Mechanical Watch Tracking Component for Tamper-Resistant Traceability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Luxury watches are vulnerable to theft and counterfeiting due to the lack of effective tracking solutions, with existing position tracking devices being easily removable or deactivated, compromising their traceability and security.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a position tracking component within the mechanical movement or watch case of luxury watches, utilizing a system-on-a-chip (SoC) for precise positioning, powered by the watch's energy, and incorporating a digital fingerprint for authentication, which can be read via a frequency key, ensuring the component is tamper-proof and aesthetically unobtrusive.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a position tracking device is attached to or inside a watch strap, then position tracking is enabled, but the device can be easily removed or rendered ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetraceabilityVSAvoidremovability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking component is merged with the watch case or movement, making it an integral part of the watch structure. This integration ensures the tracking device cannot be easily removed or deactivated, as it becomes part of the permanent watch assembly rather than an attachable accessory.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking component is nested within the watch case or movement structure, placing it inside the protected enclosure of the watch. This nesting approach allows the tracking device to be housed within existing watch components, making removal difficult without damaging the watch itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a position tracking component is integrated within the watch case, then traceability and security are improved, but the complexity of the watch increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetraceabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking component is designed to perform multiple functions: position tracking, authentication via digital fingerprint, and energy harvesting from the watch movement. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated component, the overall complexity is reduced compared to having separate systems for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking component is designed to be self-powered through energy harvesting from the watch's mechanical movement. This eliminates the need for separate battery compartments or power management systems, reducing the overall complexity of the integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If external tracking devices are used, then position tracking is achieved, but the aesthetic design of the watch is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic design
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking component is nested within the existing watch case or movement structure, utilizing the watch's own housing and components to conceal the tracking device. This approach maintains the watch's external appearance and aesthetic design while incorporating the tracking functionality internally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking component is merged with existing watch elements such as the movement or case back, eliminating the need for separate external tracking devices that would compromise the watch's aesthetic design. The tracking function becomes an invisible integral part of the watch structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4660717A1Timepiece and component for a timepiece
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 FORBENCAP GMBH
  • EP4660717A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4660717A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4660717A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A watch (100), in particular a wristwatch or a pocket watch, comprising a watch body (102), a mechanical movement (104) arranged in the watch body (102), and a component (106) for tracking the position of the watch (100), wherein the component (106) is integrated and/or arranged in the watch body (102) as part of the mechanical movement (104) or the watch body (102).