Variable clock parts
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ROLEX SA
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
Smart Images
Figure 0007880368000001 
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to variable watch parts. The watch parts may be a dial, a dial counter, graduations (hour markers, number markers, or other markers), a bezel disk, or more generally, a decorative plate. The present invention also relates to a watch such as a wristwatch including the variable watch parts.
Background Art
[0002] There exist watch parts, particularly dials, whose aesthetic properties change according to brightness in order to produce a decorative effect. Such existing watch parts conventionally include a coating of luminous varnish. These existing watch parts have drawbacks such as a complex structure, and / or difficult handling, limited use and / or an increase in overall cost,
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] The overall object of the present invention is to provide a solution for variable watch parts that does not have all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art and forms a solution that improves existing solutions.
[0005] More specifically, one object of the present invention is to provide a solution for variable watch parts that is simple and can achieve an attractive aesthetic effect.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] Therefore, the present invention relates to a watch component for a watch, the component comprising a first part and a second part, the first part comprising at least one portion made of at least one opaque material at least partially superimposed on the second part, the second part comprising a material capable of emitting at least one light wave when excited by at least one excitation light wave, and the at least one portion of the first part comprising a structural state that allows light waves emitted by the second part to be at least partially transmitted outward from the watch component, such that the watch component exhibits at least a first appearance during the day and at least one different second appearance at night when the first part is backlit by light waves emitted by the second part.
[0007] The watch component may be a dial, dial counter, scale (hour markers, numeral markers, or other markers), bezel disc, or decorative plate.
[0008] The present invention also relates to a clock, and in particular a wristwatch, itself, including the clock component.
[0009] The present invention is more specifically defined by the claims.
[0010] The object, features, and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of certain non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a variable clock component according to a first alternative embodiment of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a variable clock component according to another first alternative embodiment of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a variable clock component according to yet another first alternative embodiment of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a variable timepiece component according to yet another first alternative form of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a variable timepiece component according to a second alternative form of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a variable timepiece component according to a specific first alternative form of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of the details of FIG. 6. [Figure 8a] FIG. 8a illustrates the daytime appearance of a variable timepiece component according to a specific first alternative form of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8b] FIG. 8b illustrates the nighttime appearance of a variable timepiece component according to a specific first alternative form of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a variable timepiece component according to yet another first alternative form of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a variable timepiece component according to yet another first alternative form of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a variable timepiece component according to yet another first alternative form of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a variable timepiece component according to a second specific alternative form of the second embodiment of the present invention. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0012] For the sake of the flow of the description, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or equivalent features in various embodiments.
[0013] Furthermore, to simplify the following explanation, the adjective “external” is used to refer to a volume or surface of a clock component intended to face outwards, including, in particular, a volume or surface directly visible to an observer looking at the clock. Conversely, the adjective “internal” is used to refer to a volume or surface of a clock component intended to face inwards, in contrast to other volumes or surfaces of the same clock component that face outwards.
[0014] Furthermore, the adjective “opaque” is used to describe the properties of a material when the material in question actually has a transmittance of less than 10% of light radiation, including wavelengths in the visible and / or ultraviolet region of the spectrum. “Opaque material” is considered to mean a material whose properties, when combined with the thickness used, form an opaque barrier to the aforementioned light radiation. In embodiments of the present invention, as will be described in detail below, the material of the first part is opaque with respect to the wavelength of light that excites the other material of the second part, and with respect to the wavelength of light waves emitted by the other excited material. Note: The same material may be opaque when used at a certain thickness and opaque when used at a thinner thickness. The same term “opaque material” is used in the plural for structures involving arrangements of combinations of several materials that satisfy the conditions described above regarding the definition of “opaque material.” The terms “opaque area” or “opaque region” are used to refer to a localized area of a component formed of at least one opaque material that reacts with respect to radiation in the manner described above, and ultimately prevents any visual effect of light waves passing through the opaque area or portion.
[0015] The adjective "transparent" is used to refer to a material or part that is not opaque, and thus encompasses both fully transparent embodiments and partially transparent embodiments such as translucent or light transmissive. The adjective "transparent" is used to refer to the property of a material when the material in question has a transmission of more than 10% of light radiation, which actually includes wavelengths in at least the visible and / or ultraviolet regions of the spectrum. A "transparent material" is considered to mean a material whose properties, in combination with the thickness used, permit at least partial transmission of the above light radiation. As will be explained in detail below, in embodiments of the present invention, all or part of the material of the first part is transparent with respect to the wavelength of light that excites the other material of the second part and / or with respect to the wavelength of the wave of light emitted by the other excited material. Note: The same material may be transparent when used at a particular thickness and non-transparent when used at a greater thickness. The same phrase "transparent material" is used in the plural for structures that include an arrangement of several material combinations that meet the conditions described above with respect to the definition of a "transparent material". The phrases "transparent region" or "transparent location" are used to refer to a local part of a component that is formed of at least one transparent material, reacts in the above state with respect to radiation, and ultimately permits any visual effect of light waves passing through the transparent region or location. As will be explained in detail below, the transparent location can be obtained using at least one transparent material or, advantageously, at least one transparent material in combination with a special structural state.
[0016] All embodiments of the present invention are based on the use of a portion within a watch component that is luminescent when illuminated, or when illuminated, from a specific range of wavelengths, particularly from external lighting or other suitable excitation sources. This is because the portion is made of a material that is particularly phosphorescent and / or fluorescent. For this reason, the term “excitation light wave” is used for illumination within a range of wavelengths that enables the excitation of the portion in order to emit light or illumination. In practice, the wavelength range refers to all or part of the wavelengths corresponding to the ultraviolet and visible portions of the spectrum. Finally, the term “emission wave” is used to refer to any illumination or emission spectrum emitted by a component after receiving an excitation light wave, particularly at night or in low-light conditions, that produces a visible effect to an observer looking at the watch component in question. Note: For simplicity, the terms day / night are used to refer to two opposite situations, but the term “night” is not limited to completely dark situations and is extended to include the partially dark period roughly between day and night.
[0017] Note: The excitation light wave may enter from an external source, pass through the first part, and then reach the second part. Alternatively, the excitation light wave may be emitted by any other means, in particular by an internal light source. For example, the excitation light wave may be emitted by a light source, including an LED, located inside the clock, below the second part.
[0018] From the perspective of watch components intended for use in watches, several embodiments of the present invention are described below.
[0019] The watch component 1 may be, for example, a watch dial, particularly a wristwatch dial. The watch component includes a first part 10 made of at least one opaque material and a second part 20 made of at least one material that is exposed to or capable of emitting emission waves, particularly phosphorescent and / or fluorescent, when exposed to or with excitation light waves of a certain range of frequencies.
[0020] The first part 10 includes at least one structural state 13 that allows the first part to be at least partially transparent so that the second part 20 is exposed to light, particularly external light, and the light emitted by the second part 20 can produce a visible visual effect to an observer looking at the watch components. In other words, the first part includes at least one opaque material that would be opaque in the absence of the structural state.
[0021] The “structural state” may be any opening formed on the surface or within the thickness of the first part. For this reason, the term opening 13 may be used to refer to the structural state 13. The opening may be a blind hole, an open end, a through hole, or internally porous within the thickness of the first part. The opening may be a micro-opening or nano-opening of sufficiently small dimensions so that it is invisible or virtually invisible to the naked eye during the day. Alternatively, the opening may have larger, visible dimensions for intentional visibility. The opening will also contribute to a decorative effect during the day. Alternatively, a blind hole may be formed in an invisible surface for intentional invisibility. The opening will not contribute to a decorative effect during the day. In all cases, whether or not it penetrates the entire opening, the opening may not necessarily be circular and may have any cross-section. The cross-section may be, for example, effectively square or star-shaped, or may have any other suitable shape.
[0022] Alternatively, the structural state may be at least a local modification of the thickness of the first part, in whole or in part, to the transparency of the material from which the first part is made.
[0023] This structural state may be obtained, in particular, by any conventional machining technique, or by laser processing, in particular by femtosecond laser processing or deep reactive ion etching (DRIE), or by other chemical corrosion.
[0024] From the perspective of watch components intended for use in watches, a first embodiment of the present invention is described below.
[0025] According to the first embodiment, the first part 10 takes the shape of a solid portion. The first part is intended to face the outside of the watch and includes an external surface 11 that is visible or partially visible to the observer. The first part also includes an opposite, parallel or substantially parallel internal surface 12 that is not visible to the observer. The first part may have a thickness of 2 mm or less, or a thickness of 0.05 mm or more and 2 mm or less. A portion is considered solid if, when considered independently of the other parts, it constitutes a solid that does not require structural mechanical support to support the portion without deformation.
[0026] The first part may be formed from one or more materials selected from the following non-exclusive list. Especially black, some nacre; some fossil materials; tortoiseshell; manganese calcite; lepidolite; petrified wood; coral; amber; pearls; ivory; metals or metallic alloys such as platinum or ferrite or meteorite; engineered ceramics based on zirconia and / or alumina, whether colored or not; rough gemstones; minerals; stones or noble materials of organic origin; sphalerite; fluorite; agate; alexandrite; amethyst; anatase; aventurine quartz; chalcedony; chrysoberyl; green chalcedony; citrine; jasper; tiger's eye; opal; quartz; spinel; aragonite; azurite; malachite; rosinite; apatite; lazuli; turquoise; sapphire; beryl; tourmaline; obsidian; or snowflake obsidian.
[0027] According to a first alternative embodiment of the first embodiment, the second part 20 takes the form of a block portion. Such a second part advantageously includes a block structure containing a luminescent material distributed over its volume. The advantages of the second part are that, because it contains a large amount of luminescent material, it can emit more light and has sufficient rigidity to give the second part mechanical properties that allow it to be used as a mechanical support for the structure. The second part may have a substantially constant thickness on average of 0.01 mm to 5 mm. The second part may be 1 mm 2 The above surface area, or 0.01 cm² 2 15cm or more2 The following surface areas may be present. The second portion may be a plate made of fluorescent and / or phosphorescent ceramics, particularly composite ceramics based on yttrium-stabilized zirconia and Dy / Eu-doped strontium aluminate, and preferably, for example, a “luminescent zirconia” plate as disclosed in Patent Document 1.
[0028] The advantage of the second part is that it possesses sufficient rigidity to give it mechanical properties that allow it to be used as a mechanical support for the structure. Therefore, the second part may form a support that allows the mechanical support of the first part and / or the watch component to be mounted within the watch. Finally, the second part may serve a dual role: to illuminate at night, i.e., to generate a light wave, and to support the first part of the watch component. Through this mechanical property, the second part can form a watch component consisting of only two assembly parts. Thus, the watch component is simplified to the greatest extent possible.
[0029] Therefore, according to the first alternative embodiment of the first embodiment, the two parts 10, 20 of the watch component take the form of two separate block or solid elements assembled together. Figure 1 illustrates a particular method of implementing the watch component, which is provided only by two separate block or solid parts assembled together, for example, by joining.
[0030] More specifically, the watch component is provided with a first part 10 including a structural state 13 that takes the shape of several through-openings. The purpose of these through-openings is to make the first part at least partially transparent. To this end, the first part may include a sufficient number of openings to obtain a visible backlight effect provided by the light-emitting material present in the second part. Thus, the through-openings are sufficient to allow, on the one hand, the transmission of excitation light waves coming from the outside to the second part, and on the other hand, the transmission of light waves emitted by the second part following the excitation of the second part. More specifically, the first part is at least partially transparent to wavelengths that enable the excitation and emission of the light-emitting material present in the second part. This means that at least certain wavelengths within the range that allows the excitation of the light-emitting material used in particular pass through the first part with sufficient efficiency to cause the light-emitting material to reach the required level of excitation, and conversely, at least certain wavelengths within the emission range of the same light-emitting material pass through the first part with sufficient efficiency to reach the required emission level, particularly to obtain a visual effect at night.
[0031] The aperture 13 of the first part is, in this case, preferably a fully penetrating micro-aperture or a fully penetrating nano-aperture of sufficiently small dimensions that are indistinguishable to the naked eye. For example, these apertures take a substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter of 60 μm or less, because it is generally accepted that greater dimensional details can be perceived to the naked eye from a distance of 20 cm. In other words, for these penetrating apertures to be invisible in daylight, their dimensions are preferably smaller than the maximum resolving power of the eye under standard conditions for a miniature watch. The resolving power of the eye is about one minute of an angle. Finally, two properties of the micro-aperture of this embodiment allow the second part 20 to be exposed to illumination, particularly external illumination, even if the first part is made of an opaque material, and the light emitted by the second part 20 produces a visible visual effect for an observer looking at the watch components.
[0032] Of course, the quantity of the aperture 13, its respective dimensions, and its distribution represent compromises reached based on the desired aesthetic results. In particular, the shape, arrangement, and density of the structural state depend on the desired effect, in terms of the pattern obtained and / or the level of afterglow, depending on whether a momentary decorative effect or a display lasting for several hours is desired. This compromise also depends on the luminescent material selected for the second part. For this reason, the number of possibilities is very large. However, it should be noted that small dimensions of the aperture, with a diameter of 100 microns or less, or 60 microns or less, and a diameter of approximately 250 nm or more, that physically allow the passage of excitation and / or emission waves, micro-apertures equivalent to an open-end cylinder or a completely penetrating cylinder, can adequately achieve the desired goal. Of course, the aperture may have any dimensions suitable for the passage of excitation and / or emission waves.
[0033] Of course, an even, additional, or alternative visual effect can also be obtained using at least one blind hole, deep enough to allow excitation and emission waves to pass through the remaining material. The at least one opening may be formed starting from the outer surface of the first portion or from the inner surface. The opening may have straight or inclined sides. Optionally, the opening may include optical means such as optical fibers and may be filled with any at least partially transparent material.
[0034] In addition or alternatively, the first part may include structural states that at least locally alter the transparency properties of the material from which the first part is manufactured. In other words, various structural states may be combined to produce a desired visual effect. For example, Figure 2 illustrates a particular way of implementing a part of a first alternative form of the first embodiment, in which the first part includes both a through-opening 13 and a stop-opening 15.
[0035] Furthermore, the structural state may be uniform. In particular, to create a uniform effect, all openings may be identical and evenly distributed across the entire surface of the first part. Alternatively, to create a heterogeneous effect that gives a different visual effect, the distribution and / or shape may differ within the first part. For example, a clock component may include stopper openings of gradually changing depth based on gradation. This makes it possible to see the progressively changing luminosity across the area of the clock component.
[0036] Alternatively, as particularly in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the distribution of the openings is not uniform, but the openings are positioned to form a night-perceptible design that is revealed by the backlight from the second luminescent portion. In this case, the openings serve a dual role: to make the first portion at least partially transparent, and at the same time to form an aesthetic design, i.e., a night-visible decoration. According to one advantageous embodiment, the design may be a pattern that not only provides decoration but also provides some kind of display or information that is visible at night.
[0037] In the specific structure shown in Figure 1, the first part 10 defines the daytime aesthetics of the watch component. In this case, the observer cannot see through the first part. During the day, the observer sees the watch component as consisting only of the first part without an opening. Thus, the resulting watch component is a variable watch component in that it has at least a first daytime appearance in which the appearance of the component substantially corresponds to the appearance of the first part, and at least one second nighttime appearance in which the first part is backlit by visible light waves emitted by the second part. Thus, there exists a level of darkness, particularly partial darkness, beyond which the difference between at least the first appearance and at least the second appearance becomes visible. Furthermore, the backlight may change with the intensity of the light waves emitted by the second part, which diminishes over time. Thus, the nighttime appearance of the component may change gradually.
[0038] In alternative scenarios where all or part of the openings are visible during the day, these openings contribute to the daytime aesthetics of the watch component. Furthermore, the nighttime aesthetics of the watch component are determined by the aesthetics of the first part illuminated by the backlight emitted by the second part. Thus, the resulting watch component has at least one first appearance during the day and at least one second appearance at night, and is a variable watch component because the first and second appearances are different.
[0039] In a first alternative embodiment of the first embodiment, the two parts of the watch component take the form of two separate solid elements that are assembled together. The assembly of the two parts of the component is achieved, for example, by joining. Alternatively, the assembly of the two parts of the watch component may be achieved by capillary bonding. The assembly advantageously allows the two parts to be fixed in a more or less detachable manner. Alternatively, the two parts may be assembled by riveting, setting or driving in auxiliary mechanical means. For example, the two parts may be in contact and held together by mechanical fastening.
[0040] In a particular embodiment of a watch component according to the first alternative form of the first embodiment, a third portion may be provided to alter or enhance the visual effect produced by the second component of the watch component, and to alter the daytime and / or nighttime aesthetics of the watch component. This third portion may be interposed between the first and second components. For example, the third portion may take the form of a mask that restricts light transmission, regardless of the structural state of the first component present thereon. The third portion may also take the form of a layer, for example, a fluorescent layer that can be excited by the second component. Advantageously, the third portion may be intended to contribute to the function of assembling the first and second components of the watch component.
[0041] Figure 3 illustrates one method of implementing the watch component. The third portion 30 is interposed between the two first portions around the first portion to form a skirt including an inward extension 32 to which the watch component is intended to be fixed. In the central portion, the two portions 10, 20 are separated by a space 5 corresponding to the thickness of the third portion 30, and are overlapped but not in contact. This is advantageous as the third portion allows for alteration of the daytime and / or nighttime aesthetics of the watch component by maintaining a certain distance between the first and second portions.
[0042] Figure 4 illustrates another method of implementing the watch component, wherein the third portion 30 takes the form of a decorative mask that is contained between two parts 10, 20 of the watch component. The mask may be opaque and may have an aperture 31 that allows the passage of excitation and emission waves, which may optionally form a decorative design. Advantageously, the third portion allows for alteration of the daytime and / or nighttime aesthetics of the watch component. Advantageously, the third portion may also include optical means for altering the backlight from the second portion, such as optical fibers. Alternatively, the third portion may take the form of a layer, particularly a translucent layer, such as a translucent fluorescent layer that can be excited by the second portion.
[0043] In a second alternative embodiment of the first embodiment, the second part 20 does not take the form of a block component and / or does not perform the mechanical support function described above. The second part may take any form that enables it to perform an illumination function based on any luminescent, phosphorescent and / or fluorescent material or other material. For example, the second part may take the form of a varnish applied beneath the first part 10, i.e., on the inner surface 12 of the first part 10. Figure 5 illustrates, for example, such an embodiment of a watch component.
[0044] Alternatively or in addition, the second part may take the form of varnish applied to openings formed in the inner surface 12 of the first part.
[0045] Therefore, the watch component may take the form of a single watch component rather than being two separate elements assembled in a more or less detachable manner.
[0046] Alternatively, the second part may take the form of a varnish applied to an element located separately from and beneath the first part. This separate element may be, for example, a support portion in the form of a block element, which has sufficient rigidity to give it mechanical properties that make it advantageously usable as a mechanical support in the structure.
[0047] Therefore, the support portion may form a mechanical support portion for the first and second parts, and / or a support portion that allows watch components to be installed inside the watch.
[0048] In a particular embodiment of a watch component relating to a second alternative form of the first embodiment, a third portion may be provided to alter or sublimate the effect emitted by the second portion of the watch component, i.e., to alter the daytime and / or nighttime aesthetics of the watch component. The third portion may be interposed between the first and second portions. The third portion may, for example, take the form of a mask that restricts light transmission, regardless of the structural state of the first portion present thereon. The third portion may also take the form of a layer, particularly a translucent layer, for example, a translucent fluorescent layer that can be excited by the second portion. Advantageously, the third portion may be intended to contribute to the function of assembling the first and second portions of the watch component.
[0049] According to the second embodiment, the first part 10 takes the form of a coating applied to the second part 20. The thickness of the coating is such that the material of the coating becomes opaque. The structural state 13 is, for example, a micro-opening or nano-opening provided in the coating, as described above. The coating may be made of metal, metal alloy, polymer, lacquer, varnish, enamel, ceramic, vitreous ceramic, or hybrid material. The coating may be applied by any means, for example, physically by physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemically by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), by electron layer growth (ALD), by spraying (allowing the liquid to be vaporized into fine droplets by air pressure), by sol-gel methods, etc. Any other method known to those skilled in the art for applying the coating is conceivable.
[0050] According to the first alternative embodiment of the second embodiment, the second portion 20 takes the form of a bulk portion. Such a second portion preferably includes a bulk structure containing a luminescent material distributed over its entire volume. Such a second portion may have a substantially constant thickness on average between 0.01 mm and 5 mm. Such a second portion may be a plate made of luminescent ceramic, preferably luminescent zirconia.
[0051] The advantage of the second part is that it has sufficient rigidity to give it mechanical properties that allow it to be used as a mechanical support in a structure. Therefore, the second part may form a support that allows the mechanical support of the first part and / or the clock component to be mounted within the clock. Finally, the second part may serve a dual role: to emit light at night, i.e., to generate light waves, and to support the first part of the clock component. Through these mechanical properties, it becomes possible to form a clock component consisting of only two parts. Thus, the clock component is simplified to the greatest extent possible.
[0052] Therefore, according to the first alternative form of the second embodiment, the first part takes the form of a coating applied to the outer surface of the second part. Thus, the watch component according to the first alternative form of the second embodiment takes the form of a single watch component, rather than two separate elements assembled in a more or less detachable manner.
[0053] Figure 6 illustrates a specific method for implementing a watch component according to the first alternative form of the second embodiment. As described above, the coating has a structural state 13 based on micro-openings, which is shown in an enlarged view in Figure 7.
[0054] Figures 8a and 8b illustrate a particular method of carrying out a watch component according to a first alternative embodiment of a second embodiment, which includes a first part 10 formed of gray shading on a 100 nm thick opaque layer of titanium that forms a coating on a second part 20 made of bulk luminescent zirconia. The titanium layer is perforated, in particular, using a femtosecond laser, with the degree of perforation progressively increased to form gray shading that is perceptible to an observer in daylight. More specifically, the titanium layer contains microapertures, the density of which varies locally. Figure 8a illustrates the watch component in daylight with a shaded, metallic gray appearance, and Figure 8b illustrates the same watch component at night with a luminescent appearance where the intensity of luminescence changes due to the aforementioned shading. Alternatively, the titanium layer may be thinned using a femtosecond laser, with the degree of ablation progressively increased. This forms gray shading that is perceptible or not perceptible to an observer in daylight, providing the aesthetic effect illustrated in Figures 8 and 8b. Here, "ablation" means at least local thinning of the coating that forms the first portion 10.
[0055] Figure 9 illustrates another specific way of implementing a watch component according to the first alternative embodiment of the second embodiment, wherein the second part 20 has an internal extension 24 to facilitate its fastening.
[0056] Figure 10 illustrates another specific way of carrying out a watch component according to the first alternative form of the second embodiment, wherein the first part 10 takes the form of an opaque platinum coating on a massive second part 20 containing a luminescent material such as luminescent zirconia. The first part includes a micro-aperture (not shown) and a macroscopic opening 13 that forms a daytime-visible decoration. All or part of the macroscopic opening may optionally be filled with at least one second coating which may constitute decoration or lettering. The opening can be achieved by localized deposition or by masking during the deposition of the coating.
[0057] Figure 11 illustrates another specific way of implementing a watch component according to the first alternative embodiment of the second embodiment. The watch component comprises a third part 30 in the form of a block that serves as the base of the watch component, and includes, for example, feet 34 for fixing it to a watch, for example, a watch movement. The second part 20 comprises several separate block portions containing a luminescent material, such as luminescent zirconia, which is contained in a cavity on the outer surface of the third part 30 and distributed over its volume. The outer surfaces of the second and third parts are substantially at the same height and are covered by the first part 10, such as a covering. The second part 20 may constitute additional numerals or hour markers. Alternatively, the additional numerals and hour markers may be in relief rather than coplanar with the third part 30. The numerals and hour markers may be added to, for example, the dial that constitutes the third part 30. Advantageously, the third part may function as a support and / or allow for changes in the daytime and / or nighttime aesthetics of the watch component.
[0058] In any implementation, the third part may be interposed between the first and second parts. The third part may, for example, take the form of a mask that restricts the transmission of light, whatever the structural state of the first part located above it may be. Alternatively or additionally, the third part may similarly take the form of a layer, in particular a translucent layer, for example a translucent fluorescent layer that can be excited by the second part.
[0059] In a second alternative embodiment of the second embodiment, the second part does not take the form of a block component and / or does not perform the mechanical support function described above. The second part can take any other form that enables it to exhibit its luminescent function, such as luminescence, phosphorescence, or based on other materials. For example, the second part may take the form of a varnish applied to a separate element, such as a support portion in the form of a block element, which is advantageously rigid enough to give it mechanical properties that can be used as a mechanical support in the structure. Thus, the support portion may form a mechanical support for the second part and / or the watch part.
[0060] Figure 12 shows an embodiment in which the support portion 40 has its outer surface covered by the second portion 20, and the first portion 10 covers the second portion 20. The support portion 40 takes the shape of a block component that serves as a base for a watch component and includes feet 44 for fixing it to, for example, a watch, for example, a watch movement.
[0061] Therefore, according to the second alternative form of the second embodiment, the first part takes the form of a coating applied to the second part which is supported by the support part. Thus, the watch component according to the second alternative form of the second embodiment takes the form of a support part which is covered twice by at least partially overlapping first and second parts.
[0062] Whatever the embodiment under consideration, the watch component may be a dial, dial counter, hour marker, numeral marker, bezel disc, or, more generally, a decorative plate. In the latter case, the decorative plate may be assembled with other watch components to decorate those components. The decorative plate may not form the dial itself, as in the specific embodiments described above, but rather complement a dial of substantially traditional construction. For this reason, more generally, the present invention applies to any object whose cladding or decoration implements the solutions described above. The present invention also relates to watches, particularly wristwatches, which include variable watch components according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
[0063] The watch components have been described in a non-limiting manner above. Numerous other implementations are possible.
[0064] Whatever the embodiment under consideration, additional elements such as numerals and time markers or transfers may be superimposed on the first component to conceal specific areas. Depending on the nature of these additional elements, the luminescence effect may be maintained or removed.
[0065] Of course, it is also possible to combine alternative forms and implementations of the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the two parts 10 and 20 of the watch part may be partially overlapped. The two parts may take any shape, for example, to form the entire dial, or to form only a part of the dial, for example, numbers and hour markers or counters. In addition, the first part may include one or more areas of the opaque material described above combined with one or more areas of the transparent material. Here, the structural state is not mandatory and can be considered selectively in order to change the transparency of the area. The first part may have a thin thickness of 2 mm or less, or 5 nm to 2 mm, or 5 nm to 1 mm, or 5 nm to 0.8 mm. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0066] 1 Watch parts 10 Part 1 11 External surface 12 Internal surfaces 13. Structural state 20 Part 2
Claims
1. A watch component (1) for a watch, the watch component comprising a first portion (10) and a second portion (20), the first portion (10) comprising at least one portion made of an opaque material at least partially superimposed on the upper part of the second portion (20), the second portion (20) being in the form of a block structure and comprising a material capable of emitting at least one light wave when excited by at least one excitation light wave, the portion of the first portion (10) comprising a structural state (13) that allows at least partially the light wave emitted by the second portion (20) to be transmitted outward from the watch component, such that the watch component exhibits at least a first appearance during the day and at least one different second appearance at night when the first portion (10) is illuminated by a backlight due to the light wave emitted by the second portion (20), A watch component comprising a third portion (30) interposed between the first portion (10) and the second portion (20), wherein the third portion (30) is an opaque decorative mask having openings for allowing light waves to pass through and forming a decorative design.
2. The structural state (13) of the aforementioned portion (10) allows at least a portion of the excitation light waves coming from outside the watch component to pass through to the second portion. The clock component (1) according to claim 1.
3. The portion of the first part (10) is to be exposed to an excitation light wave that excites the second part, and / or The light wave emitted by the second part is formed of at least one opaque material, The watch component according to claim 1 or 2.
4. The portion of the first part (10) includes a structural state (13) consisting of an opening formed on the outer surface (11) of the first part (10) and / or on the inner surface (12) of the first part (10), and / or an opening formed in the thickness of the portion of the first part (10), and / or an ablation of the portion of the first part (10). A watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. The portion of the first part (10) includes a structure (13) that employs at least a local modification of the transparency of the material from which the first part (10) is manufactured. A watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. The portion of the first part (10) includes a structure (13) that is invisible to the naked eye during the day and / or includes a structure (13) that is visible to the naked eye during the day to form a decoration that is visible during the day. A watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
7. The portion of the first part (10) includes uniformly distributed structures, or non-uniformly distributed structures to form patterns, information, and / or indicate gradations. A watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. The first portion (10) is made of a uniform or non-uniform at least partially transparent material and includes at least one portion juxtaposed with at least one portion containing at least one opaque material including a structure, A watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
9. The second portion (20) is formed from a material having phosphorescent and / or fluorescent properties. A watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. The second portion (20) is in the form of a fluorescent and / or phosphorescent ceramic. The watch component according to claim 9.
11. The second portion (20) includes a fixing device for forming a support for the first portion and / or for fixing the watch component to the watch. A watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. The first part (10) takes the form of a block structure, A watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
13. The first part is made of nacre; fossil material; tortoiseshell; manganese calcite; lepidolite; petrified wood; coral; amber; pearl; ivory; metals or metallic alloys such as platinum or ferrite or meteorite; engineered ceramics based on zirconia and / or alumina, whether colored or not; rough gemstones; minerals; stones or noble materials of organic origin; sphalerite; fluorite; agate; alexandrite; amethyst; anatase; aventurine quartz; chalcedony; chrysoberyl; green chalcedony; citrine; jasper; tiger's eye; opal; quartz; spinel; aragonite; azurite; malachite; rosite; apatite; turquoise; sapphire; beryl; tourmaline; obsidian; or snowflake obsidian. A watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
14. The first portion (10) is a ceramic, or glassy ceramic, or hybrid material. A watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
15. The first part has an average thickness of 2 mm or less, or 5 nm to 2 mm, or 5 nm to 1 mm, or 5 nm to 0.8 mm, and / or the second part (20) has a thickness of 0.01 mm or more, or an average thickness of 0.01 mm to 5 mm, and / or the second part (20) has a thickness of 1 mm ２ Having the above surface area, A watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
16. A watch component (1) for a watch, the watch component comprising a first portion (10) and a second portion (20), the first portion (10) comprising at least one portion made of an opaque material at least partially superimposed on the upper part of the second portion (20), the second portion (20) comprising a material capable of emitting at least one light wave when excited by at least one excitation light wave, the first portion (10) taking the form of a block structure, the portion of the first portion (10) comprising a structural state (13) that allows at least partially the light wave emitted by the second portion (20) to be transmitted outward from the watch component, such that the watch component exhibits at least a first appearance during the day and at least one different second appearance at night when the first portion (10) is illuminated by a backlight due to the light wave emitted by the second portion (20), A watch component comprising a third portion (30) interposed between the first portion (10) and the second portion (20), wherein the third portion (30) is an opaque decorative mask having openings for allowing light waves to pass through and forming a decorative design.
17. The watch component is a dial, a dial counter, hour markers, numeral markers, a bezel disc, or a decorative plate. A watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
18. A clock comprising the clock component described in any one of claims 1 to 17.