Device for removably connecting a strap strand and a mechanical part
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DE LA MFG DHORLOGERIE AUDEMARS PIGUET & CIE
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-06
Smart Images
Figure EP2026052359_06082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] REMOVABLE CONNECTING DEVICE BETWEEN A BRACELET STRAND AND A MECHANICAL PART
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of mechanics and preferably to that of watchmaking or jewelry. More specifically, the present invention relates to a removable connecting device between a strap strand and a mechanical part, in particular a component of a wristwatch, comprising a bar;
[0004] the linking device comprising:
[0005] • a supporting element;
[0006] • a support organ;
[0007] • a closing element;
[0008] the support element comprising:
[0009] • a groove designed to receive the bar of the mechanical part;
[0010] • at least one guide element for the closing element;
[0011] the retaining device comprising:
[0012] • at least one elastically deformable element arranged to cooperate with the closing element;
[0013] the closing element comprising:
[0014] • at least one slide arranged to allow guided movement of this closing element in said support element;
[0015] • a constraint element arranged to cooperate with said deformable element of the retaining element.
[0016] The invention further relates to a bracelet for a mechanical part, in particular for a wristwatch or a piece of jewelry, comprising such a linking device.
[0017] PREVIOUS ART
[0018] Currently, when a user wants to change their watch strap, for example for aesthetic reasons, because the strap is worn, or for any other reason, they generally have to take their watch to a specialist who has the appropriate tools and expertise to change the strap. This is because the job often requires specific tools and skills that most watch users or wearers don't possess.
[0019] This presents constraints and costs. It also prevents having a watch with multiple straps and changing straps as desired.
[0020] Numerous methods have been proposed to allow for changing the strap of a wristwatch without tools. In most cases, the watch case has lugs between which a spring bar is positioned. The strap has a retaining element with a groove designed to receive the spring bar. The strap also often includes a clasp designed to hold the spring bar in place or release it.
[0021] Among the proposed designs for easy strap changes, some feature a mechanism with an actuation element accessible on the side or top. This presents two main drawbacks. First, the mechanism can be unintentionally activated while the wearer is wearing the watch, for example, if it catches on clothing. This can cause the watch and strap to separate, and the watch to fall. Second, the presence of the actuation mechanism can be unsightly and / or cumbersome for the wearer. Such mechanisms are described in publications US 1 287817, US 1 508612, and US 1 653058.
[0022] Many mechanisms allowing easy bracelet changes include a compression spring, arranged to constrain a moving element into a position, usually a so-called closed or locked position.
[0023] Such a spring also presents certain drawbacks. In particular, during the assembly of the mechanism, it is generally necessary to pre-tension the spring and then maintain this pre-tension while other parts of the mechanism are assembled. Given its relatively small size and the limited available space, maintaining a spring in a compressed position during the assembly of other parts makes this assembly complex. Furthermore, in these mechanisms, the spring constantly applies force to a mechanical part. This means that the spring is never at rest and can undergo fatigue. Its mechanical characteristics can therefore change and degrade over time. This can pose a safety problem because the spring can weaken over time and no longer provide sufficient resistance.
[0024] Furthermore, the spring(s) often need to be compressed to assemble or disassemble the bracelet from its intended component. This constraint also complicates handling the bracelet for these purposes.
[0025] Such mechanisms incorporating a compression spring are described in particular in publications US 1 287817, US 1 653 058, US 2986795, CH 704810, CH 719 407 and EP 4260751.
[0026] Among other documents describing mechanisms for changing a wristwatch strap without tools, we can also mention US publication 2876521. In this document, the compression spring has a flat shape, not a helical one as in most of the examples above. However, the functions of this spring are the same as those of a helical spring, and the mechanism disclosed therein suffers from the same drawbacks.
[0027] The mechanism described in this publication comprises a retaining member with lateral walls and a channel arranged to receive a bar. Each lateral wall has two notches. The mechanism also includes a closing plate with two elastic arms. This closing plate is movable between an open position, in which the channel of the retaining member is free, and a closed position, in which the closing plate covers this channel of the retaining member.
[0028] The elastic arms of the closure plate each have a finger which fits into one of the notches in the side walls of the retaining member when the closure plate is in the closed position and into the other notch in the side walls of the retaining member when the closure plate is in the open position.
[0029] This design presents several drawbacks. In particular, the same element serves both as a guide and as a retainer by means of an elastic element. The guiding element must be sufficiently rigid to be effective. Conversely, the elastic element must be flexible enough to deform and allow the closing plate to move. Since these two constraints are contradictory, a compromise between rigidity and flexibility is necessary, resulting in a mechanism that is neither optimal in terms of guidance nor elasticity. Furthermore, this limits the choice of usable materials. Indeed, it is not possible to use a ductile material such as gold, nor a very rigid material such as ceramic.
[0030] To prevent the closing plate from moving unintentionally, the elastic arms are forced towards the edges of the plate and continuously apply a force. As a result, as with compression springs, the arms can be subject to fatigue and the force can change over time.
[0031] Furthermore, given the size of the elastic arms and the available space, the force they can exert on the plate walls is very weak. The system therefore appears relatively fragile and inefficient. Due to the low force exerted by the elastic arms, there is a risk that the actuation mechanism could move unintentionally and that the closing plate could open unexpectedly.
[0032] Publication EP3844573 describes a device that does not use a spring, but rather magnets arranged to hold two parts together. In terms of holding power, the magnets do not offer very strong security if they only generate a moderate force, so as not to risk disrupting the operation of a mechanical watch. The adhesive force of a magnet decreases very rapidly with distance. Therefore, it is generally sufficient for the magnets to lose contact with each other or with the appropriate metal part for the adhesive force to become insufficient to effectively close the mechanism.
[0033] All the devices described from the prior art therefore have drawbacks. In particular, they involve springs that are subjected to continuous stress; they can be difficult to install and use, and are unsafe and / or unsightly. There is therefore a need for a system that is easy to install during the mounting of the device, that is stable over time, and that provides an effective and secure fastening. Furthermore, it would be advantageous if the device did not detract from the aesthetics of the timepiece or piece of jewelry on which it is mounted and if it did not cause discomfort to the wearer when wearing the piece on their wrist.
[0034] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The present invention aims to provide a device for changing the strap of an item such as a watch or piece of jewelry easily and without tools. This device is simple to use, safe, and can be concealed when the strap is worn. It is easy to install. The component parts are not subject to fatigue and are therefore stable over time.
[0036] The aims of the invention are at least partially achieved by a device as defined in the preamble and characterized in that:
[0037] • the closing element is movable within the support element between two stable positions, namely a retracted position and an extended position; and
[0038] • the deformable element of the retaining member is arranged to be deformed by the constraining member only when the closing element is located between said stable positions.
[0039] The proposed solution uses three interconnected elements: a support element, an element that closes a channel for a bar in a watch or jewelry component, and a mechanism that maintains the closed position. The functions of each of these elements are distinct, allowing each to be optimized to best fulfill its specific function.
[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, the mechanism for moving the clasp plate is located in an area in contact with the user's wrist. Provided that this mechanism does not protrude excessively from the surface of the bracelet, it is not bothersome to the user and is not visible when the watch is worn on the wrist. In the following description, the component intended to be connected to the bracelet is a watch component, typically the case or bezel of a wristwatch. This component is used as an example. The device of the invention could also be used to connect a bracelet end to another type of component, such as a piece of jewelry, or to connect the bracelet end to a folding clasp.
[0041] The closing element is guided within a specially designed guide. This guide is specifically engineered to optimize this function. Therefore, it can be designed without having to consider other functions that might introduce conflicting constraints.
[0042] The retaining device is designed to hold the closing element in either an open or deployed position, or a closed or retracted position. Unlike existing devices, holding the closing element in either the open or closed position does not impose continuous stress on the retaining device. This retaining device has two distinct stable positions in relation to the closing element, separated by an unstable position. In this context, a position is considered stable when the closing element is in a given position, remains stationary, and the retaining device does not apply any force to it. In such a stable position, the retaining device is not subjected to any force or stress from the closing element and therefore does not undergo any deformation.A position is said to be unstable when the closing element and the holding element interact by applying a force or stress to each other.
[0043] Moving the closing element from one stable position to the other requires applying a certain force to the closing element. According to one embodiment of the invention, this movement also involves a deformation of the retaining member. Since this deformation is elastic, the retaining member returns to its initial shape once the closing element has reached a stable position.
[0044] The retaining element is generally not subjected to continuous stress, so it does not experience fatigue and its physical characteristics do not degrade over time. The only time the retaining element undergoes stress or deformation is when the closing element moves from one of its stable positions, retracted or extended, to the other stable position. Therefore, there is no aging or change in operating characteristics. As a result, the mechanism is stable over time. Furthermore, the retaining element does not move with the closing element and is advantageously separate from it. Consequently, the retaining element can be made of a different material than the closing element.Thus, the closing element could be made of a non-ductile or precious material, while the retaining element, or at least part of it, could be made of another material specifically suited to its function, typically a highly elastic material. In an advantageous embodiment, the retaining element could be completely concealed by the closing element, thereby ensuring perfect aesthetics and functionality of the assembly. In particular, the retaining element cannot be made of a precious or inelastic material, while the closing element can be made of a precious or very hard material such as a ceramic.
[0045] According to this invention, the closing element can be optimized in terms of its size, shape, and the materials used to fulfill its function. Similarly, the retaining element can also be optimized, independently of the guidance system, to fulfill its function.
[0046] No component needs to be constrained or deformed to allow assembly of the parts. This results in a simpler and more streamlined assembly compared to prior art devices.
[0047] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] The present invention and its advantages will be better understood with reference to the accompanying figures and the detailed description of a particular embodiment, in which:
[0049] - Figure 1 is a general view of the linking device according to the present invention; - Figure 2 is a view of the device of Figure 1, mounted on a strand of a bracelet; - Figure 3 is a side view in section of the device of Figure 2; - Figure 4 is a top view, partially transparent, of the device of Figure 2;
[0050] - Figure 5 is a detailed view of a support element of the device according to Figure 1;
[0051] - Figure 6 is a perspective view of a closing element of the device according to Figure 1;
[0052] - Figure 7 is a bottom view of the closing element of Figure 7;
[0053] - Figure 8 is a front view of a retaining element of the device according to Figure 1;
[0054] - Figure 9 illustrates the device of the invention mounted on a strand of a bracelet, in a partially deployed position; and
[0055] - Figure 10 represents the device of Figure 9, in a retracted position.
[0056] METHOD OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION
[0057] With reference to the figures, the device 10 of the invention is described in connection with a wristwatch (not shown) having a watch case or case body comprising two pairs of lugs, a bar 11 being intended to be positioned between each of the corresponding pairs of lugs. The device is intended to allow the removable attachment of a strap 12 to one of the watch's bars. Since the device is identical for each strap strand, it is described only for a single strand. For the sake of simplicity, when a "strap" is referred to, the term encompasses both a strap comprising two strands and each individual strand of the strap.
[0058] The device 10 essentially comprises a support element 13, a closing element 14 and a retaining member 15.
[0059] The support element 13 is integral with the bracelet strand 12. This integral connection can be achieved by gluing, screwing, overmolding or any other suitable fastening.
[0060] This support element 13 includes, in particular, a groove 16 arranged to receive the watch's spring bar 11. This groove 16 is therefore dimensioned accordingly and extends along a transverse axis 17, namely an axis connecting two lugs of the same pair of watch lugs.
[0061] The support element 13 also includes a recess 18 arranged to receive the retaining member 15. This recess 18 is described in detail below.
[0062] The support element 13 further comprises at least one guide element 19. In the illustrated embodiment, this support element 13 comprises two guide elements 19 in the form of two slide grooves 20 arranged to receive and guide slides 21 of the closing element 14. The slide grooves 20 extend along an axis 22, referred to as the longitudinal axis, perpendicular to the transverse axis 17. These slide grooves 20 have a transverse profile arranged to allow movement of the closing element 14 exclusively along the longitudinal axis 22 while preventing movement of this closing element 14 along an axis 23, referred to as the Z-axis, perpendicular to the plane defined by the longitudinal axis 22 and the transverse axis 17. In an advantageous embodiment, this transverse profile may be a chamfer or a dovetail. A T-shaped profile could, for example, also be used.
[0063] The groove 16 of the support element 13 is defined by a lip 24. In an advantageous embodiment, this lip 24 has two lip grooves 25 arranged in line with the slide grooves 20. The lip grooves 25 may have a transverse profile identical to the transverse profile of the slide grooves 20, so that the slides 21 of the closing element 14 can move within the lip grooves 25 and be held there. This ensures that the closing element 14 remains securely in its deployed position.
[0064] It is also possible that the profile of the lip grooves 25 differs from that of the slide grooves 20, and that these grooves are not intended to prevent movement of the slide along the Z-axis. They may simply be dimensioned and positioned so that the slides of the closing element 14 can fit into them, or even be guided within them in the plane perpendicular to the Z-axis.
[0065] According to an advantageous embodiment, the lip grooves 25 include a stop 26 arranged to limit the movement of the closure element 14 along the longitudinal axis 22. This stop 26 can be formed within the support element 13 itself, or can be formed from an external element. In the illustrated embodiment, and as can be seen in particular in Figures 2 and 3, the stop 26 is formed by a portion of the strap 12. This stop 26 can be produced, in particular, by overmolding or cladding the lip 24.
[0066] In an advantageous embodiment, the support element 13 further includes a recess 27 arranged to receive a finger or a fastening means 28 for the retaining member 15 on this support element 13. This recess 27 may be a blind or through hole, for example, intended to receive a pin. It may also have threads on its walls, so as to be able to receive a screw. The recess may be cylindrical or conical or have any other shape suitable for receiving a fastening means for the retaining member 15.
[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining member 15 is formed by a flat element 29 dimensioned to fit into the recess 18 of the support element 13. This retaining member 15 essentially comprises two lateral arms 30 terminating in a front portion 31 located at a distal end of this member. In the described embodiment, the distal end is the end furthest from the rear of the fastening device, i.e., the end closest to the watch case when the strap 12 is fitted to it. The distal end is also the end closest to the groove 16 for the spring bar.
[0068] The retaining member 15 further comprises at least one elastically deformable element 32. In the illustrated embodiment, this deformable element 32 comprises two central arms 33, each defining, together with lateral arms 30, a lateral space 34. The central arms 33 are spaced apart such that they define a space between them, called the central space 35. Each of these central arms 33 comprises a distal inclined edge 36 and a proximal inclined edge 37. The distal 36 and proximal 37 edges of the same central arm 33 intersect. In other words, and according to an advantageous embodiment, the apexes of the two inclined edges of the same central arm 33 coincide, and the apexes of the two distinct central arms are arranged opposite each other so as to form a constriction 38.Such a constriction could, of course, be achieved by curved shapes, in particular by two facing convex edges instead of the pairs of protruding straight edges 36, 37. The retaining member 15 further includes a through opening 39 arranged to be positioned opposite the recess 27 of the support element 13 when the retaining member is placed on this support element. The through opening 39 and the recess 27 are arranged to receive a means 28 for attaching this retaining member to the support element. Preferably, the through opening 39 of the retaining member remains accessible to qualified personnel, at least when the closing element 14 is in the deployed or partially deployed position as illustrated in Figure 3. In this way, it becomes easy to remove the fastening means 28 in order to disassemble the closing element 14 from the retaining member 15.In one envisaged embodiment, the fixing means 28 could be a screw whose head allows to cover the surroundings of the through opening 39 so that the retaining member 15 can be completely concealed once the closing element 14 is arranged in the support element 13.
[0069] The central arms 33 have a certain elasticity so that they can deform and allow a passage at the constriction 38 when subjected to stress, while returning to their shape and position when the stress is removed.
[0070] The closure element 14 is illustrated in detail in Figures 6 and 7. It is arranged to be carried by the support element 13 of the device 10 and to cooperate with the retaining member 15. This closure element 14 is arranged to be manipulated by the user and to allow the actuation of the device of the invention and consequently the opening and closing of the groove 16 to allow the change of the strap 12.
[0071] For this purpose, the closing element 14 comprises a body 40 having a gripping surface 41, including for example transverse grooves allowing easy movement by a user.
[0072] The closing element 14 also includes, on its surface opposite the gripping surface 41, the two aforementioned longitudinal slides 21, dimensioned and positioned to be placed in the slide grooves 20 of the support element 13. In the embodiment in which the lips 24 also include lip grooves 25, the latter are positioned and dimensioned to be able to receive a part of the slides 21 when the closing element 14 is in a deployed position.
[0073] The closing element 14 also has, on its face opposite the gripping surface, called the lower face, two studs 42. These studs are arranged and dimensioned so that each can be placed in one of the lateral spaces 34 of the retaining member 15.
[0074] The closing element 14 further comprises a constraint member 43. This constraint member 43 is made, in the illustrated embodiment, in the form of a pin 44 dimensioned and positioned to be placed between the two central arms 33 of the retaining member 15. This constraint member 43 or this pin 44 has a width slightly greater than the width of the constriction 38 of the retaining member 15.
[0075] When the device of the invention is mounted on a bracelet, it is arranged as follows. The slides 21 of the closure element 14 are positioned in the slide grooves 20 of the support element 13. The retaining member 15 is placed in the recess 18 provided for this purpose in this support element 13. This retaining member 15 is fixed to the support element 13 by the fastening means 28 passing through the through opening 39 of the retaining member 15 and secured in the housing 27 of the support element 13. This fastening means 28 may be a pin, a screw, or any other suitable element. It should be noted that the fastening of the retaining member 15 to the support element 13 could also be achieved, for example, by bonding or by another equivalent technique.
[0076] The studs 42 are arranged in the lateral spaces 34 defined by the lateral arms 30 and the central arms 33 of the retaining member 15. The pin 44 of the closing member is positioned near the central arms 33 of the retaining member 15. This pin can be placed in a proximal area of the arms. In this case, the pin 44 is positioned in the space delimited by the central arms 33 and two inclined edges, namely the proximal inclined edges 37. The pin 44 can also be placed in a distal area of the arms. In this case, the pin will be on the other side of the central constriction 38, namely near the distal inclined edges 36. When the pin 44 is in the proximal position, the closing element 14 does not cover the groove 16 intended for the bar 11 and this closing element 14 is in the retracted position.When the pin is in the distal position, the locking element 14 covers the groove 16 for the bar 11 and this locking element 14 is in the deployed position and acts as a lock to prevent any withdrawal of the bar 11 from the groove 16.
[0077] In both cases, the pin does not apply stress to the inclined edges of the retaining member 15.
[0078] When the pin 44 is in its proximal position and the clasp 14 is consequently retracted, the strap 12 can be positioned so that the groove 16 of the support element 13 is placed around the watch's bar 11. The clasp 14 is actuated by the user by acting on its gripping surface 41. This clasp 14 is moved towards the lips 24. The pin 44 moves towards the constriction 38. This pin bears against the proximal inclined edges 37 and deforms the central arms 33, within the elastic limit of these arms. As the closing element 14 continues to move, the pin 44 reaches and then passes the top of the inclined edges or the constriction 38. When these tops are passed, the pin 44 is first in contact with the distal inclined edges 36 on which it applies a stress, then it releases the stress by continuing its travel.At this stage, the central arms 33 have returned to their resting position.
[0079] The studs 42 have moved from a proximal position to a distal position of the lateral space 34 defined by the lateral arms 30 and the central arms 33. The front parts 31 of the lateral arms 30 prevent the studs 42 from protruding from the front parts and therefore also prevent the closing element 14 from moving further forward.
[0080] In this position and in the embodiment in which the support element 13 has a lip 24 and lip grooves 25, the slides 21 of the closing element 14 are placed in the lip grooves 25. This ensures effective retention of the closing element 14 on the support element 13 and prevents torsional forces or deformations. As mentioned above, depending on the chosen embodiment, the lip grooves may be closed by a stop, which can, for example, be a part of the bracelet 12 or a stop made from a specific part. This stop helps to limit the travel of the closing element 14. This function is also ensured by the lugs 42 cooperating with the front portions 31 of the lateral arms 30 of the retaining member 15.It is possible to provide only one stroke limitation mechanism, namely either a stop on the lip grooves 25, or the studs 42 and the front part 31 of the lateral arms 30 of the retaining member 15.
[0081] If the solution with lip grooves 25 is chosen, it is possible to do without the studs 42 on the closing element 14. If the solution with studs is chosen, it is possible to do without the lip grooves on the support element 13.
[0082] A person skilled in the art will understand that there are many other variations that allow the travel of the closing element 14 to be limited.
[0083] For the assembly of the elements of the device of the invention, the closing element 14 and the retaining member 15 are positioned so that the studs 42 are placed in the lateral spaces 34 of this retaining member 15. The pin 44 can be placed indifferently near the distal or proximal inclined edges of the retaining member 15.
[0084] The entire closing element 14 and retaining member 15 is presented opposite the support element 13 in such a way that the slides of the closing element 14 are opposite the slide grooves of the support element 13.
[0085] This assembly is then moved until the retaining member 15 is correctly positioned in the recess 18 of the support element 13. If the through opening 39 of the retaining member 15 is inaccessible because it is covered by the closure element 14, this closure element 14 is moved until this through opening is accessible. The retaining member 15 is then fixed to the support element 13 as described previously, for example, by means of a pin, a screw, by adhesive, or otherwise. The device consisting of the support element 13, the closure element 14, and the retaining member 15 can then be attached to the bracelet 12 as described previously.
[0086] It is clear that the order of operations could be modified depending on the specific embodiment of the device of the invention, in particular depending on the presence or absence of a stop at the level of the grooves of the lips and the presence or absence of studs.
[0087] The invention has been described as enabling the attachment of a bracelet to a watch case. It is clear to those skilled in the art that the same device could be used to attach, for example, a bracelet to a clasp or buckle, such as a folding clasp. The same device could also be used to attach a bracelet end to a piece of jewelry, for example.
Claims
Demands 1. Removable linking device between a strap strand (12) and a mechanical part, in particular a component of a wristwatch, comprising a bar (11); the linking device comprising: • a support element (13); • a holding organ (15); • a closing element (14); the support element (13) comprising: • a groove (16) arranged to receive the bar (11) of the mechanical part; • at least one guiding element (19) of the closing element (14); the retaining member (15) comprising: • at least one elastically deformable element (32) arranged to cooperate with the closure element (14); the closing element (14) comprising: • at least one slide (21) arranged to allow guided movement of this closing element (14) in said support element (13); • a constraint member (43) arranged to cooperate with said deformable element (32) of the retaining member (15); the mechanical linking device being characterized in that: • the closing element (14) is movable in the support element (13) between two stable positions, namely a retracted position and a deployed position; and • the deformable element (32) of the retaining member (15) is arranged to be deformed by the constraining member (43) only when the closing element (14) is located between said stable positions.
2. A connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformable element (32) of the retaining member (15) comprises two central arms (33) defining a central space (35) between them, this central space (35) being provided with a constriction (38), in that the width of this constriction (38) is less than the width of the constraint member (43) of the closing element (14), and in that the retaining member (15) comprises at least one area in which the width between the two central arms (33) is greater than the width of said constraint member (43).
3. A connecting device according to claim 2, characterized in that the central arms (33) each comprise a distal inclined edge (36) intersecting a proximal inclined edge (37).
4. A linking device according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the closing element (14) comprises at least one stud (42), in that the retaining member (15) comprises at least one lateral arm (30) provided with a front part (31) disposed at its distal end, in that the stud (42) is arranged to be placed in a lateral space (34) limited by said lateral arm (30), by the front part (31) of the lateral arm and by said corresponding central arm (33), and in that this front part (31) is arranged to limit the stroke of said stud (42).
5. A linking device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element (13) has a lip (24) disposed along the groove (16), this lip (24) having at least one lip groove (25) arranged to receive the slide (21) of the closing element (14).
6. Linking device according to claim 5, characterized in the support element (13) having a stop (26) arranged to limit the stroke of the closing element (14), this stop being made by overmolding or dressing the lip (24).
7. A linking device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (19) has at least one slide groove (20) arranged to receive and guide the slide (21) of the closing element (14).
8. Connecting device according to claim 7, characterized in that the slide groove (20) has a profile allowing the movement of said slide (21) in a single direction, this profile being preferably chosen from a dovetail or a T-profile.
9. Connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining member (15) is a monolithic element.
10. A connecting device according to claims 5 and 7, characterized in that the lip grooves (25) have a profile identical to the profile of the slide grooves (20).
11. A connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining member (15) has a through opening (39) arranged to be positioned opposite a housing (27) provided in the support element (13) in order to receive a removable fixing means (28) for this retaining member (15) to the support element (13).
12. Connection device according to claim 11, characterized in that said housing (27) is provided through the support element (13).
13. Connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformable element (32) of the retaining member (15) is totally concealed by the closing element (14) once assembled to the support element (13).
14. A connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure element (14) has a gripping surface (41) arranged to allow movement of this closure element by a user, this gripping surface (41) being positioned relative to the bracelet (12), on the face opposite to the visible face of this bracelet (12) when the piece is worn on the user's wrist.
15. Bracelet for a mechanical part, in particular a wristwatch or a piece of jewelry, characterized in that it comprises at least one connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims.