=60 and n=12 and m=15, or p=60 and n=12 and m=20, or p=120 and n=8 and m=15, Proposal 18 proposes a notch system 100;100';100*.

[0034] 20. The first tooth of the spring is located between two pivot links, in particular at the midpoint of each of the elastic arms. Notch system 100;100';100* as proposed in Proposal 18 or 19.

[0035] 21. The spring is designed so that when one of the arms of the spring is unloaded, the arm is convex from the apex of the first tooth of the arm. Notch system 100;100';100* as proposed in any one of proposals 18 to 20.

[0036] 22. The spring is in the form of a closed loop, and / or the system comprises n elastic arms and / or n pivot links, where n≧2; Notch system 100;100';100* as proposed in any one of proposals 18 to 21.

[0037] 23. The spring has a substantially polygonal shape, in particular a regular polygonal shape, and / or the line segments connecting the axes of the first pivot connecting elements 1b; 1b'; 1b* form a polygonal shape, in particular a regular polygonal shape. Notch system 100;100';100* as proposed in any one of proposals 18 to 22.

[0038] 24. The elastic arms, when not loaded, are in the form of circular arcs, the centers of which are preferably coaxial with the spring and located on the same first circle C10;C10';C10* having a non-zero radius, in particular greater than 0.2 times the radius of the spring, or greater than 0.3 times the radius of the spring, or greater than 0.4 times the radius of the spring; Notch system 100;100';100* as proposed in any one of proposals 18 to 23.

[0039] 25. The first circle (C10; C10') has a radius greater than 1.5 times the radius of the spring, or greater than 1.8 times the radius of the spring, or greater than 2 times the radius of the spring; Proposal 24 proposes a notch system 100;100'.

[0040] 26. Each of the first teeth 11a', 12a' includes a first stop element 111a', 121a'; The notch system 100' proposed in any one of proposals 18 to 25.

[0041] 27. Each of the resilient arms 11', 12' includes a first abutment force reaction element 11b', 12b', the first abutment force reaction element being, for example, located at the midpoint of each resilient arm. The notch system 100' proposed in any one of proposals 18 to 26.

[0042] 28. The first member is a ring, and / or the second teeth 22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a*, 22b* are separated by recesses or portions 21a, 21b; 21a', 21b'; 21a*, 21b*, respectively; Notch system 100;100';100* as proposed in any one of proposals 18 to 27.

[0043] 29. The first and second tooth rows are arranged such that at a given time, in particular at all times, a first tooth exerts a first mechanical action on a second tooth within a first contact area and a first tooth different from said first tooth exerts a second mechanical action on a second tooth different from said second tooth within a second contact area, said first and second mechanical actions having different intensities and / or different directions. Notch system 100;100';100* as proposed in any one of proposals 18 to 28.

[0044] 30. At a predetermined time, in particular at every time, another first tooth exerts a third mechanical action on a portion or recess of said second member; Proposal 29 proposes a notch system 100;100';100*.

[0045] 31. The first and second rows of teeth are arranged such that an index position of the first member relative to the second member is defined by the first mechanical action and the second mechanical action, and the first and second mechanical actions provide opposing torques that drive the first member relative to the second member. Notch system 100;100';100* as proposed in proposal 29 or 30.

[0046] 32. Clock devices 110;110';110*, especially Rotating bezel 110;110';110*, or Rotating flange, or Orientable back cover, or Orientable crown, or a display device, typically a time zone display device or a programmable display device, The device includes a notch system as proposed in any one of proposals 18 to 31; Clock device 110;110';110*.

[0047] 33. A watch case 10;10';10* containing the notch system proposed in any one of proposals 18 to 31 and / or the timepiece arrangement proposed in proposal 32.

[0048] 34. A watch 200; 200'; 200* including the notch system proposed in any one of proposals 18 to 31 and / or the clock mechanism proposed in proposal 32 and / or the watch case proposed in proposal 33.

[0049] According to a third aspect of the invention, the subject matter is defined by the following propositions:

[0050] 35. At least two elastic arms 11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*; a first row of teeth including first notched teeth 11a, 12a; 11a', 12a'; 11a*, 12a* arranged on each of the arms 11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*; at least one first pivot connection element 1b; 1b', 1b* located between the two elastic arms 11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*; A spring 1;1';1* for a notch system 100;100', including:

[0051] 36. The at least two resilient arms 11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12* form a clamp intended to act on the first member 2; 2'; 2*, having a second row of teeth including second notched teeth 22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a*, 22b*; Spring 1;1';1* proposed in Proposal 35.

[0052] 37. The spring is designed so that when one of the arms of the spring is unloaded, the arm is convex from the apex of the first tooth of the arm. Spring 1;1';1* as proposed in proposal 35 or 36.

[0053] 38. The spring is designed so that the radius of curvature of any one of the arms of the spring increases or reverses when the arm is loaded by the action of the second notched teeth 22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a*, 22b* of the first member 2; 2'; 2*. Spring 1;1';1* proposed in any one of proposals 35 to 37.

[0054] 39. Each of the first notched teeth 11a', 12a' includes a first stop element 111a', 121a'; Spring 1' proposed in any one of proposals 35 to 38.

[0055] 40. Each of the resilient arms 11′, 12′ includes a first abutment force reaction element 11b′, 12b′, said first abutment force reaction element being, for example, located at the midpoint of each resilient arm; Spring 1' proposed in any one of proposals 35 to 39.

[0056] 41. The spring comprises n elastic arms, where n≧2, and / or the spring exhibits n-fold rotational symmetry. Spring 1;1';1* proposed in any one of proposals 35 to 40.

[0057] 42. The spring exhibits a closed loop shape. Spring 1;1';1* proposed in any one of proposals 35 to 41.

[0058] 43. The spring has a substantially polygonal shape, in particular a regular polygonal shape, and / or the line segments connecting the axes of the first pivot connecting elements 1b; 1b'; 1b* form a polygonal shape, in particular a regular polygonal shape. Spring 1;1';1* proposed in any one of proposals 35 to 42.

[0059] 44. A notch system 100;100';100* comprising a spring 1;1';1* as proposed in any one of proposals 35 to 43 and a first member 2;2';2* having a second tooth arrangement, said spring and said first member being arranged to interact with each other. Notch system 100;100';100*.

[0060] 45. A second member 3;3';3* movably mounted, in particular rotatably mounted, relative to said first member 2;2';2*, said second member comprising at least one second pivotal connection element 3a, 3b;3a', 3b';3a*, 3b* cooperating with said at least one first pivotal connection element to form at least one pivotal connection between said spring 1;1';1* and said second member 3;3';3* Proposal 44 proposes a notch system of 100;100';100*.

[0061] 46. ​​The first tooth row comprises n first teeth 11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*, and the first member 2; 2'; 2* comprises a second tooth row comprising m second teeth 22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a*, 22b*, where, for example, n=8 and m=6, or n=6 and m=5, or n=10 and m=12, or n=12 and m=15, or n=12 and m=20, or n=8 and m=15, Notch system 100;100';100* as proposed in proposal 44 or 45.

[0062] 47. Clock devices 110;110';110*, especially Rotating bezel, or Rotating flange, or Orientable back cover, or Orientable crown, or a display device, typically a time zone display device or a programmable display device, The device includes a spring as proposed in any one of proposals 35 to 43 and / or a notch system as proposed in any one of proposals 44 to 46. Clock device 110;110';110*.

[0063] 48. A watch case 10;10';10* including a spring as proposed in any one of proposals 35 to 43 and / or a notch system as proposed in any one of proposals 44 to 46 and / or a clock mechanism as proposed in proposal 47.

[0064] 49. Clock 200; 200'; 200* including a spring as proposed in any one of proposals 35 to 43 and / or a notch system as proposed in any one of proposals 44 to 46 and / or a clock mechanism as proposed in proposal 47 and / or a case as proposed in proposal 48.

[0065] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the subject matter is defined by the following propositions:

[0066] 50. Spring 1"; 1'" for notch system 100"; 100'", said spring comprising: At least two elastic arms 11", 12"; 11'", 12'", a first row of teeth including first notched teeth 11a″, 12a″; 11a′″, 12a′″ disposed on each of the arms; the arm has a shape including two concave parts 118″, 119″; 118′″, 119′″ when viewed from the apex of the first notch tooth; Spring.

[0067] 51. The two concave parts are joined together to form the recess has tangents that form an angle β", β'", for example an angle β", β'" between 60° and 120° or an angle equal to or approximately equal to 90°, and The first tooth comprises: Forming an area, Proposal 50 proposes the following.

[0068] 52. The concave part is a radius of curvature that is greater than or equal to 0.05 or 0.1 times the radius of the circle C1'', C1''' and less than or equal to 0.3 times the radius of the circle C1'', C1''', and / or the concave parts are tangent or substantially tangent to the circles C1", C1'" at the ends of the arms, Spring proposed in Proposition 50 or 51.

[0069] Subject matter may include any combination of features in the first, second, third and fourth aspects except where technically or logically incompatible.

[0070] The accompanying drawings illustrate three embodiments of the watch. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0071] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a timepiece. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a spring and a first member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the spring according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram defining the shape of the spring according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram defining the shape of the spring according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram defining a first member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial view illustrating the operation sequence of the timepiece according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial view illustrating the operation sequence of the timepiece according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial view illustrating the operation sequence of the timepiece according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the timepiece. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a spring and a first member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a detailed view of a spring according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a diagram defining the shape of a spring according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram defining the shape of a spring according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram defining a first member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a partial view illustrating the operation sequence of the timepiece according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a partial view illustrating the operation sequence of the timepiece according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a partial view illustrating the operation sequence of the timepiece according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the timepiece. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram of a spring according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a partial view of a fourth embodiment of the timepiece. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a detailed view of a spring according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a partial view of a fifth embodiment of the timepiece. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a detailed view of a spring according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0072] A first embodiment of a watch 200 is described below with reference to FIGS.

[0073] The timepiece 200 is, for example, a small timepiece, in particular a wristwatch.

[0074] The watch 200 includes a watch movement that is intended to be mounted within a watch casing or case 10 to protect it from the external environment.

[0075] The watch movement may be an electronic movement or a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement.

[0076] The timepiece 200, in particular the watch case 10, includes a timepiece device 110. The timepiece device may be an external device such as a rotating bezel or a rotating flange or an orientable case back or an orientable crown. Alternatively, the timepiece device may be a device for adjusting a device for displaying time information, typically a time zone display or a programmable display, which allows a display member to be moved over a predetermined angular pitch by means of a notch system, in particular a device for adjusting a time information display, typically a time zone display or a programmable display.

[0077] The watch 200 , in particular the watch case 10 or the watch mechanism 110 , includes a notch system 100 .

[0078] The notch system 100 includes: a first member 2; - a second member 3; - spring 1, Includes:

[0079] Preferably, in this embodiment, the first member 2 is the case body of the watch case or an element fixed to the case body of the watch case. More specifically, the first member 2 may be a ring 2 attached to the case body 4 of the watch case. The ring 2 may be fixed to an annular seat of the case body 4.

[0080] For example, the first member may have an annular shape. For example, the second member may have an annular shape.

[0081] Preferably, in this embodiment, the second member 3 is a rotating bezel that is rotatable relative to the case body 4, i.e., relative to the first member 2.

[0082] Preferably, in this embodiment, the spring 1 is mechanically coupled to the second member 3 .

[0083] The spring 1 includes an axis A1, which is the axis of symmetry of the spring 1 or the second member 3, or the axis of rotation of the spring 1 or the second member 3 relative to the first member 2. The second member 3 is thus pivotally mounted to the first member 2 about the axis A1.

[0084] The first member 2 includes an axis A2, which is an axis of symmetry of the first member 2.

[0085] Axes A1 and A2 are coincident or substantially coincident.

[0086] The notch system allows for defining notch or index positions in the movement of the second member relative to the first member.

[0087] To this end, the spring 1 comprises first notch elements, in particular first notch teeth 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a, and the first member 2 comprises second notch elements, in particular second notch teeth 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f.

[0088] The spring 1 and the first member 2 are arranged to act on one another to define different notch or index or indexed positions, in particular the first tooth row is arranged to act on the second tooth row to define different notch or index or indexed positions of the notch system.

[0089] Preferably, the first tooth row includes n teeth and the second tooth row includes m teeth, and the first and second tooth rows are arranged to define, through their interaction, p notches or index positions or indexed positions, where p=m×n / k, where k is a natural integer, for example k=1 or k=2 or k=3 or k=4.

[0090] for example, p=24 and n=8 and m=6, or p=30 and n=6 and m=5, or p=60 and n=10 and m=12, or p=60 and n=12 and m=15, or p=60 and n=12 and m=20, or p=120 and n=8 and m=15, is.

[0091] Thus, when the second member 3 is rotationally moved through a complete revolution relative to the first member 2, p notches or index positions or indexed positions are felt.

[0092] Spring 1 is - at least two elastic arms 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18; - a first notch tooth row including first notch teeth 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a arranged on each of the first notch elements, in particular on the arms 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18; Includes:

[0093] Preferably, when one of the arms 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 is unloaded, it has a convex shape when viewed from the apex of its notch element or from the apex of its first notch tooth 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a.

[0094] In particular, one of the arms has a convex shape when viewed from the apex of the notch element of that arm or from the apex of the first notch tooth when that arm is unloaded.

[0095] In particular, the arm is convex when viewed from axis A1 or axis A2 when the spring is disposed around or outside the first member 2.

[0096] Preferably, the spring comprises n arms, where n≧2. In particular, in the variant of the first embodiment described with reference to figures 1 to 9, n=8. Thus, the spring 1 comprises eight arms 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, each of which comprises a first notch element, in particular a first notch tooth 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a.

[0097] The first notch teeth extend at an angle α12 about the axis A1. The first notch teeth are further spaced apart at an angle α11 about the axis A1. The first notch teeth are preferably spaced apart at an angle α11 + α12 about the axis.

[0098] Preferably, at least two resilient arms of the spring form a clamp intended to act on the first member 2. In other words, the at least two resilient arms, due to their design and their arrangement, preferably exert opposing forces on the first member 2. This is made possible in particular by the first and second connecting elements, which make it possible in particular to pre-tension the spring 1 with an appropriate tension on the first member 2.

[0099] Advantageously, the notching system 100 is bidirectional, so it is also possible to employ a second "notched" member 3 pivotally mounted on the first member 2, particularly in both directions of rotation.

[0100] Preferably, the spring is in the form of a closed loop. Preferably, the spring is in the form of a closed loop centered on the axis A1. In other words, the various arms are advantageously mechanically connected to one another at their ends. More particularly, each given arm of the spring is connected at each of its ends to one end of the arm adjacent or adjacent to the given arm.

[0101] Preferably, the spring 1 comprises at least one first pivot connection element 1b between at least two resilient arms 11, 12. The first pivot connection element 1b is preferably placed or located between each two adjacent, consecutive or neighboring resilient arms. Advantageously, the spring 1 comprises as many first pivot connection elements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h as there are arms 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, one first pivot connection element being located at each end of each arm. In other words, one and the same first pivot connection element is located at the two ends of two neighboring or adjacent arms.

[0102] Preferably, the first pivotal connection elements are arranged on the same circle C1 centered on the axis A1. By convention, the radius of said circle C1 is referred to as the outer radius of the spring or the radius of the spring. Preferably, the first pivotal connection elements are holes with axes parallel to the axes A1 and A2. Preferably, the axes of these holes are arranged on the circle C1.

[0103] The line segments connecting the axes of the first pivot connection elements of the spring form a polygon, in particular a regular polygon, so that the spring has a substantially polygonal, in particular regular polygonal, shape, which is evident when the spring is not loaded or pre-tensioned, in other words when the spring is removed from the notch system (so that the elastic arms all exhibit the same radius of curvature).

[0104] In the variant of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the line segments connecting the axes of the first pivot connection elements of the spring form an octagon O. The spring therefore has a substantially octagonal shape. In particular, when the spring is not loaded or pre-tensioned, the spring has a substantially star-shaped shape due to the convex shape of each of the spring arms.

[0105] In general, the spring preferably exhibits n-fold rotational symmetry.

[0106] The second member 3 comprises at least one second pivot connection element 3b intended to cooperate with at least one first pivot connection element 1b to form at least one pivot connection between the spring 1 and the second member 3 about an axis parallel to the axis A1 or A2. Advantageously, the second member 3 comprises as many second pivot connection elements 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h as the spring 1 comprises first pivot connection elements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h. Preferably, the second pivot connection elements are pins or pegs or protrusions parallel to the axis A1 or A2.

[0107] The first and second pivot connection elements thus form an articulation to the second member 3 of the spring 1. As a result, each elastic arm constitutes a beam which is carried by and articulated to the second member at each of its ends.

[0108] The first and second connecting elements in particular make it possible to pre-tension the spring 1 with respect to the first member 2 while providing a pivotal connection of the spring 1 with respect to the second member 3 .

[0109] Preferably, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the resilient arms are not loaded, they have the shape of a circular arc C11, the center A11 of which is located on the same first circle C10, preferably centered on the axis A1 (i.e., coaxial with the spring), and which has a non-zero radius, in particular greater than 1.5 times the radius of the circle C1 (i.e., the radius of the spring) defined above, or greater than 1.8 times the radius of the circle C1 (i.e., the radius of the spring), or greater than 2 times the radius of the circle C1 (i.e., the radius of the spring). In a variant of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the first circle C10 has a radius equal to 2.3 times the radius of the circle C1 or 2.3 times the radius of the spring.

[0110] By way of example, FIG. 4 illustrates an arm 11 of a spring 1, the middle of which coincides with a part of a circle C11, and the center A11 of which is located outside the spring 1, in particular outside the circle C1.

[0111] Advantageously, the notch system, and in particular the spring, is designed so that the radius of curvature of any one of the arms of the spring increases or reverses when said arm is loaded by the action of the first member 2, in particular by the action of the second notch element. Such a deformation of the arms 14 and 18 is illustrated in Figure 2. Also advantageously, in this configuration, the radius of curvature of each of the arms 13, 15 and 11, 17 adjacent to the arms 14 and 18, respectively, is smaller than the radius of curvature of the arms 14 and 18.

[0112] As mentioned above, the spring 1 includes first notch elements 11a, 12a which may take the form of first notch teeth or protrusions forming a first row of notch teeth. These teeth or protrusions may be oriented towards the inside of the spring or towards the spring axis A1. These teeth or protrusions have, for example, a substantially trapezoidal cross section in a plane perpendicular to the axes A1 and A2.

[0113] Alternatively, these protrusions may be constituted by abrupt and localized changes in the direction of the arms, without significant changes in the cross section of the arms in these areas.

[0114] The second member 2 comprises second notch elements 22a, 22b, such as second notch teeth or protrusions, which form a second row of notch teeth, for example having a substantially trapezoidal cross section in a plane perpendicular to the axes A1 and A2, and in particular comprising a dome-shaped external tooth profile.

[0115] Advantageously, each of the first notch elements 11 a, 12 a is located at the midpoint of each of the spring's resilient arms, i.e., substantially equidistant from the pivot elements. More specifically, first notch element 11 a is located equidistant from first pivot elements 1 a and 1 b. Even more specifically, first notch element 12 a is located equidistant from first pivot elements 1 b and 1 c. Thus, since there are n arms forming the spring, there are n first notch elements on the spring.

[0116] The first member 2 includes m second notch elements. Preferably, n≠m. For example, in the example first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, m=6 and n=8. Thus, the first member 2 includes six second notch elements 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, and 22f.

[0117] In the example, the notch system generates 24 notches or index positions for a complete rotation of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2.

[0118] On the first member 2, the second notch elements each extend angularly at an angle α22 about the axis A2. Preferably, the second notch elements are distributed at regular intervals about the axis A2. Two adjacent, consecutive or neighboring second notch elements are separated by a recess or first portion 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e, 21f. Each portion 21 extends angularly at an angle α21 about the axis A2.

[0119] Preferably, the portions 21a to 21f are parts of a cylinder of axis A2 having a radius r1.

[0120] The second notch elements may be in the form of lobes 22a to 22f protruding from portions 21a to 21f. In this manner, the second notch elements may extend from a first radius r1 to a second radius r2 to form an obstruction to the first notch elements of spring 1. The ratio r2 / r1 is particularly relevant to the notch spacing. In this particular example, the ratio is, for example, approximately 1.04.

[0121] The values ​​of α11, α12 and α21, α22 make it possible in particular to define the notch frequency of the notch system. In particular, these values ​​make it possible to define the number of notches of the notch system. For identical angles α12 and α22 on the spring 1 and the first member 2, respectively, the number of notches p may in particular be defined by the following relationship: (α12 + α22) / 2=360 / p, where α12 and α22 are measured as angles.

[0122] Preferably, the angular extent of α21 is strictly greater than the angular extent α22, or may be equal to or greater than 1.5×α22.

[0123] In this embodiment, the first notch element is axially symmetrical with respect to a line D1 passing through the axis A1 of the spring in a plane P1 passing through the spring (ie, perpendicular to the axis A1), as shown in FIG.

[0124] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the second notch element is axially symmetrical with respect to a line D2 passing through the axis A2 within a plane P2 passing through the first member (ie, perpendicular to the axis A2).

[0125] Preferably, the first member exhibits m-fold rotational symmetry.

[0126] Advantageously, the notch system, in particular the first and second notch elements, are arranged such that at a given time, in particular at any one time, within a first contact area a given first notch element exerts a first mechanical action on a given second notch element, and within a second contact area a first notch element other than the given first notch element exerts a second mechanical action on a second notch element other than the given second notch element, the first and second mechanical actions having different strengths and / or different directions.

[0127] Also preferably, at a given time or at any time, a first notch element different from the two first notch elements exerts a third mechanical action on portions 21a to 21f of first member 2.

[0128] The notch system, in particular the first and second notch elements, are arranged such that the index position of the second member relative to the first member is defined by a first mechanical action and by a second mechanical action, the first and second mechanical actions providing opposing torques that drive the second member 3 relative to the first member 2.

[0129] During the relative movement of the first and second members 2, 3, the at least two elastic arms of the spring 1 have the particular feature of moving about and elastically deforming relative to their articulation or common pivot connection due to the actuation of the first member 2, in particular due to the effect of the second notch element. Thus, during at least one actuation phase of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2, the arms 11 and 12 oscillate and deform relative to the articulation or pivot connection formed by the first and second connecting elements 1b and 3b.

[0130] Such vibration and elastic deformation of the arms 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 is obtained by cooperation of the first notch elements 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a and the second notch elements 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f of the first member 2.

[0131] The elastic deformation of the arms of the spring 1 by means of the cooperation between the first and second notch elements results in an increase in the radius of curvature of said arms, and when the first notch element is located at the apex of the second notch element, i.e. at the radius r2 of the first member 2, the arms can present a straight or substantially straight design, or a concave design (the radius of curvature decreases after passing infinity). As the deformation of the arms increases, the strength of the mechanical action they exert on the first member 2 via their first notch elements increases.

[0132] Preferably, when the arms of the spring 1 are elastically deformed by means of cooperation between the first notch element which it supports and the second notch element of the first member, the first notch element does not move outside the circle C1 which passes through the first connecting means of the spring 1. This advantageously makes it possible to propose a particularly compact notch system.

[0133] Figures 7 to 9 illustrate different configurations of spring 1 relative to first member 2 to show how the notches of system 100 are created. For simplicity, the second member 3 to which spring 1 articulates is not shown in these figures.

[0134] 7 illustrates a portion of the system in a first configuration, in which the first notch element 11a of the spring 1 angularly abuts the second notch element 22a of the first member 2 in a first direction of rotation of the second member 3, indicated by the thick arrow, while the same first notch element 11a radially weights the first portion 21a of the first member 2. This is a first stable angular configuration of the second member 3 (not shown) relative to the first member 2. The first configuration is obtained after pivoting the second member 3 in the first direction of rotation and following a threshold rotational torque of the second member 3. In the first configuration, the arm 11 has a convex shape when viewed from the axis A1 of the spring 1 or from the axis A2 of the first member 2. The first notch element 18a of the arm 18 connected to the arm 11 in the articulation joint 1a, 3a is weighted radially relative to the apex of the second notch element 22f, i.e., at a radius r2 within the central band of the second notch element 22f passing through the straight line D2. In the first configuration, the arm 18 has a straight or substantially straight shape. Furthermore, the first notch element 12a of the arm 12 connected to the arm 11 in the articulation joint 1b, 3b is weighted radially relative to the first portion 21b. In the first configuration, the arm 12 has a convex shape when viewed from the axis A1 of the spring 1 or from the axis A2 of the first member 2.

[0135] The passage of the first notch element 11a through the second notch element 22a, i.e., the passage of the first member 2 from radius r1 to radius r2, requires an increase in the rotational torque of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2 in order to achieve a rotational torque of the second member 3 higher than the threshold torque driving the second member 3. Thus, each of the articulations 1a, 3a and 1b, 3b allows for optimal deformation of the arm 11 while minimizing stresses within the arm. This torque increase is at least partially brought about by the cooperation of the elements 11a and 22a that mark the initiation of the notches. This increase can be more or less abrupt or linear, depending on the geometry of the first and second notch elements.

[0136] 8 illustrates a portion of the system in a second configuration in which the first notch element 11a radially weights against the second notch element 22a upstream of the apex of the second notch element 22a following rotation of the second member in the first direction of rotation and after partially passing through the second notch element. In the second configuration, the arm 11 has a straight or substantially straight shape. In the second configuration, the first notch element 12a of the arm 12 continues to radially weight against the first portion 21b, such that the arm 12 maintains a convex shape when viewed from the axis A1 of the spring 1 or the axis A2 of the first member 2. In the second configuration, the first notch element 18a of the arm 18 continues to radially weight against the second notch element 22f, such that the arm 18 maintains a straight or substantially straight shape. Nevertheless, in the second configuration, the first notch element 18a passes the apex of the second notch element 22f, and the arm 18 is in a state where it restores the elastic potential energy stored therein due to its elastic deformation.

[0137] The arrangement of the first notch element 18a relative to the second notch element 22f allows the second member 3 to be rotationally driven in a first direction of rotation under the influence of a torque below a threshold value, the torque reduction being at least partly brought about by the cooperation of the elements 18a and 22f that define the ends of the notches, and the reduction being more or less abrupt or linear depending on the shape of the first and second notch elements.

[0138] 9 illustrates a portion of the system after the notches are completed. In this third configuration, the first notch element 11a is positioned at the apex of the second notch element 22a, while the first notch element 18a radially weights the first part 21a of the first member 2 after passing through the second notch element 22f. The first notch element 12a, in turn, angularly abuts the second notch element 22b of the first member 2, while the same first notch element 12a radially weights the first part 21b of the first member 2.

[0139] The third configuration is equivalent to the first configuration in that, following the first notch described above, the passage of the second notch element 22b by the first notch element 12a at least partially initiates the initiation of the second notch, the end of which is characterized at least in part by the passage of the second notch element 22a by the first notch element 11a into portion 21b.

[0140] This description indicates that a given notch is not exclusively defined by a given first notch element cooperating with a given second notch element, or by a first notch means cooperating in a simultaneous and synchronized manner with a different second notch means. - a first cooperation between a predetermined first notch element and a predetermined second notch element; - a second cooperation between another predetermined first notch element and another predetermined second notch element, and optionally a third cooperation between at least one other first notch element different from the first two and the predetermined first portion of the first member; may be defined by a combination of

[0141] More specifically, in the second configuration described above, a first notch element 11a may radially weight a second notch element 22a upstream of the apex of the second notch element 22a, another first notch element 18a may radially weight a second notch element 22f downstream of the apex of the second notch element 22f, and yet another first notch element 12a may weight portion 21b. Thus, in a given configuration of the notch system, the first notch elements of the springs are not all similarly positioned with respect to the second notch elements of the first member 2, and therefore the first notch elements of the springs do not all act simultaneously and in a synchronized manner with the second notch elements. This is because several mechanical actions exerted on the first member by the springs, and in particular by the first notch elements, - Different strengths (measured primarily by the degree of deformation of the arms), and / or - different directions (the directions being determined by the angle relative to the radial direction along the axes A1 and A2 at the points of contact with the first member 2 of the spring), This results in a mechanical action with

[0142] Of course, the opening of the notches may be defined by one or more first interactions between a given first notch element and a given second notch element, and thus there may be multiple first interactions between a given first notch element and a given second notch element, which are simultaneous and synchronized, meaning that they simultaneously produce equal or substantially identical mechanical actions in terms of magnitude and direction (the direction being determined by the angle relative to the radial direction about axes A1 and A2 at the point of contact of the spring with first member 2).

[0143] 1-9, in the first configuration of the notch system, the first notch element 15a is positioned angularly abutting the second notch element 22d in the same manner as the first notch element 11a is positioned relative to the second notch element 22a. This can be seen more particularly in FIG. 2, which shows the notch system in the first configuration described above.

[0144] Thus, the start of the notch is determined by the simultaneous and synchronized cooperation between elements 11a and 22a, and 15a and 22d, respectively, and the end of the notch is determined by the simultaneous and synchronized cooperation between elements 18a and 22f, and 14a and 22c, respectively.

[0145] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the notch system is bidirectional, meaning that while it is possible to define notches in a first direction of rotation of the second member 3 as described above, it is also possible, by means of identical or equivalent elements of the notch system, to define notches in a second direction of rotation of the second member 3.

[0146] A second embodiment of a watch 200' is described below with reference to Figures 10 to 18.

[0147] Preferably, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the features described below.

[0148] Thus, the reference numbers of the elements of the second embodiment are derived from the reference numbers of the elements of the first embodiment (having the same or substantially the same structure and / or the same or substantially the same function) by the addition of an apostrophe "'".

[0149] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment primarily in that the notching system 100' is unidirectional, which allows the second embodiment to employ a second "notched" member 3' that is pivoted about the first member 2' in only one direction of rotation.

[0150] In this particular variation of the second embodiment described below with reference to Figures 10 to 18, the notch system generates 120 notch or index positions for a complete rotation of the second member 3' relative to the first member 2'.

[0151] In this particular variation, the first member 2' includes m second notch elements, where m = 15. Thus, the first member 2' in this case includes 15 second notch elements 22a', 22b', 22c', 22d', 22e', 22f', 22g', 22h', 22i', 22j', 22k', 22l', 22m', 22n', 22o'. Like the spring 1 of the first embodiment, the spring 1' in this case includes eight arms 11', 12', 13', 14', 15', 16', 17', 18', each of which includes a first notch element, in particular first notch teeth 11a', 12a', 13a', 14a', 15a', 16a', 17a', 18a'.

[0152] To achieve the unidirectional rotation function of the second member 3' relative to the first member 2', the notch system 100' has the particular feature of including a first angular stop element and a second angular stop element to avoid any unintentional rotation of the second member 3' relative to the first member 2'.

[0153] More specifically, each first notch element 11a', 12a', 13a', 14a', 15a', 16a', 17a', 18a' may comprise a first stop element 111a', 121a', 131a', 141a', 151a', 161a', 171a', 181a', such as a first side, the normal of which is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the first axis A1; and Each second notch element 22a' to 22o' may comprise a second stop element, such as a second flank, the normal of which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis A1.

[0154] The first and second stop elements cooperate by means of an obstruction to prevent rotation of the second member 3' relative to the first member 2' in a predetermined rotational direction.

[0155] For this reason, the first notch element has the particular characteristic of being asymmetrical, more specifically, there is no straight line passing through the plane P1' of the spring and through the axis A1' of the spring, along which the first notch element exhibits axial symmetry.

[0156] Similarly, the second notch element has the particular characteristic of being asymmetrical. More specifically, there is no line passing through the plane P2' of the first member and passing through the axis A2' of the first member, along which the second notch element 22' exhibits axial symmetry.

[0157] Preferably, each resilient arm 11', 12', 13', 14', 15', 16', 17', 18' comprises a first abutment force reaction element 11b', 12b', 13b', 14b', 15b', 16b', 17b', 18b', for example located at the midpoint of each resilient arm, which is adapted to cooperate with stop surfaces 31b', 32b', 33b', 34b', 35b', 36b', 37b', 38b' when the first and second stop elements cooperate by obstruction to prevent rotation of the second member 3' relative to the first member 2' in a predetermined rotational direction.

[0158] Preferably, the first notch element is provided on a surface of the spring 1', in particular on the inner surface of the spring 1', and the first abutment force reaction element is provided on another surface of the spring 1', in particular on the opposite surface of the spring 1', in particular on the outer surface of the spring 1'.

[0159] Thus, as a result of the design of the first notch element of spring 1' and the second notch element of first member 2', notch system 100' is unidirectional. Therefore, second member 3' is mounted to pivot in only one direction of rotation relative to first member 2', and consequently relative to case shell 4'. This direction of rotation corresponds to the direction of rotation indicated by the dotted arrows in Figures 16 to 18.

[0160] In addition, in this case the pivot connection between the spring 1' and the second member 3' is realized by means of recesses 1a' to 1h' (which act as first pivot connection elements) provided on the spring 1' to cooperate with protrusions 3a' to 3h' (which act as second pivot connection elements) provided on the second member 3'. Of course, it is entirely possible to replace the recesses with holes and the protrusions with pins or pegs.

[0161] The first and second connecting elements allow for a pivotal connection of the spring 1' to the second member 3', in particular a pivotal connection connecting two consecutive elastic arms, while also allowing for a suitable pre-tensioning of the spring 1', in particular relative to the first member 2'.

[0162] In the example shown in Figures 10 to 18, the second member 2' similarly includes fifteen first annular portions 21a' to 21o' disposed on a first radius r1 of the first member 2'. The second notch elements 22a' to 22o' themselves include vertices disposed on a second radius r2 of the first member 2', as shown in Figure 15. The ratio r2 / r1 is particularly relevant to the notch spacing. In this particular example, the ratio is approximately 1.02.

[0163] 10 to 18, the angular extent α21' of the first portion 21', measured from the axis A2' of the first member 2', is in this case approximately three times the angular extent α22' of the second notch element 22', measured from the same axis A2'. The values ​​of α21' and α22' make it possible in particular to define the notch frequency.

[0164] 16 to 18 illustrate different configurations of spring 1' relative to first member 2' to show how the notches of device 100' are created. For simplicity, the second member 3' to which spring 1' is articulated is not shown in these figures.

[0165] FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of the notch system in a first configuration, in which the first notch element 11a' of the spring 1' angularly abuts the second notch element 22a' of the first member 2' in the direction of rotation of the second member 3' indicated by the dotted arrow, while the same first notch element 11a' radially weights the first portion 21b' of the first member 2'. This is the first stable angular configuration of the second member 3' relative to the first member 2'. The first configuration is achieved following pivoting of the second member 3' in a predetermined direction of rotation and a threshold rotational torque of the second member 3'. In this first configuration, the arm 11' has a convex shape when viewed from the axis A1' of the spring 1' or the axis A2' of the first member 2'. The first notch element 12a' of the arm 12' connected to the arm 11' by the first articulation joint 1b', 3b' is angularly weighted against the apex of the second notch element 22c', i.e., at the radius r2 of the first member 2'. In the first configuration, the arm 12' has a straight or substantially straight shape. Furthermore, the first notch element 18a' of the arm 18' connected to the arm 11' by the second articulation joint 1a', 3a' is radially weighted against the first portion 21o'. In the first configuration, the arm 18' has a convex shape when viewed from the axis A1' of the spring 1' or from the axis A2' of the first member 2'.

[0166] The passage of the first notch element 11a' through the second notch element 22a', i.e., the passage of the first member 2' from radius r1 to radius r2, requires an increase in the rotational torque of the second member 3' to achieve a rotational torque of the second member 3' higher than the threshold torque for driving the second member 3'. Thus, each of the articulations 1a', 3a' and 1b', 3b' allows for optimal deformation of the arm 11' while minimizing stresses within the arm 11'. The torque increase resulting from the cooperation of elements 11a' and 22a' marks the opening of the notch. This increase can be more or less abrupt or linear, depending on the geometry of the first and second notch elements.

[0167] FIG. 17 illustrates a portion of the notch system in a second configuration, following rotation of the second member 3′ in the rotational direction, where the first notch element 11a′ angularly weights against the second notch element 22a′ slightly upstream of the apex of the second notch element 22a′ after partially passing through the second notch element. In the second configuration, the arm 11′ has a straight or substantially straight shape. In the second configuration, the first notch element 18a′ of the arm 18′ remains radially weighted against the first portion 21o′, so that the arm 18′ maintains a convex shape when viewed from the axis A1′ of the spring 1′ or the axis A2′ of the first member 2′. In the second configuration, the first notch element 12a′ of the arm 12′ remains radially weighted against the second notch element 22c′, so that the arm 12′ maintains a straight or substantially straight shape. Nevertheless, in the second configuration, the first notched element 12a' passes through the apex of the second notched element 22c', so the arm 12' is ready to restore the elastic potential energy stored by its elastic deformation.

[0168] Due to the arrangement of the first notch element 12a' relative to the second notch element 22c', the second member 3' can be driven in rotation in its own direction of rotation under the influence of a torque below a threshold value. The decrease in torque caused by the cooperation of elements 12a' and 22c' marks the end of the notch. This decrease can be more or less abrupt or linear, depending on the shape of the first and second notch elements.

[0169] 18 illustrates the portion of the notch system after the notch is completed. In this third configuration, the first notch element 12a' radially weights the first member portion 21c' after passing through the second notch element 22c', while the first notch element 11a' is located at the apex of the second notch element 22a'. The first notch element 18a', in turn, angularly abuts the second notch element 22n' of the first member 2', while the same first notch element 18a' angularly weights the first member portion 21o' of the first member 2'.

[0170] The third configuration is equivalent to the first configuration in that, following the first notch described above, passage of second notch element 22n' by first notch element 18a' begins the initiation of the second notch, the end of which is characterized by passage of first notch element 11a' from second notch element 22a' into portion 21a'.

[0171] This statement indicates that a given notch is not exclusively defined by a given first notch element cooperating with a given second notch element, or by a first notch means cooperating in a simultaneous and synchronized manner with a different second notch means. - a first cooperation between a predetermined first notch element and a predetermined second notch element; and - a second cooperation between another predetermined first notch element and another predetermined second notch element, and possibly a third cooperation between at least one other first notch element different from the first two and the predetermined first portion of the first member; may be defined by a combination of

[0172] More specifically, in the second embodiment described above, the first notch element 11 a' may radially weight the second notch element 22 a' upstream of the apex of the second notch element 22 a', the first notch element 12 a' may radially weight the second notch element 22 c' downstream of the apex of the second notch element 22 c', and the third first notch element 18 a' may weight the portion 21 o'. Thus, in a given configuration of the notch system, the first notch elements of the spring are not all similarly positioned with respect to the second notch elements of the first member 2, and therefore the first notch elements of the spring do not all act simultaneously and in a synchronized manner with the second notch elements.

[0173] A third embodiment of a watch 200* is described below with reference to FIGS.

[0174] Preferably, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the features described below.

[0175] Therefore, the reference numbers of the elements of the third embodiment are derived from the reference numbers of the elements of the first embodiment (having the same or substantially the same structure and / or the same or substantially the same function) by the addition of an asterisk "*".

[0176] As in the example of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, n = 8 and m = 6. Thus, in this particular variation of the third embodiment, the notch system generates 24 notches or index positions per complete rotation of the second member 3* relative to the first member 2*.

[0177] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment primarily in that the first member 2* is mounted on the outside of the second member 3* to which the spring 1* is articulated. Therefore, the second notch elements are oriented inward. The second notch elements form, for example, internal teeth. Also, in the unloaded state, the arms 11* of the spring 1* are concave when viewed from the axis A1* or A2*. However, preferably, the arms 11* are convex when viewed from the apex of the first notch elements when in the unloaded state.

[0178] Preferably, as shown in Figure 20, the resilient arm, in its unloaded position, has the shape of a circular arc C11*, the center A11* of which lies on the same first circle C10* preferably centered on the axis A1* (i.e., coaxial with the spring) and has a non-zero radius, in particular greater than 0.2 times the radius of the circle C1* (i.e., the radius of the spring) passing through the axis of the first connecting element of spring 1*, or greater than 0.3 times the radius of the circle C1* (i.e., the radius of the spring), or greater than 0.4 times the radius of the circle C1* (i.e., the radius of the spring). Preferably, the radius is less than 0.9 or 0.8 times the radius of the circle C1* (i.e., the radius of the spring) passing through the axis of the first connecting element of spring 1*.

[0179] Preferably, the first notch elements 11a*, 12a* do not move inside the circle C1* when the arms 11*, 12* of the spring 1* are elastically deformed due to the cooperation between the first notch elements which they support and the second notch elements 22a*, 22b* of the first member 2*, which advantageously makes it possible to propose a particularly compact notch system.

[0180] A fourth embodiment of the watch 200" will now be described with reference to Figures 21 and 22.

[0181] Preferably or substantially, the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the features described below. the pivot connections 1b'', 3b'' mechanically connecting the spring to the second member 3'' are implemented as in the second embodiment; and / or - 11" arm shape, and / or - The shape of the first notch tooth 11a”.

[0182] Therefore, the reference numbers of the elements of the fourth embodiment are derived from the reference numbers of the elements of the first embodiment (having the same or substantially the same structure and / or the same or substantially the same function) by the addition of the symbol "".

[0183] A fifth embodiment of the watch 200''' will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0184] Preferably or substantially, the fifth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the features described below. the pivot link 1b''', 3b''' mechanically connecting the spring to the second member 3''' is implemented as in the first embodiment, and / or - 11" arm shape.

[0185] Therefore, the reference numbers of the elements of the fifth embodiment are derived from the reference numbers of the elements of the second embodiment (which have the same or substantially the same structure and / or the same or substantially the same function) by replacing "'' with the symbol "'"'.

[0186] In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the arm preferably has a shape including two concave parts 118", 119"; 118'", 119'" when viewed from the apex of the first notch tooth. The two concave parts are joined together to form - the concave part has tangents that form angles β", β'", for example angles between 60° and 120° or angles β", β'" equal to or approximately equal to 90°, and - Constituting the first tooth, Form a region.

[0187] Preferably, the concave part comprises: - has a radius of curvature that is greater than or equal to 0.05 or 0.1 times the radius of the circle C1" and C1'" and less than or equal to 0.3 times the radius of the circle C1" and C1'"; and / or - the concave part is tangent or substantially tangent to the circle C'', C''' at the end of the arm;

[0188] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the arms of springs 1, 1', 1*, 1", 1'" may be radially symmetrical or substantially symmetrical with respect to axes A1, A1', A1*, A1", A1'". Alternatively, the arms of springs 1, 1', 1*, 1", 1'" may be radially asymmetrical with respect to axes A1, A1', A1*, A1", A1'". For this reason, the radii of curvature of concave parts 118", 119"; 118'", 119'" may, in particular, be equal or unequal.

[0189] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the first notch tooth is preferably carried only by the arms of a spring, which is connected to the first or second member via a pivot connection at the end of each arm. Thus, the first notch tooth is preferably mechanically connected to the first or second member via the arms. In particular, the first notch tooth is preferably not directly mechanically connected to the first or second member. In particular, the first notch tooth is not directly mechanically connected to the first or second member via a sliding connection, such as a sliding connection oriented radially or substantially radially relative to the axis A1, A1', A1*, A1", A1'".

[0190] Preferably, - a first notch tooth; - the first or second member; The only direct mechanical connection that exists between the first and second teeth is a local bearing (point or line) on the second notch tooth in the configuration in which the first and second teeth cooperate to implement the notch.

[0191] In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the arms have a predominantly convex or convex central part. In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the arms extend integrally or predominantly inwardly with an outer circle tangent to the spring at the pivot connection connecting the spring to the second member. In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the parts of the arms 11", 11'" that connect parts 118", 119"; 118'", 119'" to the pivot connections 1a", 1b"; 1a'", 1b'" have a radius of curvature that is substantially equal to the radius of a circle that passes through the axis of the pivot connection connecting the spring to the second member.

[0192] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the springs 1, 1', 1*, 1", 1'" may be made of steel, such as Nivaflex. Alternatively, the springs may be made of nickel or a nickel-phosphorus alloy. Alternatively, the springs may be made of silicon. Alternatively, the springs may be made of metallic glass. Of course, the springs may alternatively be made of other materials, in particular other elastic materials. The springs may be manufactured by mechanical processes, for example by stamping or wire cutting. The springs may also be manufactured by stereolithography, a LIGA process, a DRIE etching process, an injection molding process or a laser cutting process.

[0193] In the first two embodiments, the notch system comprises a spring 1, 1', 1", 1'" mechanically coupled, in particular articulated, to a second member 3, 3', 3", 3'", which is movable relative to a first member 2, 2', 2", 2'", which is, for example, a ring 2, 2', 2", 2'", which is part of or adapted to the case body 4, 4', 4", 4'", 4'". However, it is entirely possible to reverse the arrangement so that the first member 2* is movably mounted relative to the second member 3*. In this case, the first member 2* may, for example, correspond to a rotating bezel portion. In this case, the spring 1* is mechanically coupled, in particular articulated, to a second member 3*, which is, for example, a ring 3* which is part of or adapted to the case body 4*.

[0194] The torque required to manipulate the first and second members relative to each other varies depending on the nature of the application, and in particular on the function ensured by the first and / or second member. In the case of an orientable back cover (i.e., angularly indexed relative to the case body), the torque is in particular higher than that required to rotate a rotating bezel or a rotating flange.

[0195] The notch system may be miniaturized for application to a crown that is orientable relative to the case body (i.e. angularly indexed relative to the case body).

[0196] The notch system 100, 100', 100*, 100", 100'" may also be utilized to be applied to a notch mobile of a watch movement. In this case, the second member 3, 3', 3", 3'" or the first member 2* may be a mobile of a regulating mechanism of the watch movement, and the first member 2, 2', 2", 2'" or the second member 3* may be a mobile that is more specifically mated with a display member, typically a time zone display member or a programmable display, or vice versa.

[0197] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the first and second notch elements, and in particular the first and second notch teeth, may have a variety of shapes.

[0198] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the notch is not exclusively defined by a given first notch element cooperating with a given second notch element, as in the device of Patent Document 5, or by all first notch elements cooperating in a simultaneous and synchronized manner with a second notch element, as in the device of Patent Document 3, for example.

[0199] Specifically, regardless of the embodiment or modification, the notch or index position is at least: - a first cooperation between a predetermined first notch element and a predetermined second notch element; a second cooperation between another predetermined first notch element and another predetermined second notch element; is defined by the combination of

[0200] Advantageously, the coupling also includes a third cooperation between at least one other first notch element different from the first two and a recess or portion of the first member, in particular a cylindrical portion.

[0201] Preferably, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the notch system is designed to generate evenly distributed notches over a full rotation of the first member relative to the second member, or vice versa, meaning that the movement of the first member relative to the second member is the same between each notch. Also preferably, the notches are predetermined and remain the same regardless of the angular position of the first or second member, meaning that the threshold torque required to pass through a notch remains the same regardless of the notch in question. Alternatively, the notch system may be designed so that the notches are associated with threshold torques of different magnitudes. Furthermore, the notch frequency may vary over a full rotation of the first member relative to the second member, or vice versa, meaning that the movement of the first member relative to the second member may vary between two consecutive notches. Such a system may include a first member including second notch elements that are not all identically shaped, and / or a spring including first notch elements that are not all identically shaped. Furthermore, the angular range α11 and / or the angular range α12 may vary. The angular range α21 and / or the angular range α22 may also vary.

[0202] As used herein, "indexing," "angular indexing," or "indexing of a member" is understood to define various stable angular positions of a first member relative to a second member, or vice versa. These stable positions may be separated by a succession of unstable or less stable intermediate positions. Between two stable positions or two indexed positions, the first member temporarily passes through a succession of unstable or less stable intermediate positions. The first or second member can leave a stable position only if a torque higher than a threshold torque is applied to the first or second member, whereas the first or second member can leave an unstable or less stable intermediate position if a torque lower than a threshold torque is applied to the first or second member.

[0203] "Arm" is understood herein to mean any elongated shape, preferably having a maximum dimension along its axis that is at least 10 or 15 times larger than each of its dimensions perpendicular to said axis. Alternatively or additionally, "arm" is understood herein to mean any elongated shape, preferably participating at least in part in defining the contour of the spring. Thus, the series of arms substantially defines the contour of the spring, in particular a closed loop.

[0204] In this specification, "unloaded position of the arms of the spring" is preferably understood to mean that the first notch element of the arm does not cooperate with the second notch element or that the first notch element of the arm is located in a recess between two consecutive second notch elements, in particular relative to the cylindrical portion of the second member.

[0205] As used herein, a "notch system" is understood to mean a system that preferably defines a complete set of notches or index positions distributed over the path of motion of a first member relative to a second member (or vice versa). A notch may be characterized in terms of a threshold torque that must be overcome to move the first member relative to the second member (or vice versa). The beginning of a notch may be characterized by an increase in torque relative to the threshold torque. The end of a notch may be characterized by a decrease in torque relative to the threshold torque. The change in torque to be overcome may be more or less abrupt relative to the movement of the first member relative to the second member (or vice versa). Starting from the threshold torque, the torque required to drive the first member relative to the second member (or vice versa) may vary in various ways up to the next notch or to the next index position. In particular, the torque may be reduced to a negative value to subsequently cancel and define the next notch or index position. Preferably, the number of notches is a multiple of two.

[0206] As used herein, "notch" is understood to mean movement between a first index position and a subsequent index position.

[0207] The above-mentioned notch system employs a return spring having the specific feature of providing resilient arms and first connecting means for the spring, the first connecting means being arranged and designed to maximize deformation of the resilient arms while minimizing stress in the resilient arms. More specifically, the first connecting means are arranged at each longitudinal end of the resilient arms, allowing all the resilient arms to be connected while still being able to move relative to each other. Furthermore, each of the resilient arms has the specific feature of including a first notch element provided between two first connecting means, the first notch element being provided to cooperate with a second notch element of the notch ring to provide resilient deformation of the arm.

[0208] Due to its simplicity and compactness, such a notch system can be advantageously used for defining a watch external device, in particular a notched rotating bezel, or for defining a notch mobile in a watch movement.

[0209] The above-described notch system makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks known from the prior art, in particular, the above-described notch system comprises first and second notch means, the dimensions or format of which are maximized relative to the number of notches generated by the device, and the first and second notch means are loadable less frequently than the frequency of the notches generated by the notch system.

[0210] Furthermore, the above-described notch system has the advantage of generating balanced forces about a given axis of rotation, which contributes to a pleasant feeling when operating a timepiece including such a notch system.

[0211] Finally, the above-mentioned notch system has the advantage of being particularly compact: such a design is particularly advantageous, for example, for the definition of a rotating bezel arranged in a case provided with a case barrel including an annular seat with a minimized cross section, and / or, for example, for the definition of an attached rotating bezel.

[0212] Due to their compactness, the above-mentioned notch systems are also particularly well suited to being integrated into timepiece movements, which may be, for example, devices for adjusting devices that display time information, such as time zones, where such a notch system allows a display member to be moved through a predetermined angular pitch. [Explanation of symbols]

[0213] 1 spring 1b First pivot connecting element 2 First member 3 Second member 3a, 3b Second pivot connecting element 10 Watch Case 11, 12 Arms 11a, 12a First notch element 11b', 12b' 1st contact force reaction element 21a, 22a part 22a, 22b Second notch element 100 Notch System 110 Clock device 200 watches

Claims

1. A spring (1; 1'; 1*; 1"; 1'") for a notch system (100; 100'; 100*; 100"; 100'"), said spring comprising: at least two resilient arms (11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*; 11", 12"; 11'", 12'"), each of which at each of its ends constitutes a beam, intended to be held by and articulated to a first member (3; 3'; 3*; 3"; 3'"), a first row of teeth including first notched teeth (11a, 12a; 11a', 12a'; 11a*, 12a*; 11a", 12a"; 11a'", 12a'") disposed on each of the arms; the spring is designed such that the arm is convex inward at the first notch tooth portion of the arm when the spring is not attached. Spring (1;1';1*;1";1'").

2. the spring comprises at least one first pivot connection element (1b; 1b'; 1b*; 1b"; 1b'") between the two elastic arms (11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*; 11", 12"; 11'", 12'") for forming a connection with another member, A spring (1; 1'; 1*; 1"; 1'") according to claim 1.

3. the spring is in the form of a closed loop; A spring (1; 1'; 1*; 1"; 1'") according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Each elastic arm is in the shape of a circular arc when the spring is not attached, and its center is located on a first circle (C10; C10'; C10*). A spring (1; 1'; 1*; 1"; 1'") according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first circle (C10; C10') has a radius greater than 1.5 times the radius of the spring; A spring (1; 1') according to claim 4.

6. said at least two resilient arms (11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*; 11", 12"; 11'", 12'") form a clamp intended to act on a second member (2; 2'; 2*) having a second row of teeth including second notched teeth (22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a*, 22b*; 22a", 22b"; 22a'", 22b'"), A spring (1; 1'; 1*; 1"; 1'") according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the spring is designed such that the radius of curvature of any one of the arms of the spring increases or reverses under the action of the second notch teeth (22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a*, 22b**; 22a", 22b"; 22a'", 22b'") of the second member (2; 2'; 2*; 2"; 2'"); A spring (1; 1'; 1*; 1"; 1'") according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. each of the first notch teeth (11a', 12a') includes a first stop element (111a', 121a') that can abut against the second notch tooth; A spring (1'; 1'") according to claim 6 or 7.

9. each of the first notch teeth (11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*; 11", 12"; 11'", 12'") is located at the midpoint of each elastic arm; A spring (1; 1'; 1*; 1"; 1'") according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the spring comprises n elastic arms and / or n first pivot connection elements, where n≧2, and / or the spring exhibits n-fold rotational symmetry; A spring (1; 1'; 1*; 1"; 1"') according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the spring has a substantially polygonal shape and / or the line segments connecting the axes of the first pivot connection elements (1b; 1b'; 1b*; 1b"; 1b'") constitute a polygonal shape; A spring (1; 1'; 1*; 1"; 1"') according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A notch system (100; 100'; 100*; 100"; 100'") comprising a spring (1; 1'; 1*; 1"; 1'") according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a second member (2; 2'; 2*; 2"; 2'") having a second row of teeth, said spring and said second member being arranged to act on one another. Notch system (100; 100'; 100*; 100"; 100"').

13. a first member (3; 3'; 3*; 3"; 3'") movably mounted relative to said second member (2; 2'; 2*; 2"; 2'"), said first member including at least one second pivotal connection element (3a, 3b; 3a', 3b'; 3a*, 3b*; 3a", 3b"; 3a'", 3b'") cooperating with at least one first pivotal connection element (1a, 1b; 1a', 1b'; 1a*, 1b*; 1a", 1b"; 1a'", 1b'") to form at least one pivotal connection between said spring (1; 1'; 1*; 1"; 1'") and said first member (3; 3'; 3*; 3"; 3'"), A notch system (100; 100'; 100*; 100"; 100'") according to claim 12.

14. Each resilient arm (11', 12'; 11'", 12'") includes a first abutment force reaction element (11b', 12b'; 11b'", 12b'") cooperating with a stop surface of the first member, A notch system (100; 100'; 100*; 100"; 100'") according to claim 13.

15. The first abutment force reaction element is disposed at the midpoint of each elastic arm. A notch system (100; 100'; 100*; 100"; 100'") according to claim 14.

16. The first tooth row includes n first teeth (11a, 12a; 11a', 12a'; 11a*, 12a*; 11a", 12a"; 11a'", 12a'"), and the second member (2; 2'; 2*; 2"; 2'") includes a second tooth row including m second teeth (22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a*, 22b*; 22a", 22b"; 22a'", 22b'"), wherein n=8 and m=6, or n=6 and m=5, or n=10 and m=12, or n=12 and m=15, or n=12 and m=20, or n=8 and m=15, A notch system (100; 100'; 100*; 100"; 100'") according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

17. A clock device (110; 110'; 110*; 110"; 110'"), The timepiece device comprises a spring according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or a notch system according to any one of claims 12 to 16. Clock device (110; 110'; 110*; 110"; 110'").

18. The clock device (110; 110'; 110*; 110"; 110'") is Rotating bezel (110; 110'; 110*; 110"; 110'"), or Rotating flange, or Orientable back cover, or Orientable crown, or a display device, A timepiece device (110; 110'; 110*; 110"; 110'") according to claim 17.

19. A timepiece device (110; 110'; 110*; 110"; 110'") according to claim 18, wherein the display device is a time zone display device or a programmable display device.

20. A watch case (10; 10'; 10*; 10"; 10'") comprising a spring described in any one of claims 1 to 11 or a notch system described in any one of claims 12 to 16 or a watch device described in any one of claims 17 to 19.

21. A watch (200; 200'; 200*; 200"; 200'") comprising a spring described in any one of claims 1 to 11 or a notch system described in any one of claims 12 to 16 or a watch device described in any one of claims 17 to 19 or a watch case described in claim 20.

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