Replaceable Watch Movement Mounting for Quick Case Swaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing watches have fixed shapes and styles, making it costly for consumers to purchase multiple watches to match their dressing style and requiring complex disassembly for repairs.

Innovation Solution

A watch case with a replaceable movement mechanism using a snap spring structure for quick detachment and attachment, allowing different movements to be fitted to the case for varying styles and colors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If a fixed structure is used to mount the movement in the case, then the watch has stable and reliable performance, but the watch cannot be easily disassembled or replaced for maintenance or customization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of disassembly and replacementVSAvoidstability of movement mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The watch is divided into separable modules: the case and the movement are independent components that can be easily disassembled. The movement mounting structure allows the movement to be removed and replaced without affecting the case, enabling maintenance, customization, or style changes while maintaining reliable operation during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movement mounting structure transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The elastic structure provides elastic deformation to accommodate the movement during assembly and disassembly, while the buckle structure allows controlled separation. This dynamic design enables easy maintenance while ensuring stable operation during wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If consumers buy multiple watches of different shapes, styles and colors to match different occasions, then they have sufficient variety and style options, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of watch stylesVSAvoidnumber of watches needed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The case is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different movements with various shapes, styles, and colors. The standardized movement mounting structure allows a single case to work with multiple movements, enabling consumers to achieve diverse watch styles without purchasing multiple separate watches, thus reducing overall cost while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The watch system is segmented into a reusable case and interchangeable movements. Consumers can purchase one case and multiple movements with different styles and functions, combining them to create various watch looks. This modular approach provides adaptability and variety while reducing the total number of watches needed and the associated cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of repair

If a complex mounting structure is used to secure the movement firmly in the case, then the movement is stable and secure, but the disassembly and replacement process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of disassemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure uses elastic deformation to provide a simple yet effective connection. The elastic structure deforms during assembly to secure the movement and can be easily reversed during disassembly by applying slight force. This dynamic elastic connection avoids complex mechanical fasteners while maintaining secure mounting and enabling easy maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic structure provides self-aligning and self-securing functionality during assembly, automatically positioning the movement correctly. During disassembly, the same elastic structure allows easy release without requiring tools or complex procedures. This self-service mechanism simplifies the mounting structure while maintaining firm fixation during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed mounting methods are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but customization and personalization options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The watch is designed as modular components: a standardized case and interchangeable movements. The movement mounting structure is designed to accommodate various movement types and styles. This segmentation enables customization by allowing consumers to mix and match different movements with the same case, providing personalization options while keeping manufacturing relatively simple through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The case incorporates a universal movement mounting structure that can accommodate multiple types of movements with different shapes, sizes, and functions. This universal design allows a single case to serve multiple purposes and styles, enabling customization without requiring complex manufacturing processes for each variation. The standardized mounting interface simplifies production while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables quick replacement of watch cases and movements, reducing the need for multiple purchases and improving maintenance efficiency by allowing easy disassembly and reassembly.

Implementation Method 1

the interference fit structure realizing fixation between the movement and the case through an elastic structure that is deformable under pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4372483B1Watch case with replaceable movement
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 SHENZHEN CIGA DESIGN CO LTD
  • EP4372483B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4372483B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4372483B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the field of watch cases, in particular to a watch case with a replaceable movement. The watch case includes a ring case and a watchband assembly. Different movements are mounted to the ring case through a movement connecting structure. The watchband assembly is connected to the case and used for securing a watch on the wrist. The ring case and the movement are in replaceable fit. According to the present disclosure, the movement and the case of the watch can be quickly disassembled for replacement, and one movement can be correspondingly fitted with cases of different shapes and colors, thus making the watch have different visual effects. A user can choose suitable cases and movements for matching and combination on different occasions according to different needs, thus avoiding the purchase of many different watches and reducing the financial pressure of purchasers.