Variable Dial Watch With Removable Bezel Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing watches lack the ability to dynamically change the appearance of the dial by modifying its color, material, and relief.

Innovation Solution

A watch with a variable dial mechanism featuring removable bezels that can be swapped out for different colors and textures, controlled by a pivoting system activated via the watch crown, allowing the dial's appearance to be altered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the dial appearance is made fixed and simple, then the manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but the adaptability and versatility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedial stabilityVSAvoiddial appearance customization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The dial is segmented into multiple independent zones (first zone with first bezel, second zone with second bezel, etc.), where each bezel can be independently removed and replaced. This allows the dial to maintain structural stability while enabling versatile appearance customization through selective bezel replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dial transitions from a static, fixed appearance to a dynamic, changeable appearance through the removable and replaceable bezel mechanism. The dial can adapt its appearance based on user needs while maintaining a stable base structure, resolving the contradiction between reliability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple bezels with different colors and textures are provided, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedial appearance variationVSAvoidmechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dial is divided into multiple independent zones, each with its own bezel that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows for appearance variation without requiring a completely different dial structure, thus controlling complexity while enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different bezels with distinct colors, textures, and designs are applied to specific zones of the dial. This local differentiation enables appearance customization without complicating the overall dial structure, as each zone independently carries its aesthetic function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the bezels are made removable and replaceable, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedial customization capabilityVSAvoiddial assembly stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bezels are pre-configured with specific removal and installation mechanisms that guide the user through the replacement process. This preliminary design of the replacement mechanism ensures that while customization is possible, the operation remains straightforward and does not compromise dial assembly stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bezels are designed as replaceable components that can be easily swapped out, similar to disposable elements. This approach enables frequent customization without requiring complex permanent installation mechanisms, balancing ease of replacement with operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3938846B1Watch having a variable dial
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 COLLI & CO
  • EP3938846B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3938846B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3938846B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a watch having a variable dial, and more specifically a watch that provides the wearer with the possibility of partially changing the appearance of the dial. According to the invention, the watch has a dial (1) that has at least one opening (6, 7) occupied by a removable bezel (3, 5) and the watch further has a plurality of carrying arms (9, 10) disposed radially on a carousel (8), each arm end situated on the circumference carrying a bezel (3, 5) and the carousel (8) being able to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the dial (1) and passing through the centre thereof.