Chronometric Control Process for Timepiece Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chronometric control and certification processes for watches and watch movements do not adequately account for the conditions of wearing a wristwatch, leading to inaccuracies in measuring precision.
Innovation Solution
A chronometric control process that includes positioning phases of the watch in conventional positions, as well as an intermediate 'tilt' position, to better simulate the conditions of real wear, combined with optimized storage times to represent typical carrying positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If chronometric testing uses only conventional static positions (5-6 predefined positions), then the test procedure is simple and standardized, but the measurement precision does not adequately reflect real-wear conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic positioning that allows the timepiece to assume intermediate positions between conventional static positions during testing. The support device enables continuous or stepped variation of positioning angles, transforming the static testing approach into a dynamic one that better simulates real-wear conditions where the watch constantly changes position on the wearer's wrist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds intermediate positions in the positioning space between the conventional 5-6 discrete positions. By introducing angular interpolation and intermediate orientation states, the test coverage expands from a limited set of discrete positions to a continuous spectrum of positions, effectively adding dimensional complexity to the test space exploration.
2Reliability
If chronometric testing observes the timepiece in multiple predefined positions for 15 days, then comprehensive chronometric data is collected, but the test does not simulate actual wearing conditions accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures the support device with multiple positioning elements and intermediate position capabilities before the chronometric test begins. The device is prepared to automatically assume various positions and intermediate states during the 15-day observation period, eliminating the need for manual repositioning and ensuring continuous simulation of realistic wearing conditions throughout the test duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device acts as an intermediary between the conventional static positioning system and the actual wearing conditions. It translates the requirements of real-wear simulation into controlled positional variations, providing a bridge that allows laboratory testing to reflect field conditions more accurately without requiring actual human wearers.
3Ease of manufacture
If only five or six conventional watch positions are used for testing, then the testing process is straightforward and standardized, but the representativeness of the test results is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning space into conventional positions and intermediate positions. The support device is divided into multiple positioning elements that can be independently adjusted to create both the standard positions and the intermediate positions, allowing systematic exploration of the full positional spectrum while maintaining organizational structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the positioning parameters (angles, orientations, intermediate states) beyond the fixed conventional positions. By continuously or stepwise changing the positional parameters during the 15-day test, the system captures a more comprehensive range of chronometric behaviors, improving the accuracy of precision assessment.
Data Source
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AI summary
Timekeeping control or timekeeping certification method for a timepiece (1), comprising at least two condition readings of the timepiece before and after at least one first static storage cycle in one or more predefined positions of the timepiece, said first static storage cycle comprising at least one first inclined position (γ) of the timepiece.