Timepiece comprising at least two display devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a timepiece movement, at least one first and one second (5) device for displaying first and second indications respectively, and a dial (1) comprising at least one first and one second aperture (8, 10, 12, 14) arranged to be able to display the first and second indications respectively. The timepiece comprises a revealing device disposed beneath the dial (1) and arranged to be movable relative to the dial (1) between a first position and a second position, the revealing device being arranged to be able to have at least one opening (20) arranged such that it can coincide with the first aperture (8, 10, 12) so as to allow a first indication to be revealed in said first aperture (8, 10, 12), the revealing device carrying the second indications arranged such that they can be displayed in the second aperture (14), the opening (20) and the second indications being positioned in relation to the first and second apertures (8, 10, 12, 14) such that, when the revealing device is in its first position, the first and second indications do not appear in said apertures (8, 10, 12, 14), and such that, when the revealing device is in its second position, the first and second indications are revealed in said at least one first and second apertures (8, 10, 12, 14) of the dial (1).

Description

[0001] A CLOCKWORK COMPRISING AT LEAST TWO DISPLAY DEVICES

[0002] technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a watch movement, at least two display devices for indications, and a dial comprising at least two apertures arranged to be able to display the indications of said at least two display devices.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Timepieces, such as wristwatches, and especially complicated watches, may include several display devices that allow for the display of various indications in different apertures on the watch dial. These indications might include decorations or timekeeping information other than the hour, minute, and second. For example, calendar complications might display the date, day of the week, month, year, leap year indication, and so on.

[0006] The proliferation of display devices and information on the dial, in addition to the timekeeping elements, has the drawback of visually cluttering the dial. The timekeeping elements necessary for telling the time become surrounded by a number of other indications for which permanent display is not necessarily required. Consequently, the dial is no longer easily readable by a user, even for simply telling the time.

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by providing a timepiece that allows a user to conceal some of the indications that traditionally appear on the dial, particularly those related to calendar complications, in order to make the dial more legible, and to make them appear only on demand.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention To this end, the invention relates to a timepiece comprising a clock movement, at least one first display device for at least one first indication, at least one second display device for at least one second indication, and a dial comprising at least one first aperture arranged to be able to display said at least one first indication and at least one second aperture arranged to be able to display said at least one second indication, said timepiece comprising a revealing device disposed below said dial and arranged to be able to be movable relative to the dial between a first position and a second position.

[0009] According to the invention, said revealing device is arranged to have at least one opening arranged to coincide with said at least one first window to allow the revelation of said at least one first indication of said at least one first display device in said at least one first window, and said revealing device has said at least one second indication of said at least one second display device arranged to be displayed in said at least one second window, said at least one opening and said at least one second indication being positioned relative to said at least one first and second windows of the dial such that, when the revealing device is in its first position, said at least one first and second indications of said at least one first and second display devices do not appear in said at least one first and second windows, and such that,When the revealing device is in its second position, the aforementioned at least first and second indications of the aforementioned at least first and second display devices are revealed in the aforementioned at least first and second apertures of the dial.

[0010] Thus, a single revealing device advantageously allows, with a single movement from one of its two positions to the other, the simultaneous concealment or revealing of several indications from different display devices within the timepiece, such as the indications from various display devices related to calendar complications, whose permanent display on the dial is not required. These indications can remain concealed to visually declutter the dial, making it easier to read the time, for example, while still being readily available on the dial when needed.

[0011] Advantageously, the revealing device includes at least one first revealing member arranged to be movable relative to the dial between a first position and a second position corresponding respectively to the first and second positions of the revealing device, said at least one first revealing member bearing said at least one second indication of said at least one second display device arranged to be displayed in said at least one second window.

[0012] According to a first embodiment, said at least one first revealing element also carries said at least one opening, said at least one opening and said at least one second indication being arranged on said first revealing element relative to said at least one first and second dial windows such that, when said at least one first revealing element is in its first position, said at least one opening and said at least one second indication are not opposite said at least one first and second windows so that none of said at least one first and second indications of said at least one first and second display devices appear in said at least one first and second windows, and such that, when said at least one first revealing element is in its second position,said at least one opening and said at least one second indication are opposite said at least one first and second apertures so that said at least one first and second indications of said at least one first and second display devices are revealed in said at least one first and second apertures of the dial.

[0013] In this first embodiment, the timepiece may include at least one third display device for at least one third indication, the dial comprising at least one third aperture arranged to be able to display said at least one third indication, and the revealing device comprising at least one second revealing member arranged to be able to be movable relative to the dial between a first position and a second position corresponding respectively to the first and second positions of the revealing device, said at least one second revealing member being arranged to form at least one other opening to allow the revelation of said at least one third indication of said at least one third display device in said at least one third aperture of the dial, and to cooperate with said at least one first revealing member to be movable together between their first and second positions.

[0014] In another embodiment, the revealing device may include, in addition to the first revealing member bearing said at least one second indication, at least one second revealing member arranged to reveal said at least one first indication of said at least one first display device and to be able to be movable relative to the dial between a first position and a second position corresponding respectively to the first and second positions of the revealing device, said at least one second revealing member being arranged to form said at least one opening to allow the revelation of said at least one first indication of said at least one first display device in said at least one first window of the dial, and to cooperate with said at least one first revealing member to be movable together between their first and second positions.

[0015] According to either embodiment, the timepiece may include at least one fourth display device for at least one fourth indication, the dial including at least one fourth aperture arranged to display said at least one fourth indication, and the revealing device includes at least one third revealing member arranged to be movable relative to the dial between a first position and a second position corresponding respectively to the first and second positions of the revealing device, said at least one third revealing member bearing said at least one fourth indication of said at least one fourth display device arranged to be displayed in said at least one fourth aperture,and said at least third revealing element being arranged to cooperate mediately or directly with said at least first revealing element so as to be movable together between their first and second positions. Preferably, the revealing device comprises solid areas arranged to simultaneously close said at least first and second apertures when it occupies its first position.

[0016] Advantageously, at least the said solid areas are configured to blend in with the dial's design around the said first and second apertures. In particular, at least the said solid areas may be the same color as the dial background.

[0017] Thus, when the revealing device is in its first position, all the windows of the indications to be masked are closed off, blending into the dial's design so as not to be visible.

[0018] Preferably, the revealing device includes display areas bearing said at least one second indication, said display areas having a background of the same color as the background of the dial so that the background of said second indication blends into the background of the dial when it is displayed.

[0019] Advantageously, said at least one second display device may include an indicator element movable relative to the dial and arranged to indicate said at least one second indication. Preferably, the movable indicator element of the second display device may include a first part arranged to blend in with the dial background and a second part arranged to indicate one of the second indications. Preferably, said movable indicator element may be a pointer made of a transparent material and having, at its tip, an element arranged to highlight one of the second indications.Thus, advantageously, when the revealing organ is in its first position, the hand of the second display device no longer appears as a hand but appears as a decorative element of the dial, and when the revealing organ is in its second position, the hand of the second display device plays its role as an indicator of the second indication.

[0020] Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of several embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] - Figure 1 is a schematic view of a dial of a timepiece according to a first embodiment of the invention, the revealing device being in its first position;

[0023] - Figure 2 is a schematic view of the dial in Figure 1, with the developing device in its second position;

[0024] - Figure 3 is a schematic view of the circuit board and several display devices;

[0025] - Figure 4 represents the dial used in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] - Figure 5 represents the developing device used in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] - Figure 6 is a schematic view of the turntable and developing device of the first embodiment in its first position;

[0028] - Figure 7 is a schematic view of the turntable and developing device of the first embodiment in its second position;

[0029] - Figure 8 is a schematic view of a timepiece according to a second embodiment of the invention, the revealing device being in its first position;

[0030] - Figure 9 is a schematic view of the timepiece in Figure 8, with the revealing device in its second position;

[0031] - Figure 10 is a transparent view of Figure 8;

[0032] - Figure 11 is a transparent view of Figure 9; Figure 12 is an exploded view of the timepiece according to the second embodiment, with the display devices shown schematically; and

[0033] - Figure 13 is a schematic view of the timepiece according to the second embodiment, in which the display organ is shown, the revealing device being in its second position.

[0034] Embodiments of the invention

[0035] The present invention relates to a mechanical timepiece, which may be a watch, in particular a complicated wristwatch. Said timepiece comprises a watch movement (not shown), at least one first display device for at least one first indication, at least one second display device for at least one second indication, and a dial comprising at least one first aperture arranged to display said at least one first indication on the dial and at least one second aperture arranged to display said second indication on the dial.

[0036] In a first embodiment, and with reference to figures 1 to 4, said timepiece includes a dial 1 defining an axis X perpendicular to the plane YZ defined by the dial 1, and a current time display device comprising display elements, such as hands, arranged at the center O of the dial through which the axis X passes, and hour markers 1a provided on the periphery of the dial in a traditional manner.

[0037] In this first embodiment, the timepiece comprises four display devices 2, 3, 4, 5 for said first and second indications, said first and second indications being of different types or natures. The display devices 2, 3, 4, 5 for said first and second indications may preferably correspond to different horological complications.

[0038] Preferably, at least one first indication of at least one first display device 2, 3, 4 and at least one second indication of at least one second display device 5 are linked to the time measured by the clock movement, such as hourly or calendar indications. Such display devices 2, 3, 4, 5 are mechanical devices provided on a plate 6 of the clock movement arranged to receive said display devices 2, 3, 4, 5. They are associated with apertures provided on the dial 1 to display different indications on said dial 1, for example, in the form of analog displays. These indications, linked to the time measured by the clock movement, as calendar indications, may include, in particular, the date, the day of the week, the month, the year, an indication of a leap year, etc.

[0039] In an embodiment not shown, said at least a first indication of said at least a first display device 2, 3, 4 or said at least a second indication of said at least a second display device 5 could be a decoration, an image, etc.

[0040] The timepiece includes, as at least a first display device for first indications here related to time, the display devices 2, 3 and 4 which include a display organ, such as a disc, bearing the first indications, and movable, in particular in rotation, relative to the dial 1, and arranged to be able to display said first indications successively in said at least a first window provided on the dial 1.

[0041] More specifically, in the example shown, the display device 2 comprises a movable disc 2a mounted to rotate on the plate 6 and arranged to successively display, as an indication, the day of the week in the window 8 located at 9 o'clock on the dial 1 above said movable disc 2a. The display device

[0042] 3 comprises a movable disc 3a mounted to rotate on the plate 6 and arranged to successively display the indication of a leap year in the aperture 10 located at 12 o'clock on the dial 1 above said movable disc 3a. The display device

[0043] 4 comprises a movable disc 4a mounted for rotation on the plate 6 and arranged to successively display, as an indication, the month in the aperture 12 located at 3 o'clock on the dial 1 above said movable disc 3a. Such calendar display discs and their drive mechanisms are known to those skilled in the art and therefore do not require a detailed description. The timepiece includes, as at least one second display device for second indications related to time, the display device 5, which includes an indicator 16 positioned above the dial 1 and movable relative to the dial 1. The indicator 16, such as a hand, is arranged to indicate one of said second indications of said display device 5 displayed in said at least one second aperture provided on the dial 1.More particularly, in the example shown, said display device 5 is arranged to display, as second indications here linked to time, a set of second indications, and more specifically a set of dates, in a set of second windows 14 arranged in a circle at the center of the dial 1. Said display device 5 also includes the indicator organ 16 movable relative to the dial 1, preferably movable in rotation centered on the X axis, and arranged to indicate one of the second indications, and more specifically one of the dates, which can appear in their respective window 14.

[0044] The first and second indications are different from each other.

[0045] The timepiece also includes a revealing device positioned below dial 1 and arranged to be movable relative to dial 1 between a first position and a second position.

[0046] According to the invention, said revealing device is arranged to be able to present at least one opening 20 arranged to be able to coincide with said at least one first window 8, 10, 12 to allow the revelation of said at least one first indication of said at least one first display device 2, 3, 4 in said at least one first window 8, 10, 12.

[0047] Furthermore, said revealing device bears said at least a second indication of said at least a second display device 5 arranged to be able to be displayed in said at least second window 14.

[0048] According to the invention, said at least one opening 20 and said at least one second indication are positioned with respect to said at least one first and second windows 8, 10, 12, 14 of the dial 1 so that, when the revealing device occupies its first position, none of said at least one first and at least one second indications of said at least one first and second display devices 2, 3, 4, 5 appear in said at least one first and second windows 8, 10, 12, 14, and so that, when the revealing device occupies its second position, said at least one first and second indications of said at least one first and second display devices 2, 3, 4, 5 are revealed in said at least one first and second windows 8, 10, 12, 14 of the dial 1.

[0049] Preferably, the revealing device includes at least one first revealing member arranged to be movable relative to the dial 1 between a first position and a second position corresponding respectively to the first and second positions of the revealing device, said at least one first revealing member bearing said at least one second indication of said at least one second display device arranged to be displayed in said at least second window 14.

[0050] More specifically, in the first embodiment of the invention, said timepiece comprises, as a first revealing element, a single revealing element 18 disposed below the dial 1, between said dial 1 and the movable display elements 2a, 3a, 4a of the first display devices 2, 3, 4, and arranged to be movable relative to the dial 1 between a first position and a second position corresponding respectively to the first and second positions of the revealing device. Said revealing element 18 comprises at least one opening 20, here three openings 20, arranged to coincide with said at least one first aperture, here the three apertures 8, 10, 12, to allow the revelation of a first indication of said at least one first display device, here the three display devices 2, 3, 4, in said at least one first aperture, here the three apertures 8, 10, 12 respectively. Furthermore,said revealing element 18 also carries said at least one second indication of said at least one second display device 5, here a set of second indications, arranged so as to be able to be displayed in said at least one second window 14. More particularly, the set of said second indications is arranged on the revealing element 18 so as to be able to be displayed simultaneously in their respective windows of the set of second windows 14 provided on the dial 1. Said at least one aperture 20 and said second indications carried by the revealing element 18 are arranged on said revealing element 18 with respect to said at least one first and second windows 8, 10, 12, 14 of the dial 1 so that, when the revealing element 18 is in its first position, said at least one aperture 20 and said second indications are not opposite said at least one first and second windows 8, 10, 12,14 so that no indication of said at least one first and second display devices 2, 3, 4, 5, appears on the dial 1 in said at least one first and second apertures 8, 10, 12, 14, all said indications being masked or hidden, and so that, when the revealing organ 18 occupies its second position, said at least one opening 20 and said second indications are opposite said at least one first and second apertures 8, 10, 12, 14 so that all indications of said at least one first and second display devices 2, 3, 4, 5, are revealed or appear in said at least one first and second apertures 8, 10, 12, 14.

[0051] In addition to the apertures 20 for revealing or concealing the initial indications of the first display devices, said at least one first display device 18 may include other apertures arranged to permanently display another type of display device for indications related to an astronomical complication. These other apertures are sized so that the indication remains visible regardless of whether said at least one first display device 18 is in its first or second position. For example, said at least one first display device 18 may include an aperture 24 for displaying moon phases. The dial 1 also includes a window 26 above the display device for indications related to an astronomical complication, which cooperates with said aperture 24 to permanently display the moon phases.

[0052] Another embodiment is shown in Figures 8 to 13. In this embodiment, the moon phase display is not permanent; the displayed moon phase can be hidden or revealed simultaneously with the other indications of the other complications. More specifically, the revealing device comprises at least one first revealing element 18, similar to the revealing element 18 described above for the first embodiment, arranged to be movable relative to the dial 1 between a first position and a second position corresponding respectively to the first and second positions of the revealing device, said at least one first revealing element 18 bearing said at least one second indication of said at least one second display device 5 arranged to be displayed in said at least one second aperture 14.

[0053] The first and second display devices 2, 3, 4, 5 are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0054] In this embodiment, the timepiece includes at least one third display device 42 for at least one third indication, here the moon phases, and the dial 1 includes at least one third aperture 44, corresponding to the window 26, arranged to display said at least one third indication. The revealing device includes, in addition to the first revealing element 18, at least one second revealing element 46 arranged to be movable relative to the dial 1 between a first position and a second position corresponding respectively to the first and second positions of the revealing device. Said at least one second revealing element 46 is arranged to form, with the opening 24 of the first revealing element 18, at least one other opening 48 to allow the revelation of said at least one third indication of said at least one third display device 42 in said at least one third aperture 44 of the dial 1.The said at least one second revealing organ 46 is for example in the form of a drop.

[0055] Furthermore, said second revealing organ 46 is arranged to cooperate with said at least one first revealing organ 18 to be mobile together between their first and second positions, as will be described in detail below.

[0056] In this embodiment, the timepiece further comprises at least a fourth display device 50 for at least a fourth indication, here a set of fourth indications in the form of a decoration representing, for example, a point of separation between two dates. The dial 1 comprises at least a fourth aperture 52, here a set of fourth apertures 52, arranged to display said at least one fourth indication. The revealing device comprises at least a third revealing element 54 arranged to be movable relative to the dial 1 between a first position and a second position corresponding respectively to the first and second positions of the revealing device, said at least one third revealing element 54 bearing said at least one fourth indication of said at least one fourth display device 50 arranged to be displayed in said at least one fourth aperture 52.The said at least third revealing organ 54 is arranged to cooperate mediately or directly with the said at least first revealing organ 18 to be mobile together between their first and second positions, as will be described below.

[0057] More specifically, said at least fourth aperture 52 is provided between two of said second apertures 14 of the dial, and said at least third revealing element 54 comprises at least one tooth, here a set of teeth, arranged to bear said at least fourth indication. Said at least one tooth is configured to insert and move between said two second apertures 14 when said third revealing element 54 is movable between its first and second positions. Thus, the teeth of the third revealing element 54 can move between the first and second positions while remaining between two of the second apertures 14, so as never to appear in the second apertures 14.

[0058] It is quite evident that the revealing device may comprise a first revealing element bearing only said at least one second indication, similar to the first revealing element 18 or the third revealing element 54, and a second revealing element distinct from the first revealing element 18, similar to the second revealing element 46, which is arranged to form an opening. The second revealing element is arranged to cooperate with said at least one first revealing element so as to be movable together between their first and second positions.

[0059] Regardless of the embodiment, in order to move the developing device from one of its first and second positions to the other on demand, the timepiece includes an external control element (not shown) for the developing device arranged to be operated by a user to move said developing device. This external control element may be a position selection device comprising an elastic guide device as described in the applicant's EP 23170463 and kinematically linked to an arm 18a of said at least one first developing element 18 to control the movement of said at least one first developing element 18 from one of its first and second positions to the other on demand.

[0060] In an advantageous manner, and with reference to Figures 5 and 8, the developing device includes solid areas 19 arranged to simultaneously cover at least one first and second apertures, here apertures 8, 10, 12, 14, and the third and fourth apertures 44, 52 if present, when it is in its first position. Specifically, the solid areas 19 are provided around the openings 20 on the second developing element 46, between each display area 22 bearing the second indications, and around the points of the third developing element 54.

[0061] Thus, when the developing device is in its first position, as shown in Figures 1 and 8, the first windows 8, 10, 12 and the third window 44 are covered by the solid areas 19 provided around said openings 20 and on the second developing element 46, said openings 20 not being opposite their respective windows 10, 12, 14 since they are far from their respective windows 8, 10, 12, as shown in Figure 6, and the opening 48 formed by the first and second developing elements 18, 46 not being opposite its window 44 since it is far from said window 44 as shown in Figure 10. In addition, the set of second windows 14 and / or 52 is covered by the solid areas 19 between each display area 22 and around the points of the third revealing organ 54, the second and / or fourth indications then being hidden under dial 1.Thus, none of the indications of the first and second display devices 2, 3, 4, 5 and of the third and fourth display devices 42, 50 if they are present, appear on dial 1.

[0062] When the revealing device occupies its second position, as shown in Figures 2 and 9, said at least one first and second windows 8, 10, 12, 14, and possibly the third window 44 and / or the fourth window 52 if present, are released, the openings 20 and possibly 48 then being aligned with their respective windows 8, 10, 12, 44 as shown in Figures 7 and 11, so that the first indications of said first display devices 2, 3, 4 and the third indication of the third display device 42 if present, opposite their respective windows 8, 10, 12, 44 appear on the dial 1 through their respective windows 8, 10, 12, 44 and the associated opening 20, 48.Furthermore, said second indications of the second display device 5 and said fourth indications of the fourth display device 50 if present are positioned opposite their respective second window 14, 52 so that said second indications which are arranged on the first revealing element 18 and fourth indications which are arranged on the third revealing element 54 if present, also appear simultaneously on the dial 1 in the set of second windows 14 and fourth windows 52. The movable indicator element 16 of said at least one second display device 5 indicates to the user one of said second indications.

[0063] In an advantageous manner, at least one first revealing element 18 is in the form of a revealing disc arranged to be free to rotate centered on the X-axis of the dial 1, in its entirety, between its first and second positions. At least one first and second apertures of the dial 1, here apertures 8, 10, 12, 14, and the third and fourth apertures 44, 52 if present, are arranged concentrically with respect to said X-axis of the dial 1, and at least one opening 20, here the three openings 20 associated with apertures 8, 10, 12, and the opening 48 associated with aperture 44, and said second indications carried by the first revealing element 18 as well as the fourth indications carried by the third revealing element 54, are positioned concentrically with respect to the X-axis.

[0064] Advantageously, said at least one opening 20, here the three openings 20, and said at least one second indication carried by said at least one first revealing organ 18, here the set of second indications, are arranged on said at least one first revealing organ 18 in relation to said at least one first and second windows 8, 10, 12, 14, so that the angle traversed by said at least one opening 20 is the same as the angle traversed by said second indications when said at least one first revealing organ 18 turns from one to the other of its first and second positions.Thus, when said at least one first revealing member 18 is positioned in its second position, said at least one first revealing member 18 travels the same angle which is necessary to reveal the first indications of the first display devices 2, 3, 4 in the first windows 8, 10, 12, and to, at the same time, make visible the second indications of the second display device 5 carried by said at least one first revealing member in the second windows 14.

[0065] The revealing organ 18 is arranged to travel an angle of less than 360°, preferably less than 180°, preferably less than 90°, and more preferably less than 45°, or even 30°, when it is moved from one to the other of its first and second positions in its entirety.

[0066] With reference to figures 10 and 12, said at least one second revealing member 46 is rotatably mounted on a frame of the watch part, for example the case 56. In order to have a drive between the first and second revealing members 18, 46, said at least one first revealing member 18 includes a drive pin 58 arranged to cooperate with an oblong opening 60 provided on said at least one second revealing member 46 to drive said at least one second revealing member 46 in rotation in its entirety.

[0067] Said at least one third revealing element 54 is of overall circular shape centered on the X-axis and includes a drive arm 61. Said at least one third revealing element 54 is disposed between the dial 1 and the second revealing element 46. The third revealing element 54 is arranged to be able to rotate centered on the X-axis, in its entirety, between its first and second positions, in particular by being driven by the second revealing element 46. To this end, said at least one third revealing element 54 includes on its drive arm 61 a pin 62 arranged to cooperate with an oblong opening 64 provided on said at least one second revealing element 46 to drive said at least one third revealing element 54 in its entirety.Another drive system directly between the first revealing organ 18 and the revealing organ 54 can be provided in the case where the second revealing organ 46 is not present.

[0068] Thus, rotating the first indicator 18 from its first to its second position causes the second indicator 46 and the third indicator 54 to rotate from their first to their second positions, and rotating the first indicator 18 from its second to its first position causes the second indicator 46 and the third indicator 54 to rotate from their second to their first positions. The positioning of the pin 62 relative to the center of rotation of the second indicator 46 and the rotation angles of the various indicator 18, 46, and 54 are adjusted to ensure the correct positioning of the different indicators in the first and second positions, as described above.

[0069] Regardless of the embodiments, and in an advantageous manner, at least the said solid areas 19 of the different revealing organs 18, 46, 54 arranged to close the different apertures 8, 10, 12, 14, 44, 52 when they occupy their first position, are configured to complete the decoration of the dial or to blend with the background of the dial around the said apertures 8, 10, 12, 14, 44, 52.

[0070] Advantageously, the surface of at least the said solid areas 19 of the different revealing organs 18, 46, 54 which appear in the different windows 8, 10, 12, 14, 44, 52 when they occupy their first position is of the same color as the background of the dial 1.

[0071] Advantageously, the surface of the moving parts 2a, 3a, 4a of the first display devices 2, 3, 4, which appears in the first windows 8, 10, 12, when said at least first revealing part 18 occupies its second position, is the same color as the background of the dial 1.

[0072] Advantageously, the surface of the display areas of the developing device, and more particularly the surface of the display areas 22 of the first developing element 18 and around the points of the third developing element 54 which appear respectively in the set of second windows 14 and in the set of fourth windows 52 when they occupy their second position has a background of the same color as the background of the dial 1. Thus, the background of the second and fourth indications blends into the decoration of the dial when they are displayed.

[0073] Preferably, dial 1 includes a background representing a starry sky.

[0074] Advantageously, the dial 1 is made of a transparent material and the decoration of the background of said dial 1 is made on its underside, towards the surface of the solid areas 19 and the display areas 22 of the revealing organ 18.

[0075] Preferably, the movable indicator 16 of at least one second display device is arranged to complement the decoration of the dial 1 at least along the path traveled by said movable indicator 16. When the dial 1 includes a background representing a starry sky, the movable indicator 16 of the second display device has a decoration that harmonizes with said starry sky background of the dial 1.

[0076] Advantageously, the movable indicator organ 16 of the second display device 5 comprises a first part 66 arranged to blend in with the background of the dial 1 and a second part 68 arranged to indicate one of the second indications, as shown in Fig. 13.

[0077] Advantageously, the movable indicator 16 of the second display device 5 is a hand made of a transparent material and having, at its tip, on its second portion 68, an element arranged to highlight one of the second indications. This element may be a celestial decoration, such as a celestial body or a shooting star, so as to blend into the starry sky decoration of the dial 1. Preferably, the celestial decoration is positioned below the tip of the indicator 16, pointing towards the dial 1. This element may also be a colored surface on the second portion 68 of the hand that indicates the second indication when it is revealed in its aperture 14 and that blends into the background of the dial 1 when the second indication is hidden. This element may also be a magnifying glass for enlarging the second indication to be shown.

[0078] Thus, when the revealing device, and more particularly the first revealing element 18, and the second and third revealing elements 46, 54 if present, is in its first position, all of said at least one first and second apertures 8, 10, 12, 14, as well as, where applicable, the third aperture 44 and the fourth apertures 52, are covered by the solid areas of the revealing device of the same color as the background of the dial 1, so that all of said at least one first and second apertures 8, 10, 12, 14, as well as, where applicable, the third aperture 44 and the fourth apertures 52 in the second embodiment, blend in with the decoration of the dial 1 and are no longer visible or distinguishable, giving the timepiece an appearance without apertures, and only the tip of the movable indicator element 16 appears as a decorative element of the dial, without a display function, as shown in the figure 1.Consequently, dial 1 no longer shows any trace of the aforementioned at least one first and second display devices 2, 3, 4, and 5, and of the third and fourth display devices 42, 50 in the second embodiment. Reading dial 1 to determine the remaining displayed time is then easier. When the user wishes to display the first and second calendar indications in the aforementioned at least one first and second apertures 8, 10, 12, 14, and in the second embodiment, the third and fourth indications in the third and fourth apertures 44, 52, they move the revealing device to its second position by rotating it clockwise, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.All the first, second, and, where applicable, third and fourth indications of the aforementioned at least one first and second display devices 2, 3, 4 and 5, and, where applicable, of the third and fourth display devices 42, 50, are then revealed simultaneously in the aforementioned at least one first and second windows 8, 10, 12, 14, and, where applicable, in the third and fourth windows 44, 52, by means of a revealing device requiring only one control and occupying a small footprint. The movable indicator element 16 of the second display device can then perform its function as an indicator, its tip indicating one of the second indications displayed in the set of windows 14, as shown in Figure 2.

[0079] Advantageously, and with reference more particularly to figures 6 and 7, the plate 6 includes a housing 27 in which said at least one first developing element 18 is mounted freely in rotation, the second and third developing elements 46 and 54 being positioned above the first developing element 18, under the dial 1. The dial 1 is fixed on the plate 6 above the developing device so as to leave at least the first developing element 18 free in rotation.

[0080] For this purpose, the dial 1 is fixed on the outer perimeter 6a of the plate 6, outside the housing 27, by means of at least one fixing stud 28 provided on the outer perimeter 6a of the plate 6, and said plate 6 includes at least one screw 30 arranged to retain said at least one fixing stud 28.

[0081] Advantageously, the plate 6 includes on its outer perimeter 6a eccentric adjusting elements 32 arranged to adjust the position of the first revealing element 18 so that the center of the first revealing element 18 coincides with the center O of the dial 1.

[0082] The plate 6 also includes on its outer periphery 6a, a jumper 34 adjustable by means of an oblong adjustment light 36, and arranged to cooperate with two notches 38, 40 provided on the outer periphery of the first developing element 18 to hold said first developing element 18 in one or the other of its first and second positions, as shown in figures 6 and 7, allowing angular adjustment of said first developing element 18. The jumper 34 also allows the first developing element 18 to be held against the eccentric adjustment elements 32.

[0083] It is quite clear that the timepiece according to the invention can be without hands for the traditional display of the time, the dial then appearing empty when the revealing device is in its first position. Or the time display device can be one of the first, second, or third time-related indication display devices as described above. Preferably, the current time display device is separate from all other display devices 2, 3, 4, 5, 42, 50, the first, second, and, where applicable, third and fourth indications being different from the current time.

[0084] It is quite clear that various combinations not shown are possible. For example, it is possible to have a first revealing element 18 bearing decorations or dates combined with a second revealing element 46 arranged to form an opening to reveal an indication, such as the phase of the moon or the day of the week. Similarly, it is possible to have a first revealing element 18 bearing the dates or a decoration and the openings 20 combined with a second revealing element 46 arranged to form an opening to reveal the phase of the moon, without the fourth revealing element 54. Likewise, it is possible to have a first revealing element 18 bearing the dates and the openings 20 combined with the fourth revealing element 54 without the second revealing element 46 arranged to reveal the phase of the moon.

Claims

Demands 1. A timepiece comprising a clock movement, at least one first display device (2, 3, 4, 42) for at least one first indication, at least one second display device (5, 50) for at least one second indication, and a dial (1) comprising at least one first aperture (8, 10, 12, 44) arranged to display said at least one first indication and at least one second aperture (14, 52) arranged to display said at least one second indication, said timepiece comprising a revealing device disposed below said dial (1) and arranged to be movable relative to the dial (1) between a first position and a second position, characterized in that said revealing device is arranged to have at least one opening (20, 48) arranged to coincide with said at least one first aperture (8, 10, 12,44) to permit the revelation of said at least one first indication of said at least one first display device (2, 3, 4, 42) in said at least one first aperture (8, 10, 12, 44), in that said revealing device bears said at least one second indication of said at least one second display device (5, 50) arranged to be displayed in said at least one second aperture (14, 52), said at least one opening (20, 48) and said at least one second indication being positioned relative to said at least one first and second apertures (8, 10, 12, 14, 44, 52) of the dial (1) so that, when the revealing device is in its first position, said at least one first and second indications of said at least one first and second display devices (2, 3, 4, 5, 42, 50) do not appear in said at least one first and second wickets (8, 10, 12, 14, 44, 52), and so that,When the revealing device is in its second position, the aforementioned at least one first and second indications of the aforementioned at least one first and second display devices (2, 3, 4, 5, 42, 50) are revealed in the aforementioned at least one first and second apertures (8, 10, 12, 14, 44, 52) of the dial (1).

2. A timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that the revealing device comprises at least one first revealing element (18) arranged to be movable relative to the dial (1) between a first position and a second position corresponding respectively to the first and second positions of the revealing device, said at least a first revealing organ (18) bearing said at least a second indication of said at least a second display device (5).

3. A timepiece according to claim 2, characterized in that said at least one first revealing element (18) also carries said at least one aperture (20), said at least one aperture (20) and said at least one second indication being arranged on said first revealing element (18) relative to said at least one first and second apertures (8, 10, 12, 14) of the dial (1) such that, when said at least one first revealing element (18) is in its first position, said at least one aperture (20) and said at least one second indication are not opposite said at least one first and second apertures (8, 10, 12, 14) so ​​that none of said at least one first and second indications of said at least one first and second display devices (2, 3, 4, 5) appear in said at least one first and second apertures (8, 10, 12, 14). 14), and so that, when the first revealing organ (18) occupies its second position,said at least one opening (20) and said at least one second indication are opposite said at least one first and second apertures (8, 10, 12, 14) so ​​that said at least one first and second indications of said at least one first and second display devices (2, 3, 4, 5) are revealed in said at least one first and second apertures (8, 10, 12, 14) of the dial (1).

4. A timepiece according to claim 3, comprising at least one third display device (42) for at least one third indication, the dial (1) comprising at least one third aperture (44) arranged to display said at least one third indication, characterized in that the display device comprises at least one second display member (46) arranged to be movable relative to the dial (1) between a first position and a second position corresponding respectively to the first and second positions of the display device, and in that said at least one second display member (46) is arranged to form at least one other opening (48) to allow the revelation of said at least a third indication of said at least a third display device (42) in said at least a third window (44) of the dial (1), and to cooperate with said at least a first revealing organ (18) to be movable together between their first and second positions.

5. A timepiece according to claim 2, characterized in that the revealing device comprises at least one second revealing member arranged to reveal said at least one first indication of said at least one first display device (2, 3, 4, 42) and to be able to be movable relative to the dial (1) between a first position and a second position corresponding respectively to the first and second positions of the revealing device, and in that said at least one second revealing member is arranged to form said at least one opening to allow the revelation of said at least one first indication of said at least one first display device (2, 3, 4, 42) in said at least one first window (8, 10, 12, 44) of the dial (1), and to cooperate with said at least one first revealing member (18) to be movable together between their first and second positions.

6. A timepiece according to any one of claims 3 to 5, comprising at least one fourth display device (50) for at least one fourth indication, the dial (1) comprising at least one fourth aperture (52) arranged to be able to display said at least one fourth indication, characterized in that the revealing device comprises at least one third revealing member (54) arranged to be able to be movable relative to the dial (1) between a first position and a second position corresponding respectively to the first and second positions of the revealing device, said at least one third revealing member (54) bearing said at least one fourth indication of said at least one fourth display device (50) and being arranged to cooperate mediatedly or directly with said at least one first revealing member (18) to be movable together between their first and second positions.

7. A timepiece according to claim 6, characterized in that said at least fourth aperture (52) is provided between two of said second apertures (14) and in that said at least one third revealing element (54) comprises at least one tooth arranged to carry said at least one fourth indication, said at least one tooth being configured to fit in and move between said two second windows (14) when said third revealing organ (54) is mobile between its first and second positions.

8. A timepiece according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the dial (1) defines an axis X perpendicular to said dial (1), said at least one first and second apertures (8, 10, 12, 14) being arranged concentrically with respect to said axis X, and in that said at least one first revealing element (18) is in the form of a revealing disc arranged to be able to be mobile in rotation centered on the axis X between its first and second positions, said at least one opening (20) and said at least one second indication carried by the revealing element (18) being positioned concentrically with respect to the axis X.

9. A timepiece according to claims 3 and 8, characterized in that said at least one aperture (20) and said at least one second indication carried by said at least one first revealing member (18) are arranged on said at least one first revealing member (18) with respect to said at least one first and second apertures (8, 10, 12, 14) so ​​that the angle traversed by said at least one aperture (20) is the same as the angle traversed by said at least one second indication when said at least one first revealing member (18) rotates from one of its first and second positions to the other.

10. A timepiece according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that said at least one second revealing member (46) is rotatably mounted on a frame of the timepiece and in that said at least one first revealing member (18) comprises a drive pin (58) arranged to cooperate with an oblong opening (60) provided on said at least one second revealing member (46).

11. A timepiece according to claim 10, characterized in that said at least one third revealing member (54) is arranged to be movable in rotation centered on the X-axis between its first and second positions, and in that said at least one third revealing member (54) comprises a pin (62) arranged to cooperate with an oblong opening (64) provided on said at least a second revealing organ (46).

12. A timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one second display device (5) comprises an indicator organ (16) movable relative to the dial (1) and arranged to be able to indicate said at least one second indication.

13. A timepiece according to claims 8 and 12, characterized in that said at least one second display device (5) comprises a set of second indications arranged on the revealing device so as to be able to be displayed simultaneously in a set of second windows (14) provided on the dial (1), and in that the movable indicating member (16) of said at least one second display device (5) is movable in rotation centered on the X axis and is arranged to indicate one of said second indications.

14. Timepiece according to any one of claims 12 to 13, characterized in that the movable indicator organ (16) of said at least a second display device (5) comprises a first part (66) arranged to blend in with the background of the dial (1) and a second part (68) arranged to indicate one of the second indications.

15. Timepiece according to claim 14, characterized in that the movable indicating member (16) of the second display device (5) is a hand made of a transparent material and having, at its tip, an element arranged to highlight one of the second indications.

16. A timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an external control element for the developing device arranged to be able to be controlled by a user to move said developing device from one to the other of its first and second positions on demand.

17. A timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the revealing device comprises solid areas (19) arranged to simultaneously close said at least one first and second apertures (8, 10, 12, 14) of the dial, and the third and fourth windows (44, 52) if they are present, when it occupies its first position.

18. Timepiece according to claim 17, characterized in that at least said solid areas (19) are configured to blend in with the background of the dial around said apertures (8, 10, 12, 14, 44, 52).

19. Timepiece according to claim 18, characterized in that at least said solid areas (19) are of the same color as the background of the dial (1).

20. A timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the revealing device comprises display areas (22) bearing said at least one second indication, said display areas (22) having a background of the same color as the background of the dial (1).

21. A timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plate (6) arranged to receive said at least one first and second display devices (2, 3, 4, 5, 42, 50), and comprising a housing (27) in which said at least one first revealing element (18) is mounted free to rotate, and on which the dial (1) is fixed above the revealing device so as to leave said at least one first revealing element (18) free to rotate.

22. A timepiece according to claim 21, characterized in that the plate (6) comprises on its outer perimeter (6a) eccentric adjusting members (32) arranged to adjust the position of said at least one first revealing member (18) and an adjustable jumper (34) arranged to cooperate with two notches (38, 40) provided on the perimeter of said at least one first revealing member (18) to maintain said at least one first revealing member (18) in one or the other of the first and second positions.

23. Timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least a first indication of said at least a first display device (2, 3, 4, 42) is linked to the time of the clock movement and is chosen from a day of the week, a month, a leap year, a moon phase.

24. A timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one second indication of said at least one second display device (5, 50) is decorative or is linked to the time of the watch movement, preferably is a set of dates.

25. A timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one first display device (2, 3, 4, 42) comprises a first display member (2a, 3a, 4a) bearing said first indications and movable so as to be able to display said first indications successively in said at least one first aperture (8, 10, 12, 44).

26. A timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a current time display device distinct from all other display devices (2, 3, 4, 5, 42, 50).

Images