Wrist watch comprising an interchangeable dial
The wristwatch design addresses the issue of protruding coupling elements by using inward-facing shaped walls and quick-release fasteners for safe and tool-free dial and cover changes, ensuring a secure and aesthetically pleasing solution.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/IB2024/059451
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-09-11
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing wristwatch designs with interchangeable dials often feature coupling elements that protrude outside the case, posing risks of injury and being unsightly and anti-anatomical.
A wristwatch design with a separably mountable dial and support insert that can be easily and safely switched between a securely fixed and extracted configuration, utilizing inward-facing shaped walls for secure extraction and quick-release fasteners for interchangeable components.
The design allows for safe, quick, and tool-free switching of dials and covers, maintaining a waterproof case and avoiding protrusions that could cause injury or be unsightly.
Smart Images

Figure IB2024059451_03042025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] WRISTWATCH COMPRISING AN INTERCHANGEABLE DIAL
[0002] The present invention relates to a wrist watch comprising an interchangeable dial and an interchangeable cover.
[0003] The invention relates to the field of watchmaking mechanical engineering.
[0004] W09749008A1, also mentioned as US5793710A, discloses a wrist watch comprising a separably mountable flexible dial with a watch case housing, wherein a dial extraction and coupling mechanism is provided comprising either an extractable dial gripping tab that extends outside the case, or comprising tabs and coupling elements between the dial and the watch case that protrude outside the case. Undesirably, elements protruding outside the case are dangerous as they can cause injury to both a user skin and clothing. Disadvantageously , the coupling elements protruding from the case are unsightly and anti-anatomical.
[0005] US2003103413A1 also discloses an extractable dial comprising coupling elements protruding from the case that could cause injury to the user's skin and clothing.
[0006] EP1388028B1, also mentioned as US20041423A1, discloses a wrist watch comprising a dial that can be extracted from a housing of the watch case and that can be secured to the case by means of positioning and securing means comprising a release button comprising elastic elements. By pressing the button, the dial is unlocked and can be extracted from the housing of the seat. Disadvantageously, the button can be pressed by mistake and the dial can be unlocked and come out of the case housing dangerously, causing injury to the user's skin or clothing. Disadvantageously , the button can be difficult to use without an aid by tools or levers. Disadvantageously, the housing is disguised by a fixed element that is difficult to manufacture as it is cantilevered from the perimeter of the case to the centre of the case, in fact, this fixed element cannot rest on a mechanical mechanism of the watch, nor can it be anchored to axes of the watch hands.
[0007] US2020387111A1 discloses a wrist watch comprising an extractable dial that can be slidably mounted with a housing of a watch case. Dial walls block by friction the extraction of the dial against chamfered case walls. Disadvantageously, a coupling of the dial with the case by frictional interference can wear the two walls, and due to continuous extractions of the dial, the wear can cause the unintentional extraction of the dial causing injury to the user's skin or clothing. Disadvantageously, the dial can be difficult to extract without the aid of tools or levers.
[0008] W02004114028A1 discloses a wrist watch comprising a case, a bezel rotatably mounted with said case, and a dial that can be extracted once the bezel has been rotated so that the dial can be inserted. Disadvantageously, the bezel is highly susceptible to wear and break.
[0009] Disadvantageously, the watch case of all the documents of the prior art noted above is not waterproof as it lacks gaskets and gasket housings that can make the case waterproof when the dial is mounted with the case .
[0010] The object of the present invention is to manufacture a wrist watch comprising a case and a dial adapted to easily, safely and quickly switch from a configuration securely fixed to said case to a configuration extracted from said case, wherein said fixed configuration provides that said dial is securely fixed to the case, that the case is waterproof, and that said extracted configuration provides that said dial can be easily, safely and quickly released from said case.
[0011] In accordance with the invention, such an object is achieved by a wrist watch according to claim 1.
[0012] Other features are provided in the dependent claims .
[0013] The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following exemplary and non-limiting description, with reference to the appended schematic drawings, wherein:
[0014] Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a left front of a wrist watch according to the present invention, wherein said watch comprises a case, a housing defined by inner walls of the case, a dial mounted with a support insert, separably mountable with said case housing, two edge walls of the case at two edges of the housing in the shape of a contour adapted to allow separating the dial from the case housing. The watch further comprises a date window, flange, sapphire crystal, hands, bracelet, deployant and bracelet push buttons;
[0015] Figure 2 is a left front axonometric view of the removable support insert and dial, gaskets to waterproof the watch case, guides and end stops;
[0016] Figure 3 is a left front axonometric view of the watch showing the dial and the support insert in a configuration partially extracted from the housing. Hands and an automatic mechanical mechanism comprising hours, minutes and date are visible;
[0017] Figure 4 is a sectional view of the watch comprising the case, the removable dial and support insert, flange, sapphire crystal, hands, mechanical movement mechanism, a crown, a back cover and waterproofing gaskets, guides and end stops;
[0018] Figure 5 is a right front axonometric view from above of the wrist watch comprising the case, the extractable dial, a date window, flange, sapphire crystal, hands, extractable crown, deployant and push buttons of a watch bracelet;
[0019] Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of a detail of Figure 5 showing a detail of the extractable crown, with case, the extractable dial, date window, flange and sapphire crystal;
[0020] Figure 7 shows a bottom and left axonometry of the watch with an extractable support insert, shaped edge elements, a back cover, bracelet inserts with quickrelease fasteners, deployants and bracelet push buttons;
[0021] Figure 8 shows a bottom left axonometry of the case with extractable support insert and back cover;
[0022] Figure 9 shows a lower and left axonometry of the case, extractable support insert, back cover and strap inserts with quick-release fasteners;
[0023] Figure 10 shows a bottom / left axonometry of the case with support inserts removable via templates, back cover and bracelet inserts with quick-release fasteners;
[0024] Figure 11 shows a plan view from below with bracelets released from a case with a back cover and bracelet inserts with quick-release fasteners;
[0025] Figure 12 shows a plan view from below of the case with back cover and inserts for straps with quick-release fasteners, with released straps;
[0026] Figure 13 shows a 1:1 scale longitudinal section of the watch;
[0027] Figure 14 shows a 1:1 scale right side plan view of the watch;
[0028] Figure 15 shows a 1:1 scale left side view of the watch ;
[0029] Figure 16 shows a 1:1 scale cross-sectional view of the watch;
[0030] Figure 17 shows a 1:1 front plan view of the watch;
[0031] Figure 18 shows a 1:1 scale side cross-sectional view of the watch;
[0032] Figure 19 shows a 1:1 scale lower cross-sectional view of the watch;
[0033] Figure 20 shows a 1:1 scale lower plan view of the watch ;
[0034] Figure 21 shows an axonometric view from above of an alternative watch according to the present invention comprising an interchangeable cover removable from the case in a case-removed configuration;
[0035] Figure 22 shows an axonometric view from below of the alternative watch in Figure 21;
[0036] Figure 23 shows an axonometric view from above of the alternative watch of Figure 21 with removable interchangeable cover in a case-mounted configuration;
[0037] Figure 24 shows an axonometric view from below of the alternative watch in Figure 23;
[0038] Figure 25 shows an exploded axonometric view from above of the alternative watch in Figures 21-24.
[0039] Figure 26 shows an exploded axonometric view from below of the alternative watch in Figure 25; Figure 27 shows a side plan view of the exploded view of the watch in Figures 25 and 26;
[0040] Figure 28 shows a plan view from below of the insert and dial according to the alternative watch in Figures 21-27;
[0041] Figure 29 shows a perspective view from below of an alternative wrist watch comprising two opposite housings for two support inserts;
[0042] Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 29;
[0043] Figure 31 is a perspective view from above of the alternative wrist watch wherein the two support inserts are shown extracted at least for a portion from the two housings opposite to the watch bracelets.
[0044] With reference to the above-mentioned figures and in particular Figures 1-20, a wrist watch 100 according to the present invention comprises a case 1.
[0045] The watch 100 preferably comprises a date window, a flange 7, a sapphire crystal 8, hands 9.
[0046] The hands 9 are mounted by means of axes with a movement mechanism 17 mounted inside the case 1.
[0047] The movement mechanism 17 is preferably a mechanical automatic mechanism with hours, minutes, seconds and date.
[0048] Preferably the case 1 further comprises an extractable crown 18 rotatably mounted with the movement mechanism 17. The watch 100 preferably comprises a bracelet 2, a deployant 10 and push buttons 11 of the bracelet 2.
[0049] The deployant 10 is a portion of the bracelet 2 adapted to switch the bracelet 2 from a configuration fastened to a user's wrist to a configuration unfastened from the user's wrist. The case 1 comprises a back cover 19, which is a base wall of the case 1.
[0050] The back cover 19, i.e. the part underneath the case 1, is preferably screw-down and, as usual, is present to ensure that the movement mechanism 17 of the watch can be removed to be adjusted.
[0051] The case 1 comprises side walls.
[0052] The case 1 comprises a housing 50 formed inside the case 1.
[0053] In particular, the housing 50 is formed on a side wall of the case 1.
[0054] The housing 50 is defined by inner walls of the case 1, which can also be defined as the inner walls of the housing 50.
[0055] The case 1 comprises a dial 3 mounted with a support insert 4, wherein the support insert 4 and the dial 3 mounted together can be mounted separably from said housing 50 of the case 1.
[0056] The support insert 4 and the dial 3 are also called extractable movable members when the support insert 4 and the dial 3 are mounted together.
[0057] The dial 3 is mounted with the support insert 4 and they are removable together from the housing 50 formed on one side of the case 1 of the watch 100.
[0058] The housing 50 comprises a through opening facing outwards and which is of such dimensions as to allow an entry of the dial 3 and of at least an inner portion of the support insert 4 mounted together towards the inside of the housing 50.
[0059] The through opening of the housing 50 has the same shape as the perimeter of the support insert 4, which is the edge of support insert 4. In particular, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the support insert 4 is a portion of the case 1 that is adapted to switch from a configuration mounted with the case 1 to a configuration extracted from the case 1, so the support insert 4 is called removable.
[0060] The configuration of the support insert 4 mounted with the case 1 provides that the support insert 4 mounting the dial 3 is mounted inside the housing 50 and can be extracted by means of shaped walls 5 of the housing 50 of the case 1 and shaped walls 40 of the support insert 4.
[0061] The configuration of the support insert 4 extracted from the case 1 provides that the support insert 4 is extracted from the housing 50 of the case 1.
[0062] The extractable support insert 4 complements the shape of case 1 itself and serves as a support for the dial 3, in fact the support insert 4 is preferably an extractable portion of the case 1.
[0063] Advantageously, the dial 3 is mounted with the extractable support insert 4, which complements the shape of the case 1 itself and serves as a support for the dial 3.
[0064] Advantageously, it is possible to provide a plurality of support inserts 4, wherein each support insert 4 of said plurality of support inserts 4 mounts a single dial 3 with a different design from the other dials 3. To change the design of the dial 3, it is sufficient to simply extract the support insert 4 that mounts a first dial 3 with a first design and replace it with another support insert 4 that mounts a second dial 3 comprising a design different from the first dial 3.
[0065] Different design means either a different design, and / or a different colour of dial 3, and / or a different workmanship of dial 3.
[0066] It is also possible to assume for maintenance purposes that the support insert 4 can mount a plurality of alternative dials 3 with different designs, so that in order to change the figure shown on the dial 3, it is sufficient to extract the support insert 4, remove the dial 3 with the first design and mount another dial 3 with the second design in place of the dial 3 with the first design.
[0067] Preferably for maintenance purposes, said dial 3 is separably mountable with said support insert 4, and said support insert 4 is adapted to mount only one dial 3 of a plurality of dials 3, which means that the support insert 4 can only mount one dial 3 at a time.
[0068] Advantageously, as shown in particular in Figures 2 and 3, the dial 3 is mounted with the support insert 4 by means of two screws 34. For maintenance purposes, if you want to replace the mounted dial 3 with the support insert 4, it is required to extract the support insert 4 completely out of the housing 50 of the case 1, unscrew the two screws 34, replace the dial 3 with the first design with the dial 3 with the second design and screw the screws 34 again. Then it is possible to mount the support insert 4 with the new dial 3 with the second design, by inserting the support insert 4 inside the housing 50 of the case 1.
[0069] As shown in particular in Figures 1, 2 and 5, the dial 3 comprises a slot 6 starting from an edge 31 of the dial 3 and reaching a centre 32 of the dial 3, wherein said centre 32 is at the axes of the hands 9, thus advantageously avoiding that the dial 3 interferes with the axes of the hands 9 of the watch 100.
[0070] The slot 6 of the dial 3 identifies a contour that is adapted to avoid interference with the axes of the hands 9 when said insert 4 is in a configuration mounted with said case 1.
[0071] Advantageously, the dial 3 has the slot 6, which is a horizontal window, for the date display and not to interfere with the axes of the hands 9, as well as to create an eye-catching view of the watch mechanism.
[0072] Preferably, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 5, a slot 6 of the dial 3 which has the shape of the date window is shown.
[0073] Advantageously, the slot 6 of the dial 3 is used to create a window to show the date and a view of the movement mechanism 17. Showing the movement mechanism 17 of the watch 1 is a particular trend, widely used in the watchmaking sector.
[0074] As shown in particular in Figure 2 the support insert 4 and the removable dial 3 comprise gaskets 12, 13, adapted to waterproof the case 1 of the watch 100, in addition there are support gaskets 14 and 14 ' , i.e. an upper gasket 14 and a lower gasket 14 ' , which keep the support insert 4 stationary and in position within the housing 50 of the case 1.
[0075] Preferably as shown in particular in Figures 2-4 an inlet gasket 12 is mounted between edges of the support insert 4 and edges of the through opening of the housing 50 contributing to the waterproofing of the case 1 when the support insert 4 is in a configuration mounted with the case 1.
[0076] Advantageously, the inlet gasket 12, placed between the case 1 and the extractable support insert 4 inside the housing 50, preserves a certain degree of insulation against water, moisture and dust of the case 1 itself.
[0077] Preferably as shown in particular in Figures 2-4, 25-27, 29, 30 a waterproofing gasket 13 is mounted inside a first housing 55. The first housing 55 is formed over an entire perimeter of the inner walls of the case 1 defining the housing 50 and the first housing 55 follows the shape of the inner walls of the case 1 and a shape of the outer walls of the support insert 4. As shown in particular in Figures 2, 3, 25-27, 29, 30 the first housing 55 is arranged close to the inlet gasket. Preferably, the first housing 55 is hollowed out within the inner walls of the case 1 defining the housing 50.
[0078] The waterproofing gasket 13 is mounted between the support insert 4 and inner walls of the housing 50.
[0079] It is further possible to provide that the waterproofing gasket 13 is an abutment element between the insert 4 and at least one inner wall of the housing 50.
[0080] Preferably as shown in particular in Figures 2, 27 and 29-30, said first housing 55 for said waterproofing gasket 13 comprises an upper portion tracing a curvilinear shape of the support insert 4 and of an upper portion 133 of the waterproofing gasket 13, two outer slots tracing the shape of two slots 131 of said waterproofing gasket 13, and a lower portion tracing a lower shape of the support insert 4 rotates around supports 35 for screws 34 approximating said upper portion 133 and a lower portion 132 of the waterproofing gasket 13. Said supports 35 for screws 34 are a part of the support insert 4 and extend from a lower surface of the support insert 4 that is arranged under the dial 3 to mount screws 34 and extend downwards as shown in the figures to enclose the length of the screw 34.
[0081] Advantageously inside the housing 50 of the case 1 there are waterproofing gaskets 13 and support gaskets 14 and 14 ' which juxtapose the support insert 4 inside the case 1 and keep it in the correct position.
[0082] The support insert 4 comprises support gaskets 14, and 14 ' , wherein the upper gasket 14, preferably is circumferentially shaped like the watch 100 and the dial 3. The upper gasket 14 fits with the edges of an upper opening 114 of the case 1 so that in the configuration of the support insert 4 mounted with the case 1 the upper gasket 14 makes the case 1 impermeable to dust and external weathering.
[0083] The support insert 4 comprises the lower gasket 14 ' , which is shaped in a circumference as the watch.
[0084] As shown in particular in Figure 4, the lower gasket 14 ' fits between the dial 3 and a lower inner wall of the housing 50 of the case 1 to waterproof the case 1 by switching it into the waterproof configuration when the case 1 is in the configuration mounted with the support insert 4.
[0085] More generally, it is provided that the upper gasket 14 is mounted between an upper inner wall of the housing 50 of the case 1 and an upper face of said dial 3.
[0086] The upper inner wall of the housing 50 consists in the edges of the upper opening 114 of the case 1. As shown in Figure 4, the edges of the upper opening 114 can be identified as the flange 7, in particular can be identified as a lower portion of the flange 7.
[0087] More generally, it is provided that the lower gasket 14 ' is mounted between a lower inner wall of the housing 50 of the case 1 and a lower face of said dial 3.
[0088] The lower inner wall of the housing 50 can be identified as an upper face of the movement mechanism 17.
[0089] The upper inner wall and the lower inner wall define the housing 50 of the case 1.
[0090] There are upper gaskets 14 and lower gaskets 14 ' , advantageously and preferably fixed to the inside of the case 1 and to the flange 7, which act as guides for the dial 3, sliding inside the case 1 and keeping it in the correct position, fixed, without friction.
[0091] The upper gasket 14 and the lower gasket 14 ' also have an important technical effect of keeping the dial 3 inside the housing 50 by friction when the support insert 4 is in a configuration mounted with the case 1, as the dial 3 remains inside the housing 50 of the case 1 by friction of the upper gasket 14 on the upper inner wall of the housing and the lower gasket 14 ' holds the dial 3 by friction against a lower inner wall of the housing 50.
[0092] Advantageously, the faces of the dial 3 and the inner walls of the housing 50 are not in frictional contact, but there are the two upper 14 and lower 14 ' gaskets between them, so there is no wear between the two walls identifying the faces of the dial 3 and the inner walls of the housing 50, making the watch 100 more robust and resistant as the walls are not worn by rubbing against each other.
[0093] Should the two upper 14 ' and lower 14 ' gaskets wear out, then it will be sufficient to replace them, but the walls of the components of the watch 100 are advantageously protected from wear. The gaskets 12, 13, 14 and 14 ' illustrates in Figure
[0094] 2 are shown in an exploded view. Their exploded position shown in Figure 2 corresponds to positions within the case 1 shown in Figure 3 as highlighted by vertical lines between the Figures 2 and 3.
[0095] As shown in particular in Figure 4, the case 1 comprises housings adapted to mount gaskets 12, 13, 14 and 14 ' when the case 1 is in the configuration mounted with the support insert 4.
[0096] The upper opening 114 of the case 1 mounts the sapphire crystal 8, which is an outer protective glass of the housing 50 of the case 1.
[0097] Advantageously, the support insert 4 and the attached dial 3 comprise gaskets 12, 13, 14, 14 ' which act as guides and end stops for the extractable elements
[0098] 3 and 4, which preserve a certain degree of water tightness of the case 1, as well as guiding and juxtaposing the movable members 3 and 4, once they have reached their seat inside the housing 50.
[0099] Advantageously, the gaskets 14 and 14 ' act as guides like the upper 14 and lower gasket 14 ' , while the waterproofing gasket 13 and the inlet gasket 12 have a waterproofing action for the extractable elements that are support insert 3 and dial 4, which preserve the water tightness of the case 1, i.e. at least a certain degree of insulation from water, moisture and dust. The upper gasket 14 and the lower gasket 14 ' are also advantageously useful for guiding the sliding of the movable members, support insert 3 and dial 4, once they have reached their position inside the housing 50 in the configuration of the support insert 4 mounted with the case 1. Preferably, the wrist watch 100 comprises a dial 3 removable by quick release and extraction.
[0100] For the quick extraction release of the dial 3 and of the support insert 4 mounted together, it is provided that the case 1 comprises two edge shaped walls 5 of the housing 50 of the case 1 arranged at two respective end side edges of the housing 50.
[0101] Advantageously, each shaped wall 5 of the case 1 is adapted to allow a separation of the dial 3 and of the support insert 4 from the housing 50 of the case 1.
[0102] The shaped walls 5 of the case 1 are in a shape adapted to provide a grip for the nails of two fingers, e.g. of a forefinger and thumb opposite to each other.
[0103] To switch from the mounted configuration to the extracted configuration of the support insert 4, the support insert 4 must be slid out of the housing 50 of the case 1. It is possible to insert the nails by placing them against the shaped walls 5 and force them outwards by extracting the support insert 4 out of the housing 50 of the case 1.
[0104] Advantageously, the shaped walls 5 face towards the inside of the housing 50 of the case 1 as shown in particular in Figures 3, 8, 9, 10. In particular, the shaped walls 5 comprise a first side 51 and a second side 52. The first side 51 of the shaped wall 5 is an edge of the housing 50 of the case 1. The second side 52 of the shaped wall 5 is opposite the first side 51 and is arranged inside the housing 50 so that the shaped wall 5 is inclined towards the inside of the housing 50. The second side 52 of the shaped wall 5 is arranged so that the shaped wall 5 is an oblique wall inclined inwards from the housing 50 so that advantageously when the support insert 4 is in a mounted configuration with the case 1 there are no portions of the case 1 which protrude outwards from the case 1 or which may be unsightly, anti-anatomical or which may cause injury to the user' s skin or clothing.
[0105] Advantageously, the shaped walls 5 facing towards the inside of the housing 50 of the case 1 allow the watch 100 to be secured.
[0106] Advantageously, the inward-facing shaped walls 5 of the housing 50 of the case 1 allow the support insert 4 and the dial 3 mounted with the support insert 4 to be pulled out without tools, making it easy and quick to change the dial 3 and replace it with another dial 3 of a plurality of dials 3 with different designs.
[0107] As shown in particular in Figures 2 and 3, both the case 1 and the support insert 4 are provided with shaped walls 5, 40 adapted to offer a grip to the nails of the opposite forefinger and thumb, which will therefore be able to pull out the support insert 4 and the attached dial 3 without the aid of tools.
[0108] In particular, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the support insert 4 which is an extractable portion of the case 1 comprises two end edges at said two shaped walls 5 which act as edges of the housing 50 of the case 1. The two end edges of the support insert 4 comprise two shaped walls 40 with a shape complementary to the two shaped walls 5 of the case 1.
[0109] In particular, each shaped wall 40 of the support insert 4 comprises a first side 41 and a second side 42. The first side 41 of the shaped wall 40 is an edge of the support insert 4 and is opposite to said second side 42. The second side 42 of the shaped wall 40 is arranged towards the inside of the housing 50 when the support insert 4 is in the configuration mounted with the case 1. The second side 42 faces the inside of the housing 50. The second side 42 of the shaped wall 40 is arranged in such a way that the shaped wall 40 is an oblique wall inclined towards the inside of the housing 50 so that advantageously when the support insert 4 is in a configuration mounted with the case 1 there are no portions of the case 1 or support insert 4 protruding outwardly from the case 1 or that may be unsightly, anti- anatomical or may cause injury to the user' s skin or clothing .
[0110] Advantageously, the shaped walls 5 of the case 1 and the moulded walls 40 of the support insert 4 facing towards the inside of the housing 50 of the case 1 allow the watch 100 to be secured.
[0111] In order to extract the support insert 4, it is sufficient to simply insert the nails of two fingers between the shaped walls 5 of the case 1 and 40 of the support insert 4. The shaped walls 40 of the support insert 4 allow the nails to grip and extract the support insert 4 by sliding it inside the housing 50 of the case 1 until it is fully extracted.
[0112] Advantageously, the support insert 4 is even easier to insert into the housing 50 of the case 1, as it is only necessary to push the support insert 4 inside the housing 50 of the case 1, by simply pressing the fingers, so that the support insert 4 with the attached dial 3 is slid inside the housing 50 of the case 1.
[0113] Advantageously, a gap between the shaped wall 5 of the case 1 and the respective shaped wall 40 of the support insert 4 facing therein has suitable dimensions to allow the insertion of a user' s fingernail, so that the support insert 4 can be extracted from the housing 50 by switching from the configuration mounted with the case 1 to the configuration extracted from the case 1.
[0114] As shown in particular in Figures 7-11, the case 1 comprises inserts 15 to mount the bracelet 2. Inserts 15 comprise quick-release fasteners 20.
[0115] Advantageously, the case 1 comprises two different types of inserts 15 and 16 as shown in Figures 11 and 12 respectively .
[0116] Both inserts 15 and 16 include quick-release fasteners 20, to integrate a variety of bracelets 2 and straps, which can be combined with the various dials 3 of a hypothetical catalogue of the watch 100.
[0117] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, each quick-release fastener 20, whether of the support insert 15 for the bracelet 2 or of the support insert 16 for the strap, comprises handleable sliders 21 mounted with elastic elements 23 adapted to move hook elements 22. Specifically, the hook elements 22 are mounted with the elastic elements 23 and switch from a coupled configuration to a released configuration respectively corresponding to a higher compression and lower compression configuration of the elastic element 23.
[0118] The bracelet 2 or strap comprises hook elements not shown in the figures but complementary to the hook elements 22 of the quick-release fasteners 20 of the inserts 15 or 16 of the case 1.
[0119] More generally, said case 1 comprises inserts 15, 16 to mount bracelets 2 or straps of the wrist watch 100. Said inserts 15, 16 comprise quick-release fasteners 20. At least one quick-release fastener 20 of said quick-release fasteners 20 comprises handleable sliders 21, hook elements 22 mounted with said sliders 21 and elastic elements 23 mounting said hook elements 22. A higher compression configuration of the elastic elements 23 corresponds to a release configuration of hook elements 22 and a lower compression configuration of spring elements 23 corresponds to a coupling configuration of hook elements 22. Said bracelet 2 or said strap comprises hook elements complementary to hook elements 22 of the quick-release fasteners 20 of the inserts 15, 16 of the case 1. Said coupling configuration provides that said hook elements 22 of said quick-release fasteners 20 of the case 1 are coupled with complementary hook elements of said bracelet 2 or of said strap.
[0120] The watch 100 allows the possibility of being able to easily, quickly and safely change the design, shape, colour, finish and details of the dial 3 of the watch 100 in real time without tools, while keeping the case 1 of the watch 100 in a water-resistant configuration when the support insert 4 is in a configuration mounted with the case 1.
[0121] Even more advantageously, the watch 100, by means of the quick-release fasteners 20 of the inserts 15 or 16, makes it possible to have bracelets 2 and straps quickly changed, ensuring an even greater degree of customisation of the wrist watch 100, without having to disassemble the watch using tools.
[0122] Preferably, the case 1 can be provided with two different integrated inserts 15 or 16: one 15 for connecting bracelets 2 made of steel or metal materials of various designs; another one 16 for using straps of various materials and colours; both 15 and 16 with a so- called "deployant" clasp with levers 10 and opening push buttons 11.
[0123] Advantageously, the case 1 comprises inserts 15 comprising quick-release fasteners 20, for quickly mounting and disassembling a plurality of bracelets 2 in order to advantageously integrate a variety of a plurality of bracelets 2.
[0124] Advantageously, the case 1 comprises inserts 16 comprising quick-release fasteners 20, for quickly mounting and disassembling a plurality of straps so as to advantageously integrate a variety of a plurality of straps .
[0125] Advantageously, the case 1 of the watch 100 has a specific shape and a new design, both out of necessity, given the necessary design of a specific case 1 adapted to integrate the support insert 3 and dial 4; and out of expediency, to better match the style and technique of the watch 100 with the nature of the new function.
[0126] Advantageously, the watch 100 comprises the aforementioned characteristics of water resistance, hence robustness and eclectic use, as well as the strategy for extracting, inserting and juxtaposing the removable members 3, 4, by the aforementioned gaskets 12, 13, 14 and 14 ' , according to the design shown in Figures 1-20.
[0127] The case 1 can have various dimensions, but the one set forth is of intermediate dimensions, as highlighted by the 1:1 scale drawings in Figures 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, is unisex, suitable for either a male or a female, or for any wrist size.
[0128] Preferably, the material used is 904L steel, although other materials such as titanium, yellow gold, rose gold, etc. can also be devised.
[0129] Preferably the case 1 is also complemented by a transparent crystal, in sapphire crystal 8 with anti- reflective treatment.
[0130] Although the finishes can be provided in various variations, most of the surfaces are preferably etched with the brushing technique, while the remaining parts, which connect these surfaces, are polished.
[0131] Preferably the case 1, although capable of accommodating a multitude of calibres, mounts a mechanical automatic movement 17, which is more noble than a quartz or other movement, and is designed to reduce its thickness as much as possible, as it may be worn in a variety of situations, even with shirts with buttoned cuffs.
[0132] Advantageously, the wrist watch 100 of the present invention makes it possible to mount, extract and replace the dial 3 without any difficulty and without using tools, but above all without having to purchase multiple watches intended for various situations and occasions, as well as to create combinations of colour and appearance, based on the clothing worn.
[0133] Advantageously, the wrist watch 100 according to the present invention comprises a case 1 and a dial 3 adapted to easily, safely and quickly switch from a configuration securely fixed with said case 1 to a configuration extracted from said case 1, wherein said fixed configuration provides that said dial 3 is securely fixed to the case 1 and wherein said extracted configuration provides that said dial 3 can be easily, safely and quickly released from said case 1. The fixed configuration of said dial 3 corresponds to the configuration of said support insert 4 mounted with said case 1 and said extracted configuration of said dial 3 corresponds to the configuration of said support insert 4 extracted from said case 1.
[0134] Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the upper opening 114 of the case 1 has a different shape, for example is quadrangular or elliptical or of any other shape. According to this alternative, the shape of the dial 3 is also the same as that of the upper opening 114, as the upper opening 114 is adapted to show the dial 3, therefore the upper opening 114 and the dial 3 must have the same shape, as well as at least the upper gasket 14, as the upper gasket 14 fits between the upper face of the dial 3 and the upper inner wall of the housing 50.
[0135] Alternatively, the bracelet 2 can be replaced by a strap as shown in particular in Figure 12.
[0136] Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the dial 3 mounts the interface of the watch 100 itself, thus comprising functional parts such as a liquid crystal screen and electrical connections, creating redundancy, and thus also higher costs, in a hypothetical collection of dials of a future end-user.
[0137] Alternatively, the sapphire crystal 8 can be replaced by other glass panes that are transparent and that make it possible to see through in order to look at the dial 3 in a configuration mounted with case 1.
[0138] Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the inlet gasket 12 may be omitted.
[0139] Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the slot 6 of the dial 3 has a different shape, but that the different shape is also adapted to avoid interference with the axes of the hands 9. For example, it is possible to provide that the slot 6 has a larger angular opening, i.e. the walls of the slot 6 are not parallel but form an angle with each other, so as to show a larger portion of the movement mechanism 17 of the watch 100 present below the dial 3.
[0140] Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the case 1 may not comprise inserts 15 or 16 with quickrelease fasteners 20.
[0141] Alternatively, the support insert 4 and dial 3 are made in a single piece, or the dial 3 is permanently mounted with said support insert 4.
[0142] A further embodiment of the wrist watch 100 according to the present invention is presented herein as shown in Figures 21-28. What has been written so far also applies to this further embodiment.
[0143] The further embodiment provides that the wrist watch 100 also comprises a removable cover 120, which is an interchangeable cover that can switch from a configuration mounted with the case 1 as shown in Figures 23 and 24 to a configuration removed from the case 1 as shown in particular in Figures 21 and 22.
[0144] As it can be seen from the exploded views of Figures 25-27 the wrist watch 100 has already been described above and, if compared to the above, the wrist watch 100 changes in that it can comprise a removable cover 120 that can be replaced with a plurality of covers 120 of different materials or colours or bearing different designs from other covers 120.
[0145] It is therefore possible to quickly, easily and safely modify even more the wrist watch 100 by allowing a further degree of replacement by replacing the cover 120 with other covers 120.
[0146] The configuration of the cover 120 mounted with the case 1 provides that said cover 120 is coupled to said case 1 by means of coupling elements.
[0147] The wrist watch 100 according to the further alternative provides that the case 1 comprises the following coupling elements which are an upper portion comprising an engagement element 112 which is an o-ring gasket and a complementary engagement element 121 for housing said o-ring gasket provided on a lower portion of the cover 120 at the engagement element 112 of the case 1. The engagement element 121 makes it possible to house the o-ring gasket 112 by interlocking with the o- ring gasket 112 to help hold the cover 120 in place over the case 1. The shape of the complementary engagement element 121 is complementary to the o-ring gasket 112.
[0148] The cover 120 comprises a through opening 125 arranged at the upper glass 8 of the watch 100, so that the through opening 125 can be fitted around the upper glass 8 and help hold the cover 1 in place in a configuration mounted with the case 1.
[0149] More preferably, it is possible to provide that said coupling elements provide that the cover 120 comprises a side wall 128 having a complementary shape with respect to a side wall 118 of the case 1, so that the cover 120 in a configuration mounted with the case 1 can be coupled by form fitting with an additional gasket of the side wall 118, where the additional gasket is provided between the side wall 128 of the cover 120 and the side wall 118 of the case 1.
[0150] Even more preferably, as shown in particular in Figures 22 and 26, said coupling elements provide that the cover 120 comprises a flanged lower edge 129 which is fitted under a lower edge of the side wall 118 of the case 1 so as to hold the cover 1 more securely in a configuration mounted with the case 1.
[0151] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 29-31, the case comprises two housings 50 which open on opposite sides of the case 1. According to this alternative, the support inserts 4 are also two and the dial 3 is divided into two half-dials 3. Each of the two support inserts 4 supports one of the two half-dials 3. Each of the two support inserts 4 mounting a half-dial 3 are removably housed into each of the two housings 50. Each of the two housings 50 comprises a through opening facing outwardly and having such dimensions as to allow an entry of the half-dial 3 and at least an inner portion of the support insert 4 mounted together towards the inside of the housing 50. Advantageously, according to the present alternative, the slot 6 is more limited in its dimensions as it starts from the edge 31 of the half dial 3, but the edge 31 of the half dial 3 is substantially at the centre 32 of the half dial 3 where the fulcrum of the hands 9 is located. Advantageously, the present alternative, besides being aesthetically better, allows to reduce the size of the slot 6 and prevents the half dials 3 from interfering with the axis of the hands 9 of the watch 100.
[0152] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to several modifications and variations falling within the exclusive scope of the claims. In practice, the materials used, as well as their dimensions, can be of any type according to the technical requirements.
Claims
CLAIMS1. Wrist watch (100) comprising a case (1) , at least one housing (50) formed within said case (1) and comprising inner walls of the case (1) , at least one support insert (4) separably mountable with said at least one housing (50) , wherein said at least one support insert (4) is adapted to switch from a configuration mounted with the case (1) to a configuration extracted from the case (1) , a dial (3) mounted with said at least one support insert (4) , characterised in that said housing (50) comprises a waterproofing gasket (13) which is mounted within a first housing (55) , wherein said first housing (55) is formed over an entire perimeter of inner walls of the case (1) defining the housing (50) , wherein said first housing (55) follows a shape of the inner walls of the case (1) and a shape of outer walls of said at least one support insert (4) , that said at least one housing (50) comprises support gaskets (14, 14 ' ) , an upper gasket (14) and a lower gasket (14 ' ) , wherein said upper gasket (14) is mounted between an upper inner wall of said at least one housing (50) of the case (1) and an upper face of said dial (3) , wherein said lower gasket (14 ' ) is mounted between a lower inner wall of said at least one housing (50) of the case (1) and a lower face of said dial (3) .
2. Wrist watch (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the case (1) comprises two shaped walls (5) arranged at two respective edges of said at least one housing (50) , wherein each shaped wall (5) of said twoshaped walls (5) is an oblique wall inclined towards the inside of said at least one housing (50) , that said at least one support insert (4) comprises two end edges at said two shaped walls (5) of the case (1) , wherein said two end edges of said at least one support insert (4) comprise two shaped walls (40) complementary in shape with respect to the two shaped walls (5) of the case (1) , wherein each shaped wall (40) of said two shaped walls (40) is an inclined towards the inside of said at least one housing (50) , that a gap between the shaped wall (5) of the case (1) and the respective shaped wall (40) of said at least one support insert (4) facing therein has dimensions adapted to allow the insertion of a fingernail of a user, so that said at least one support insert (4) can be extracted from said at least one housing (50) by switching from the configuration mounted with the case (1) to the configuration extracted from the case (1) ,3. Wrist watch (100) according to any one or more than one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said dial (3) is separably mountable with said at least one support insert (4) and that said at least one support insert (4) is adapted to mount only one dial (3) of a plurality of dials (3) .
4. Wrist watch (100) according to any one or more than one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said dial (3) comprises a slot (6) starting from an edge (31) of the dial (3) and reaching a centre (32) of the dial (3) , wherein said centre (32) is at the axes of hands (9) of the watch (100) , wherein said mounted configuration of said at least one support insert (4) with said case (1) avoids interference with the axes ofthe hands ( 9 ) .
5. Wrist watch (100) according to any one or more than one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said housing 50 comprises an outwardly facing through opening, and that the watch (100) comprises an inlet gasket (12) which is mounted between edges of the support insert (4) and edges of the through opening of the housing (50) .
6. Wrist watch (100) according to any one or more than one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first housing (55) for said waterproofing gasket (13) comprises an upper portion that traces a curvilinear shape of said at least one support insert (4) and of an upper portion (133) of the waterproofing gasket (13) , two outer slots that trace the shape of two slots (131) of said waterproofing gasket (13) and a lower portion that traces a lower shape of said at least one support insert (4) approximating said upper portion (133) and a lower portion (132) of the waterproofing gasket (13) .
7. Wrist watch (100) according to one or more than one of any the preceding claims, characterised in that said waterproofing gasket (13) is mounted close to the inlet gasket (12) and that said waterproofing gasket (13) is mounted between said at least one support insert (4) and inner walls of said at least one housing (50) .
8. Wrist watch (100) according to any one or more than one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said case (1) comprises inserts (15, 16) adapted to mount bracelets (2) or straps of the wrist watch (100) , wherein said inserts (15, 16) comprise quickrelease fasteners (20) , wherein at least one quick-release fastener (20) ofsaid quick-release fasteners (20) comprises handleable sliders (21) , hook elements (22) mounted with said sliders (21) and elastic elements (23) mounting said hook elements (22) , wherein a higher compression configuration of said elastic elements (23) corresponds to a release configuration of the hook elements (22) and a lower compression configuration of the elastic elements (23) corresponds to a coupling configuration of the hook elements (22) , wherein said bracelet (2) or said strap comprises hook elements complementary to hook elements (22) of the quick-release fasteners (20) of the inserts (15, 16) of the case ( 1 ) , wherein said coupling configuration provides that said hook elements (22) of said quick-release fasteners (20) of the case (1) are coupled with complementary hook elements of said bracelet (2) or of said strap.
9. Wrist watch (100) according to any one or more than one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a removable cover (120) adapted to switch from a configuration mounted with said case (1) to a configuration removed from said case (1) , wherein said mounted configuration provides that said cover (120) is coupled with said case (1) by means of coupling elements.
10. Wrist watch (100) according to claim 9, characterised in that said coupling elements comprise engagement elements (112) of the case (1) and complementary engagement elements of the cover (120) , wherein said engagement elements (112) have a shape complementary to complementary engagement elements (121) of said cover (120) .
11. Wrist watch (100) according to any one or morethan one of claims 9 or 10, characterised in that said coupling elements provide that the cover (120) comprises a side wall (128) having a complementary shape with respect to a side wall (118) of the case 1, so that the cover (120) in a configuration mounted with the case (1) can be coupled by form fitting with a further gasket of the side wall (118) provided between the side wall (128) of the cover (120) and the side wall (118) of the case (1) •12. Wrist watch (100) according to any one or more than one of claims 9-11, characterised in that said coupling elements provide that the cover (120) comprises a flanged lower edge (129) , wherein said mounted configuration of the cover (120) with the case (1) provides that said flanged lower edge (129) is fitted under a lower edge of the side wall (118) of the case (1) •13. Wrist watch (100) according to any one or more than one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises two of said at least one housing (50) in that it comprises two of said at least one support insert
Citation Information
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