Watch case for a wristwatch, and wristwatch including said watch case

Abstract

There is described a watch case (1) for a wristwatch (10), comprising: - a first case part (100) adapted and configured to house one of a time-telling device and an accessory (202) of said watch (10); - a second case part (200) comprising a case seat (201) adapted and configured to receive the other of said time-telling device and said accessory (202); - a first fixing pin (300) to fix a first end portion (501) of a strap (500) of said watch (10) to said case (1), the first fixing pin (300) being arranged and configured to hinge the second case part (200) to the first case part (100) so that the second case part (200) can be rotated with respect to the first case part (100) about the first fixing pin between a first angular position, in which the second case part (200) is superimposed on the first case part (100), and a second angular position, in which the second case part (200) is rotated with respect to the first angular position; - a second fixing pin (400) to fix a second end portion (502) of said strap (500) to said case (1); wherein the first case part (100) comprises a first and a second fixing seat (102,103) for said strap (500) which are located on two opposite sides of said first case part (100) and adapted and configured to receive said first and second end portions (501,502) of said strap (500), respectively, to allow fixing said strap (500) to the watch case (1); wherein the first case part (100) comprises a first pair of opposite protrusions (104a,104b) and a second pair of opposite protrusions (105a,105b) extending from two opposite sides of the first case part (100), said first and second fixing seats (102,103) for the strap (500) being defined between said first pair of opposite protrusions (104a,104b) and said second pair of opposite protrusions (105a,105b), respectively; wherein the second case part (200) comprises a third pair of opposite protrusions (204a,204b) and a fourth pair of opposite protrusions (205a,205b) extending from two opposite sides of the second case part (200); wherein, in said first angular position of the second case part (200): - the first pair of opposite protrusions (104a,104b) is interposed between the protrusions of said third pair of opposite protrusions (204a,204b) and the second pair of opposite protrusions (105a,105b) is interposed between the protrusions of said fourth pair of opposite protrusions (205a,205b); - the first fixing pin (300) extends through the first fixing seat (102) crossing the first pair of opposite protrusions (104a,104b) completely and the third pair of opposite protrusions (204a,204b) at least partially; - the second fixing pin (400) extends through the second fixing seat (103) crossing the second pair of opposite protrusions (105a,105b) at least partially. Said accessory (202) can be provided in the second case part (200) and can comprise a presbyopic lens. This allows a user who is presbyopic and for example does not have reading glasses available to easily have a presbyopic lens available and be able to use it by simply rotating the second case part with respect to the first case part by the desired angle as needed.

Description

"Watch case for a wristwatch , and wristwatch including said watch case"★ ★ ★ DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of wristwatches , and in particular it is directed to a watch case for a wristwatch and a wristwatch including said case .

[0002] In the technical field of wristwatches , watches provided with an accessory, such as a compass , for example , are known . Such prior-art solutions of wristwatches provided with an accessory typically have a watch strap fixed to the watch case by means of a pair of fixing pins , while the watch case and the accessory are connected to each other by means of one or more additional connecting pins including at least one hinge pin adapted to allow a relative rotation between the watch case and the accessory . A drawback of the prior-art watches described above is related to the fact that the mode of connection of the accessory, as well as the configuration of the watch case and the accessory, can have a negative impact on the appearance of the watch . In fact , in such known solutions , the case and accessory aretypically superimposed so as to give the watch a bulkier appearance than a traditional watch without an accessory . Furthermore , the use of the aforesaid additional connecting pins gives the watch a less elegant design than a traditional watch without an accessory .

[0003] It is a general obj ect of the present invention to provide a watch case for a wristwatch which is capable of overcoming or at least partially reducing the drawbacks described above with reference to the prior art .

[0004] In addition to or as an alternative to the above obj ect , it is a particular obj ect of the present invention to provide a watch case for a wristwatch which allows providing the watch with an accessory, eliminating or reducing the negative impact of the accessory on the appearance of the watch with respect to the watch solutions with an accessory discussed above with reference to the prior art , and which, more preferably, allows the wristwatch to have an appearance similar to that of a traditional wristwatch without an accessory .

[0005] In addition to or as an alternative to the above obj ects , it is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a watch case for a wri stwatch which includes a presbyopic lens or a magni fying lens that can easily be used by a user, where the aforesaid presbyopic lens ormagni fying lens is integrated into the watch case so that the watch case is substantially the same as , or however very similar to a traditional watch case , provided only with an ordinary watch crystal and without an additional presbyopic lens or magni fying lens .

[0006] These and other obj ects are achieved by a watch case for a wristwatch as defined in the appended claim 1 in the most general form thereof and in the dependent claims in some particular embodiments .

[0007] A wristwatch as defined in one or more of the appended claims is also the subj ect of the present invention .

[0008] The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof , given by way of non-limiting examples , with re ference to the accompanying drawings , in which :- Fig . 1 shows a top plan view in which a wristwatch is partially depicted, a watch case of said watch according to a currently preferred embodiment and partially a strap of said watch being depicted in such a figure , the watch case , which comprises a first case part and a second case part connected to each other, is depicted in such a figure in a first configuration, and some hidden parts of the watch case are depicted in dashed lines ;- Fig . 2 shows a top perspective view of the watch casein Fig. 1, in which some components of the watch case have been removed;- Fig. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the watch case in Fig. 2;- Fig. 4 shows a perspective view similar to Fig. 3, in which a watch case component, not depicted in Fig. 3, is depicted;- Fig. 5 shows a top plan view of the watch case in Fig. 1, in which some components of the case have been removed and in which some hidden parts of the watch case have been depicted in dashed lines;- Fig. 6 shows a perspective section view of a part of the watch case in Fig. 1;- Fig. 7 shows a side plan view of the watch case in Fig. 1;- Fig. 8 shows a partially sectioned side plan view of the watch case in Fig. 1;- Fig. 9 shows a side plan view of a main body of the first case part of the watch case in Fig. 1, in which some hidden parts of said main body are depicted in dashed lines;- Fig. 10 shows a side plan view of the watch case in Fig. 1 in a second configuration;- Fig. 11 shows a top perspective view of the main body in Fig. 9, in which an element of said main body has beenremoved;- Fig. 12 shows a top plan view of the first case part of the watch case in Fig. 1;- Fig. 13 shows a front plan view of a first fixing pin for fixing the strap in Fig. 1, where the first fixing pin is depicted in two configurations, i.e., a configuration in which the two opposite end portions of such a pin are retracted (solid-line depiction) and a configuration in which the two opposite end portions of such a pin are extended (dashed-line depiction) ;- Fig. 14 shows a front plan view of a second fixing pin for fixing the strap in Fig. 1, where the second fixing pin is depicted in two configurations, i.e., a configuration in which the two opposite end portions of such a pin are retracted (solid-line depiction) and a configuration in which the two opposite end portions of such a pin are extended (dashed-line depiction) ;- Fig. 15 shows a partially sectioned top view of part of the watch case in Fig. 1, in which the second fixing pin in Fig. 14 is partially depicted;- Fig. 16 shows a front plan view of a portion of a first fixing pin according to a second embodiment for fixing the strap in Fig. 1, where such a first fixing pin is depicted in two configurations, i.e., a configuration in which the two opposite end portions of such a pin areretracted (solid-line depiction) and a configuration in which the two opposite end portions of such a pin are extended (dashed-line depiction) , only one of the two opposite end portions of the first fixing pin being depicted in Fig. 16;- Fig. 17 shows a front plan view of a portion of a second fixing pin according to a second embodiment for fixing the strap in Fig. 1, where such a second fixing pin is depicted in two configurations, i.e., a configuration in which the two opposite end portions of such a pin are retracted (solid-line depiction) and a configuration in which the two opposite end portions of such a pin are extended (dashed-line depiction) , only one of the two opposite end portions of the second fixing pin being depicted in Fig. 17;- Fig.18 shows a partially sectioned top view of part of the watch case in Fig. 1, in which the second fixing pin in Fig. 17 is partially depicted;- Fig. 19 shows a sectioned perspective view of a portion of the second case part of the watch case in Fig. 1;- Fig. 20 shows a perspective view of two side portions of the second case part of the watch case in Fig. 1;- Fig. 21 shows a bottom plan view of the second case part of the watch case in Fig. 1, in which a component of the second case part has been removed;- Fig. 22 shows a top perspective view of the second case part in Fig. 21;- Fig. 23 shows a bottom perspective view of the second case part in Fig. 21.

[0009] In the accompanying figures, the same or similar elements will be generally indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0010] Referring first to Fig. 1, a wristwatch according to a currently preferred embodiment is globally denoted by reference numeral 10. The wristwatch 10 comprises a watch case 1 and a strap 500 which is fixable, preferably removably, to the case 1. The strap 500 can generally be any strap adapted and configured to be used with a wristwatch, such as, for example and without limitation, a leather or plastic strap, or a watch bracelet, e.g., made of a metal material, comprising a plurality of bracelet links connected to one another. The strap 500 is partially depicted in Fig. 1. However, note that in a manner known per se the 500 strap can be made in two separate parts and provided with a connecting device, such as a connecting buckle, for example, adapted to removably connect the two strap parts 500 to each other. According to an embodiment, the strap can also be made in one piece, e.g., in the form of an elastic bracelet.

[0011] With reference to Fig. 12, the watch case 1comprises a first case part 100. According to an embodiment, the first case part 100 is an inner case 100. The first case part 100 is adapted and configured to house one of a time-telling device and an accessory 202 (Fig. 1) of the watch 10. The time-telling device is not depicted in the accompanying figures as it is a device known per se. The time-telling device can generally comprise any device adapted to be used in a wristwatch for telling the time and can be of the analog and / or digital type. For example, according to an embodiment, the time-telling device can comprise a typical mechanism for moving the hands of a watch, i.e., the so-called watch "movement", and the related watch face. According to a further embodiment, the time-telling device can comprise a digital watch face, such as a display adapted to tell the time in digital format. According to an embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, for example, the first case part 100 houses the aforesaid time-telling device.

[0012] With reference to Figs. 2, 6,10,21 the watch case 1 comprises a second case part 200. The second case part 200 comprises a case seat 201 adapted and configured to receive the other of said time-telling device and said accessory 202. According to an embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, forexample, the second case part 200 houses the aforesaid accessory 202 in the seat 201. According to an embodiment, the second case part 200 is an outer case 200. Note that the term "outer case" means a part of the case 1 extending at least partially outward from the first case part 100 when the second case part 200 takes the first angular position, which will be described below. In other words, the terms "inner" and "outer" referring to the first case part 100 and the second case part 200, respectively, are intended to refer to the center of the watch case 1 when the second case part 200 takes the first angular position, which will be described below .

[0013] With reference to Figs. 1,5,13, the watch case 1 comprises a first fixing pin 300, or first fixing rod 300, to fix a first end portion 501 of the strap 500 to the case 1. The first fixing pin 300 is arranged and configured to hinge the second case part 200 to the first case part 100 so that the second case part 200 can be rotated with respect to the first case part 100 about the first fixing pin 300 between a first angular position (Figs. 1-5,7-8,15,18) , in which the second case part 200 is superimposed on the first case part 100, and a second angular position (Fig. 10) , in which the second case part 200 is rotated with respect to the first angularposition. According to an embodiment, the second angular position is angularly spaced apart from the first angular position by an angle of at least 90° and more preferably by an angle of between 90° and 180°. In other words, as can be seen in Figs. 7-8,10, for example, the first fixing pin 300 hinges the second case part 200 to the first case part 100 so that the second case part 200 can be rotated with respect to the first case part 100 about the first fixing pin 300 between the first angular position (Figs. 1-5,7-8,15,18) and the second angular position (Fig. 10) . Again, in other words, as can be seen in Figs. 7-8,10, for example, the second case part 200 is hinged to the first case part 100, by means of the first fixing pin 300, so that the second case part 200 can be rotated with respect to the first case part 100 about the first fixing pin 300 between the first angular position (Figs. 1-5,7-8,15,18) and the second angular position (Fig. 10) . According to an embodiment, the second angular position can be angularly spaced apart from the first angular position by an angle greater than 180°, preferably by an angle of between 180° and 270°.

[0014] With reference to Figs. 1,5,14,15, the watch case 1 comprises a second fixing pin 400, or second fixing rod 400, to fix a second end portion 502 of the strap 500 to the case 1.

[0015] Note that according to an embodiment, the watch case 1 advantageously comprises only two pins, i.e., the aforesaid first and second fixing pins 300,400, to hinge the first and second case parts 100,200 to each other and fix the strap 500 to the watch case 1.

[0016] With reference to Figs. 1-2, the first case part 100 comprises a first and a second fixing seat 102,103 for the strap 500. The first and second fixing seats 102,103 are located on two opposite sides of the first case part 100 and are adapted and configured to receive the first and second end portions 501,502 of the strap 500, respectively, to allow fixing the strap 500 to the watch case 1. With reference to Fig. 1, the first end portion 501 of the strap 500 is crossed by the first fixing pin 300 and the second end portion 502 of the strap 500 is crossed by the second fixing pin 400.

[0017] With reference to Figs. 2,9,11-12, the first case part 100 comprises a first pair of opposite protrusions 104a, 104b and a second pair of opposite protrusions 105a, 105b extending from two opposite sides of the first case part 100. According to an embodiment, protrusions 104a, 104b and protrusions 105a, 105b are flat protrusions. The first and second fixing seats 102,103 for the strap 500 are defined between the first pair of opposite protrusions 104a, 104b and the second pair of oppositeprotrusions 105a, 105b, respectively . In practice , according to an embodiment , the first and second fixing seats 102 , 103 comprise a first fixing recess 102 defined between the protrusions 104a, 104b and a second fixing recess defined between the protrusions 105a, 105b, respectively .

[0018] With reference to Figs . 1-2 , the second case part 200 comprises a third pair of opposite protrusions204a, 204b and a fourth pair of opposite protrusions205a, 205b extending from two opposite sides of the second case part 200 .

[0019] With reference to Figs . 1 , 5 , in the first angular position of the second case part 200 : the first pair of opposite protrusions 104a, 104b is interposed between the protrusions of the third pair of opposite protrusions 204a, 204b, and the second pair of opposite protrusions 105a, 105b is interposed between the protrusions of the fourth pair of opposite protrusions 205a, 205b ; the first fixing pin 300 extends through the first fixing seat 102 crossing the first pair of opposite protrusions 104a, 104b completely and the third pair of opposite protrusions 204a, 204b at least partially; and - the second fixing pin 400 extends through the second fixing seat 103 crossing the second pair of oppositeprotrusions 105a, 105b at least partially .

[0020] Advantageously, by virtue of the arrangement of the first pair of opposite protrusions 104a, 104b, the second pair of opposite protrusions 105a, 105b, the third pair of opposite protrusions 204a, 204b, and the fourth pair of opposite protrusions 205a, 205b, as well as of the arrangement of the first fixing pin 300 , it is possible to fix the strap to the case 1 while simultaneously hinging, again by means of the first fixing pin 300 , the second case part 200 to the first case part 100 without the need to provide an additional hinge pin . Thus , it is advantageously possible to make the appearance of the watch 10 more compact and elegant than the solutions of the prior art , which include at least one additional hinge pin in addition to the fixing pin of the strap to connect an accessory to the watch case .

[0021] With reference to Figs . 1-4 , according to an embodiment , when the second case part 200 takes the first angular position : the protrusions of the third pair of oppos ite protrusions 204a, 204b face and are in contact with the protrusions of the first pair of opposite protrusions 104a, 104b ; and the protrusions of the fourth pair of opposite protrusions 205a, 205b face and are in contact with theprotrusions of the second pair of opposite protrusions 105a, 105b .Advantageously, both the pairs of protrusions formed by a protrusion of the first pair of opposite protrusions 104a, 104b and a protrusion of the third pair of opposite protrusions 204a, 204b, which face and are in contact with each other, and the pairs of protrusions formed by a protrusion of the second pair of opposite protrusions 105a, 105b and a protrusion of the fourth pair of opposite protrusions 205a, 205b, which face and are in contact with each other, can thus be configured so as to form each a loop of the watch case 1 , giving the watch case 1 a similar appearance to that of a traditional wristwatch case without an accessory . Note that according to an advantageous embodiment , the protrusions of the third pair of opposite protrusions 204a, 204b are arranged in contact with the protrusions of the first pair of opposite protrusions 104a, 104b so that the friction between such protrusions in contact , preferably increased by appropriate knurling, allows keeping the second case part 200 in any desired angular position between the first angular position and the second angular position . According to an embodiment , no tolerance is thus present between the protrusions of the third pair of opposite protrusions 204a, 204b arranged in contact with theprotrusions of the first pair of opposite protrusions 104a, 104b.

[0022] With reference to Figs. 1,5,15, according to an embodiment the second fixing pin 400 is also a locking pin arranged and configured to removably lock, preferably snap-lock, the second case part 200 in the first angular position. In other words, according to an embodiment, the second fixing pin 400 is also a locking pin which releasably locks the second case part 200 in the first angular position. In this case, in the first angular position of the second case part 200, the second fixing pin 400 crosses the second pair of opposite protrusions 105a, 105b completely and the fourth pair of opposite protrusions 205a, 205b at least partially. Note that, according to an embodiment, the watch case 1 advantageously comprises only two pins, i.e., the aforesaid first and second fixing pins 300,400, to hinge the first case part 100 and the second case part 200 to each other, fix the strap 500 to the watch case 1, and removably lock the second case part 200 in the first angular position.

[0023] With reference to Figs. 4,9-12, according to an embodiment, the first case part 100 comprises a main body 110 comprising:- a first face 111 of the main body 110;- a watch caseback 106 arranged on the side of a second face 112 of the main body 110, opposite to the first face 111; and a side wall 107 connected to and extending transversely, preferably orthogonally, to the watch caseback 106.With reference to Figs. 6,9-12, the side wall 107 comprises a first edge 108a which is suitable for supporting the second case part 200 and extends about a first opening 109a of the main body 110. According to an embodiment, the side wall 107 is a cylindrical wall and therefore the edge 108a is a circular edge. Note that, however, the side wall 107 can generally be made in a variety of other shapes, for example and without limitation, a prismatic shape having a square, rectangular or hexagonal cross-section, for example.

[0024] With reference to Figs. 1-2, the second case part 200 comprises a watch bezel 210 and a pair of opposite side portions 206a, 206b extending transversely, preferably orthogonally, to the watch bezel 210. In Fig. 20, the side portions 206a, 206b according to a currently preferred embodiment have been depicted isolated from the remaining part of the second case part 200.Note that, although in the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures the bezel 210 is circular in shape,the bezel 210 can generally be made in a variety of other shapes , as needed . For example and without limitation, the bezel 210 may be made so as to have a square , rectangular, hexagonal , elliptical shape , or a shape comprising straight sides and curved sides .

[0025] Again with reference to Figs . 1-2 , each of the opposite side portions 206a, 206b of the second case part 200 comprises a protrusion of the third pair of opposite protrusions 204a, 204b, a protrusion of the fourth pair of opposite protrusions 205a, 205b, and a connecting portion 207a, 207b which interconnects such protrusions . In other words , as can be seen in Figs . 1-2 , for example , each connecting portion 207a, 207b interconnects a protrusion of the third pair of opposite protrusions 204a, 204b and a protrusion of the fourth pair of opposite protrusions 205a, 205b . More speci fically, according to an embodiment , the connecting portion 207a interconnects the protrus ion 204a of the third pair of opposite protrusions 204a, 204b and the protrusion 205a of the fourth pair of opposite protrusions 205a, 205b, while the connecting portion 207b interconnects the protrusion 204b of the third pair of opposite protrusions 204a, 204b and the protrusion 205b of the fourth pair of opposite protrusions 205a, 205b . Advantageously, by virtue of the provision of the opposite side portions 206a, 206b, it is possible tolaterally cover, at least partially or more preferably completely or almost completely, both the side wall 107 of the main body 110 and the protrusions of the first pair of opposite protrusions 104a, 104b and of the second pair of opposite protrusions 105a, 105b . Therefore , when the second case part 200 takes the first angular position, it is thus possible to give the impres sion that the case 1 is formed by only one case part , giving the watch 10 a particularly attractive and elegant appearance . Note that the term " almost completely" referring to the cover of the side wall 107 by the opposite side portions 206a, 206b means that the side portions 206a, 206b can laterally cover the side wall 207 unless openings are provided in the side portions 206a, 206b to connect or receive one or more components which can be required for the operation of the watch 10 . For example , in the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures , the side portion 206a comprises , without limitation, a connecting recess 208 , preferably having a "U" shape , which serves to connect a watch crown to the watch movement for setting the watch time .

[0026] With reference to Fig . 6 , according to an embodiment in the first angular position of the second case part 200 :- the watch bezel 210 rests on the first edge 108a of theside wall 107 of the first case part 100; and, as described above,- the opposite side portions 206a, 206b of the second case part 200 laterally cover, at least partially, the side wall 107 of the first case part 100, the first pair of opposite protrusions 104a, 104b, and the second pair of opposite protrusions 105a, 105b.

[0027] With reference to Figs. 6,11, according to an embodiment the side wall 107 of the main body 110 of the first case part 100 comprises a second edge 108b, opposite to the first edge 108a, extending about a second opening 109b of the main body 110. With reference to Figs. 3-4, 6, the second edge 108b comprises an edge surface 113 arranged on the side of the second face 112 of the main body 110. With reference to Figs. 3-4, 6,19, the opposite side portions 206a, 206b of the second case part 200 each comprise a respective side portion surface 211a, 211b that, in the first angular position of the second case part 200, is arranged on the side of the second face 112 of the main body 110 and is arranged flush, or substantially flush, with the edge surface 113 of the second edge 108b of the main body 110 (Fig. 6) .

[0028] With reference to Figs. 3-4, 6, according to an embodiment the watch case 1 comprises a pair of opposite gaps 212a, 212b defined between the side wall 107 of saidmain body 110 and the connecting portions 207a, 207b of the opposite side portions 206a, 206b of the second case part 200 . According to an embodiment , the thickness of each gap 212a, 212b is between 0 . 3 mm and 3 mm . Advantageously, the gaps 212a, 212b allow facilitating the rotation of the second case part 200 with respect to the first case part 100 .

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment , the watch case 1 can comprise a seal (not depicted in the figures ) , preferably an annular seal , which is preferably removably fixed to the first case part 100 or the second case part 200 so that it is interposed between the first case part 100 and the second case part 200 when the second case part 200 takes the first angular position . The aforesaid seal is preferably housed in an appropriate seal seat provided in the second case part 200 .

[0030] With reference to Figs . 3-4 , according to an embodiment the bezel 210 comprises a protruding grip portion 213 which is arranged facing the second fixing seat 103 when the second case part 200 takes the first angular position . The protruding grip portion 213 is suitable for being pulled with a finger of a hand to bring the second case part 200 from the first angular position to the second angular position . Advantageously, the provision of the protruding grip portion 213 allowsthe second case part 200 to be easily rotated with respect to the first case part 100 when the second case part 200 takes the first angular position and more preferably the second case part 200 to be easily released when the second case part 200 is locked in the first angular position by means of the second fixing pin 400 .

[0031] With reference to Figs . 1 , 5 , 13 , according to an embodiment the first fixing pin 300 comprises two opposite end portions 301 , 302 , which are elastically retractable and at least partially received in corresponding first receiving seats 214a, 214b, or first receiving holes 214a, 214b, provided in the third pair of opposite protrusions 204a, 204b . According to an embodiment , the first receiving seats 214a, 214b are at least partially counter-shaped with respect to the opposite end portions 301 , 302 of the first fixing pin 300 . According to an embodiment , the opposite end portions 301 , 302 of the first fixing pin 300 are cylindrical in shape . According to an embodiment , the first fixing pin 300 thus substantially acts as a hinge for the rotation of the second case part 200 . According to an embodiment , the first fixing pin 300 comprises a main body, not including the opposite end portions 301 , 302 , having a length equal to the distance between the protruding portions 104a, 104b of the first pair ofopposite protrusions 104a, 104b, and which is configured to abut against such opposite protrusions 104a, 104b.

[0032] Again with reference to Figs. 1,5,13, according to an embodiment the first receiving seats 214a, 214b each comprise a respective first release through channel 214c, 214d. In a manner known per se, a release rod (not depicted in the figures) adapted to allow decoupling the first fixing pin 300 from the case 1 can be inserted through the first release through channels 214c, 214d by pressing on the opposite end portions 301,302 so as to disengage the opposite end portions 301,302 from the respective first receiving seats 214a, 214b.

[0033] With reference to Figs. 1,5,14-15, according to an embodiment the second fixing pin 400 comprises two rounded opposite end portions 401,402. In particular, the rounded opposite end portions 401,402 are rounded in the axial direction with respect to a longitudinal extension axis of the second fixing pin 400. According to an embodiment, the rounded opposite end portions 401,402 comprise hemispherical portions. The rounded opposite end portions 401,402 are elastically retractable portions that are at least partially received, when the second case part 200 takes the first angular position, in corresponding second receiving seats 215a, 215b, or second receiving holes 215a, 215b, provided in the fourth pair ofopposite protrusions 205a, 205b. Advantageously, the provision of the two rounded opposite end portions 401,402, which are elastically retractable, allows both snap-locking the second case part 200 in the first angular position and releasing the second case part 200 when the latter is locked in the first angular position. In fact, as shown in Fig. 15, for example, according to an embodiment only the rounded portions of the rounded opposite end portions 401,402 are inserted into the second receiving seats 215a, 215b when the second case part 200 is locked in the first angular position, while upon locking or releasing the second case part 200 the rounded opposite end portions 401,402 elastically retract, but not to the point of allowing the second fixing pin 400 to be disengaged or released from the second pair of opposite protrusions 105a, 105b of the first case part 100. According to an embodiment, the second fixing pin 400 comprises a main body, not including the rounded opposite end portions 401,402, having a length equal to the distance between the protruding portions 105a, 105b of the second pair of opposite protrusions 105a, 105b, and which is configured to abut against such opposite protrusions 105a, 105b.

[0034] Again with reference to Figs. 1,5,14-15, according to an embodiment the second receiving seats215a, 215b each comprise a respective second release through channel 215c, 215d . In a manner known per se , a release rod (not depicted in the figures and of a type known per se ) can be inserted through the second release through channels 215c, 215d, which release rod is adapted to allow decoupling the second fixing pin 400 from the case 1 by pressing on the opposite end portions 401 , 402 so as to disengage the opposite end portions 401 , 402 from the respective second receiving seats 215a, 215b and the second pair of opposite protrusions 105a, 105b of the first case part 100 .

[0035] With reference to Fig . 16 , a second embodiment o f the first fixing pin denoted by reference numeral 300a is partially shown in such a figure . The first fixing pin 300a has the same function as the first fixing pin 300 and substantially di f fers from the latter only in that it includes , at each of the respective two opposite end portions 301a ( only one of such opposite end portions 301a is depicted in Fig . 16 ) , one or more release ribs 305a, preferably annular release ribs . In the example , the first fixing pin 300a comprises , without limitation, two release ribs 305a at each end portion 301a . According to an embodiment , two release ribs 305a located at the opposite end portions 301a of the first fixing pin 300a are adapted and configured to abut against theprotrusions 104a, 104b of the first pair of opposite protrusions 104a, 104b . The release ribs 305a are adapted, in a manner known per se , to be engaged by means of a tool to allow the two opposite end portions 301a to retract and thus allow such end portions 301a to disengage from both the respective receiving seats 214a, 214b, provided in the third pair of opposite protrusions 204a, 204b, and the first pair of opposite protrusions 104a, 104b of the first case part 100 . The first fixing pin 300a is particularly advantageous when the first receiving seats 214a, 214b are made in the form of blind bottom seats , i . e . , first receiving seats 214a, 214b in which the first release through channels 214c, 214d are not provided . In other words , the first fixing pin 300a is particularly advantageous when the first receiving seats 214a, 214b are made similarly to the embodiment denoted by reference numeral 215e in Fig . 18 .

[0036] With reference to Figs . 17- 18 , a second embodiment of the second fixing pin denoted by reference numeral 400a is partially shown in such figures . The second fixing pin 400a has the same function as the second fixing pin 400 and substantially di f fers from the latter only in that it includes , at each of the respective two opposite end portions 401a ( only one such opposite end portion 401a is depicted in Figs . 17- 18 ) ,one or more release ribs 405a, preferably annular release ribs 405a . In the example , the second fixing pin 400a comprises , without limitation, two release ribs 405a at each end portion 401a . According to an embodiment , two release ribs 405a located at the opposite end portions 401a of the second fixing pin 400a are adapted and configured to abut against the protrusions 105a, 105b of the second pair of opposite protrusions 105a, 105b . The release ribs 405a are adapted, in a manner known per se , to be engaged by means of a tool to allow the two opposite end portions 401a to retract and thus allow such end portions to disengage from both the respective second receiving seats 215a, 215b, provided in the fourth pair of opposite protrusions 205a, 205b, and the second pair of opposite protrusions 105a , 105b of the first case part 100 . The second fixing pin 400a is particularly advantageous when the second receiving seats 215a, 215b are made in the form of blind bottom seats , i . e . , second receiving seats 215a, 215b in which the second release through channels 215c, 215d are not provided . In other words , the second fixing pin 400a is particularly advantageous when the second receiving seats , 215a, 215b are made according to the embodiment denoted by reference numeral 215e in Fig . 18 .

[0037] According to an embodiment , the first case part100 is configured to house , or houses , the aforesaid time-telling device , and the second case part 200 comprises the accessory 202 arranged in the case seat 201 provided in the second case part 200 , where , in particular, the accessory 202 comprises a magni fying lens or presbyopic lens 202 . Advantageously, this allows a user who is presbyopic and for example does not have reading glasses available , or a user who needs a magni fying lens , to easily have a presbyopic lens or magni fying lens available and be able to use it by simply rotating the second case part with respect to the first case part by the desired angle as needed . Advantageously, the magni fying lens or presbyopic lens 202 is also perfectly integrated into the watch case 1 so that when the second case part 200 takes the first angular position, the appearance of the watch case 1 is substantially identical , or however very similar, to that of a traditional watch case despite being provided with the aforesaid magni fying lens or presbyopic lens 202 , which is substantially almost " invisible" .

[0038] With reference to Fig . 8 , according to an embodiment the first case part 100 comprises a transparent cover 114 , preferably an anti-reflection cover, adapted to cover and protect the time-telling device or accessory 202 when the time-telling device oraccessory 202 is housed in the first case part 100 . According to an embodiment , the transparent cover 114 is basically a protective cover 114 or protective glass 114 . According to an embodiment , the transparent cover 114 is arranged in a housing seat 115 provided in the first case part 100 . The transparent cover 114 can be made of any transparent material adapted to protect the time-telling device or accessory 202 housed in the first case part 100 from dirt , dust , scratches , and other damage . The transparent cover 114 can generally be made of any material typically used to make the so-called " crystal" of a watch, such as without limitation acrylic, plastic, or glass , for example . Furthermore , the transparent cover 114 can generally be either of the flat or domed type .

[0039] Based on the above description, it is thus possible to understand how a watch case and a wristwatch according to the present description allow achieving the obj ects mentioned above with reference to the prior art .

[0040] Without prej udice to the principle of the invention, the embodiments and constructional details may vary widely with respect to the above description merely disclosed by way of non-limiting example , without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A watch case (1) for a wristwatch (10) , comprising:- a first case part (100) adapted and configured to house one of a time-telling device and an accessory (202) of said watch (10) ;- a second case part (200) comprising a case seat (201) adapted and configured to receive the other of said timetelling device and said accessory (202) ;- a first fixing pin (300) to fix a first end portion(501) of a strap (500) of said watch (10) to said case (1) , the first fixing pin (300) being arranged and configured to hinge the second case part (200) to the first case part (100) so that the second case part (200) can be rotated with respect to the first case part (100) about the first fixing pin between a first angular position, in which the second case part (200) is superimposed on the first case part (100) , and a second angular position, in which the second case part (200) is rotated with respect to the first angular position;- a second fixing pin (400) to fix a second end portion(502) of said strap (500) to said case (1) ; wherein the first case part (100) comprises a first and a second fixing seat (102,103) for said strap (500) which are located on two opposite sides of said firstcase part (100) and adapted and configured to receive said first and second end portions (501,502) of said strap (500) , respectively, to allow fixing said strap (500) to the watch case (1) ; wherein the first case part (100) comprises a first pair of opposite protrusions (104a, 104b) and a second pair of opposite protrusions (105a, 105b) extending from two opposite sides of the first case part (100) , said first and second fixing seats (102,103) for the strap (500) being defined between said first pair of opposite protrusions (104a, 104b) and said second pair of opposite protrusions (105a, 105b) , respectively; wherein the second case part (200) comprises a third pair of opposite protrusions (204a, 204b) and a fourth pair of opposite protrusions (205a, 205b) extending from two opposite sides of the second case part (200) ; wherein, in said first angular position of the second case part (200) :- the first pair of opposite protrusions (104a, 104b) is interposed between the protrusions of said third pair of opposite protrusions (204a, 204b) and the second pair of opposite protrusions (105a, 105b) is interposed between the protrusions of said fourth pair of opposite protrusions (205a, 205b) ;- the first fixing pin (300) extends through the firstfixing seat (102) crossing the first pair of opposite protrusions (104a, 104b) completely and the third pair of opposite protrusions (204a, 204b) at least partially;- the second fixing pin (400) extends through the second fixing seat (103) crossing the second pair of opposite protrusions (105a, 105b) at least partially.

2. A watch case (1) according to claim 1, wherein when the second case part (200) takes the first angular position : the protrusions of the third pair of opposite protrusions (204a, 204b) face and are in contact with the protrusions of the first pair of opposite protrusions (104a, 104b) ; and the protrusions of the fourth pair of opposite protrusions (205a, 205b) face and are in contact with the protrusions of the second pair of opposite protrusions(105a, 105b) .

3. A watch case (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second fixing pin (400) is also a locking pin arranged and configured to lock the second case part (200) in the first angular position in a removable manner, wherein, in the first angular position of the second case part (200) , the second fixing pin (400)crosses the second pair of opposite protrusions(105a, 105b) completely and the fourth pair of opposite protrusions (205a, 205b) at least partially.

4. A watch case (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first case part (100) comprises a main body (110) comprising:- a first face (111) of the main body (110) ;- a watch caseback (106) arranged on the side of a second face (112) of said main body (110) , opposite to said first face (111) ; and- a side wall (107) joined and extending transversely to said watch caseback (106) , said side wall (107) comprising a first edge (108a) adapted to support the second case part (200) and extending about a first opening (109a) of said main body (110) ; wherein the second case part (200) comprises a watch bezel (210) and a pair of opposite side portions (206a, 206b) extending transversely to the watch bezel (210) , wherein each of said opposite side portions (206a, 206b) of the second case part (200) comprises a protrusion of said third pair of opposite protrusions (204a, 204b) , a protrusion of said fourth pair of opposite protrusions (205a, 205b) , and a connecting portion (207a, 207b) which interconnects said protrusions,wherein, in the first angular position of the second case part (200) :- the watch bezel (210) rests on said first edge (108a) of the side wall (107) of the first case part (100) ; and- said opposite side portions (206a, 206b) of the second case part (200) laterally cover said side wall (107) of the first case part (100) , said first pair of opposite protrusions (104a, 104b) , and said second pair of opposite protrusions (105a, 105b) at least partially.

5. A watch case (1) according to claim 4, wherein said side wall (107) of the main body (110) of the first case part (100) comprises a second edge (108b) opposite to said first edge (108a) extending about a second opening (109b) of said main body (110) , wherein said second edge (108b) comprises an edge surface (113) arranged on the side of the second face (112) of said main body (110) , wherein said opposite side portions (206a, 206b) of the second case part (200) each comprise a respective side portion surface (211a, 211b) , which, in the first angular position of the second case part (200) , is arranged on the side of the second face (112) of the main body (110) and flush or substantially flush with said edge surface (113) of the second edge (108b) of said main body (110) .

6. A watch case (1) according to claim 4 or 5, comprising a pair of opposite gaps (212a, 212b) defined between the side wall (107) of said main body (110) and the connecting portions (207a, 207b) of said opposite side portions (206a, 206b) of the second case part (200) .

7. A watch case (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the watch bezel (210) comprises a protruding grip portion (213) , arranged facing said second fixing seat (103) when the second case part (200) takes the first angular position, said protruding grip portion (213) is adapted to be pulled with a finger of a hand to bring the second case part (200) from the first angular position to the second angular position.

8. A watch case (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second fixing pin (400) comprises two rounded opposite end portions (401,402) , said rounded opposite end portions (401,402) being rounded in the axial direction with respect to a longitudinal extension axis of the second fixing pin (400) , said rounded opposite end portions (401,402) being elastically retractable portions which are received at least partially in corresponding second receiving seats (215a, 215b) provided in said fourth pair of oppositeprotrusions (205a, 205b) when the second case part (200) takes the first angular position, wherein the first fixing pin (300) preferably comprises two opposite end portions (301,302) which are elastically retractable and which are received at least partially in corresponding first receiving seats (214a, 214b) provided in said third pair of opposite protrusions (204a, 204b) , said opposite end portions (301,302) of the first fixing pin (300) being preferably cylindrical in shape and said first receiving seats (214a, 214b) being at least partially counter-shaped with respect to the opposite end portions (301,302) of the first fixing pin (300) .

9. A watch case (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first case part is configured to house said timetelling device and the second case part (200) comprises said accessory (202) arranged in said case seat (201) provided in the second case part (200) , said accessory (202) comprising a magnifying lens or presbyopic lens (202) , wherein preferably the first case part (100) comprises a transparent cover (114) adapted to cover said time-telling device when it is housed in the first case part (100) , said transparent cover (114) being arranged in a housing seat (115) provided in the first case part (100) .

10. A watch case (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising only two pins, i.e., said first and second fixing pins (300,400) , for mutually hinging the first case part and the second case part (100,200) and fixing said strap (500) to said watch case (1) •11. A wristwatch (10) comprising a watch case (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and said strap (500) , wherein the first end portion (501) of the strap (500) is crossed by the first fixing pin (300) and the second end portion (502) of the strap (500) is crossed by the second fixing pin (400) .

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