GB2125993A

GB2125993A - A wristwatch having a removable watchcase

Info

Publication number: GB2125993A
Application number: GB08300310A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Claudio Giovagnoni; Adriano Innamorati; Claudio Moriconi; Massimo Siepi
Original assignee: ELLESSE INTERNATIONAL SpA
Current assignee: ELLESSE INTERNATIONAL SpA
Priority date: 1982-08-26
Filing date: 1983-01-06
Publication date: 1984-03-14
Also published as: FR2532163A1; JPS5932982U; GB8300310D0; DE8300471U1; IT8222736V0

Abstract

A wristwatch comprises a watchcase (2) and a bracelet (1) or strap that can be separated for replacing one of the items by fastening means such as a bajonet joint (6, 7, 10). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A wristwatch having a removable watchcase The present invention relates to a wristwatch of the type comprising a bracelet (or in case a strap) that is separable from the watchcase that contains the movement, the dial, etc.

Wristwatches are equipped with several kinds of means for fastening to the user's wrist, e.g.

watch straps, metal links bracelets, rigid bracelets, etc. A common feature of the known wristwatches is that the connection between the watchcase i.e. the real watch, and the strap or bracelet is generally permanent or half permanent. Otherwise stated it is possible to change or replace the strap or bracelet, e.g. when this latter is damaged or worn out, but anyhow the operation is quite laborious even for the simplest watches. As a rule therefore, and above all for wristwatches mounted on bracelets, the assembly formed by the bracelet and the watchcase cannot be modified in an easy way.

Sometimes it is desired to be able to quickly separate the watchcase from the fastening means provided for wearing the same, without undermining the solidity of the connection.

It is to be considered that a wristwatch not always has characteristics and features comparable with those of a stop watch and consequently on the occasion of sport activity or races it becomes necessary to carry about an additional stop watch. Usually this latter is not provided for wrist fastening and, on the other hand, a stop watch is not generally employed as a wristwatch for several reasons such as the size, the cost and the characteristics that are substantially redundant for the normal use.

Frequently the bracelet of a wristwatch is of a precious material and made to measure of the user. in this evenience the troubles for applying the bracelet to another watch compel the owner to use the bracelet always with the same watchcase.

At the opposite it may be wished to modify or change the bracelet according to the activity, the clothes, the time of day, always wearing the same high quality watch.

In the above and other circumstances it is particularly useful the object of the present invention that provides for such a construction that the watchcase is separable from the bracelet (or in case from the strap) in order to allow a quick replacement of the bracelet (or of the watchcase) and occasionally a particular combination of bracelet and watchcase.

According to another characteristic of the invention the bracelet provides for a suitable seat to house and fasten the watchcase. The fastening means is preferably formed by a bajonet joint ensuring the highest safety as well as a very easy use.

According to another characteristic of the invention the seat is mounted on the bracelet in an out of center position in order to make easier the mounting and dismounting as well as the use of the watch, particularly for timing purposes.

A wristwatch, or better a watchcase realized according to the invention, can be combined with a series of bracelets having different shapes, colors and structures. Finally, if a reparation is needed, only the case containing the movement can be left at the watchmaker without the bracelet, particularly when this latter is of a precious material.

These and further advantages and characteristics of the invention will become evident from the following description of the embodiment shown in the attached drawings in which: Figure 1 is a top view of a bracelet equipped with a housing seat fof the watchcase; Figure 2 shows a watchcase that is going to be positioned into the bracelet of Fig. 1; and Figure 3 shows the watchcase mounted on the bracelet to form the complete wristwatch.

With reference to the figures a bracelet 1 is made up by links 4 joined together in a known manner and by a body or seat 5 formed as a low cup into which a watchcase 2 is housed, such watchcase being substantially circular and provided with a lower cylindrical portion 9 that is to be fitted into cup 5. To this purpose portion 9 is equipped with two projecting sectors or tabs 10 adapted to engage a peripheric groove 6 of seat 5. Seat 5 exhibits two upper cuts 7 allowing for the introduction of portion 9 into seat 5. After that watchcase 2 has been introduced, it is turned by about 900 so as to permanently engage the seat of the bracelet. Such an engagement, also called bajonet joint, is very reliable against pushes, pulls, stresses of different kinds, etc. still allowing a very simple and quick detachment of the parts, if desired.

Tabs 10 have been shown as circular sectors extending for about 900, but it is evident that they can extend for less than 900, be more than two, have shape and profile different from those illustrated, provided that compatible with the cuts 7 and grooves 6 formed in the bracelet seat.

The bracelet shown in the figures is particular in that the center of seat 5 is not on the bracelet axis. This way the extraction and introductions of the watchcase is simpler, as well as the use when the watch is a stopwatch having side pushbuttons. The watch is of a combined type, comprising a dial with hands and a digital display, but this is not to be considered a limitation for the watchcase to be mounted on the bracelet. The same holds true for the kind of bracelet, the links of which are only schematically shown, that can also be either a rigid bracelet or a strap carrying cup 5.

The scope of the invention extends to all the equivalent embodiment achieving the same goal to build a watchcase separable from the bracelet in a very easy way and without any tool.

Claims

1. A wristwatch characterized in that it comprises a watchcase removable and a bracelet

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION A wristwatch having a removable watchcase The present invention relates to a wristwatch of the type comprising a bracelet (or in case a strap) that is separable from the watchcase that contains the movement, the dial, etc. Wristwatches are equipped with several kinds of means for fastening to the user's wrist, e.g. watch straps, metal links bracelets, rigid bracelets, etc. A common feature of the known wristwatches is that the connection between the watchcase i.e. the real watch, and the strap or bracelet is generally permanent or half permanent. Otherwise stated it is possible to change or replace the strap or bracelet, e.g. when this latter is damaged or worn out, but anyhow the operation is quite laborious even for the simplest watches. As a rule therefore, and above all for wristwatches mounted on bracelets, the assembly formed by the bracelet and the watchcase cannot be modified in an easy way. Sometimes it is desired to be able to quickly separate the watchcase from the fastening means provided for wearing the same, without undermining the solidity of the connection. It is to be considered that a wristwatch not always has characteristics and features comparable with those of a stop watch and consequently on the occasion of sport activity or races it becomes necessary to carry about an additional stop watch. Usually this latter is not provided for wrist fastening and, on the other hand, a stop watch is not generally employed as a wristwatch for several reasons such as the size, the cost and the characteristics that are substantially redundant for the normal use. Frequently the bracelet of a wristwatch is of a precious material and made to measure of the user. in this evenience the troubles for applying the bracelet to another watch compel the owner to use the bracelet always with the same watchcase. At the opposite it may be wished to modify or change the bracelet according to the activity, the clothes, the time of day, always wearing the same high quality watch. In the above and other circumstances it is particularly useful the object of the present invention that provides for such a construction that the watchcase is separable from the bracelet (or in case from the strap) in order to allow a quick replacement of the bracelet (or of the watchcase) and occasionally a particular combination of bracelet and watchcase. According to another characteristic of the invention the bracelet provides for a suitable seat to house and fasten the watchcase. The fastening means is preferably formed by a bajonet joint ensuring the highest safety as well as a very easy use. According to another characteristic of the invention the seat is mounted on the bracelet in an out of center position in order to make easier the mounting and dismounting as well as the use of the watch, particularly for timing purposes. A wristwatch, or better a watchcase realized according to the invention, can be combined with a series of bracelets having different shapes, colors and structures. Finally, if a reparation is needed, only the case containing the movement can be left at the watchmaker without the bracelet, particularly when this latter is of a precious material. These and further advantages and characteristics of the invention will become evident from the following description of the embodiment shown in the attached drawings in which: Figure 1 is a top view of a bracelet equipped with a housing seat fof the watchcase; Figure 2 shows a watchcase that is going to be positioned into the bracelet of Fig. 1; and Figure 3 shows the watchcase mounted on the bracelet to form the complete wristwatch. With reference to the figures a bracelet 1 is made up by links 4 joined together in a known manner and by a body or seat 5 formed as a low cup into which a watchcase 2 is housed, such watchcase being substantially circular and provided with a lower cylindrical portion 9 that is to be fitted into cup 5. To this purpose portion 9 is equipped with two projecting sectors or tabs 10 adapted to engage a peripheric groove 6 of seat 5. Seat 5 exhibits two upper cuts 7 allowing for the introduction of portion 9 into seat 5. After that watchcase 2 has been introduced, it is turned by about 900 so as to permanently engage the seat of the bracelet. Such an engagement, also called bajonet joint, is very reliable against pushes, pulls, stresses of different kinds, etc. still allowing a very simple and quick detachment of the parts, if desired. Tabs 10 have been shown as circular sectors extending for about 900, but it is evident that they can extend for less than 900, be more than two, have shape and profile different from those illustrated, provided that compatible with the cuts 7 and grooves 6 formed in the bracelet seat. The bracelet shown in the figures is particular in that the center of seat 5 is not on the bracelet axis. This way the extraction and introductions of the watchcase is simpler, as well as the use when the watch is a stopwatch having side pushbuttons. The watch is of a combined type, comprising a dial with hands and a digital display, but this is not to be considered a limitation for the watchcase to be mounted on the bracelet. The same holds true for the kind of bracelet, the links of which are only schematically shown, that can also be either a rigid bracelet or a strap carrying cup 5. The scope of the invention extends to all the equivalent embodiment achieving the same goal to build a watchcase separable from the bracelet in a very easy way and without any tool. Claims

1. A wristwatch characterized in that it comprises a watchcase removable and a bracelet having a seat adapted to receive and fasten the watchcase in position.

2. A wristwatch as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said seat is formed by a low substantially circular cup fastened to a metal bracelet.

3. A wristwatch as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the seat and the watchcase are provided with cooperating means for their fastening together.

4. A wristwatch as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said means includes a bajonet joint formed by at least two peripheric sectors projecting from the watchcase and a groove extending at least on part of the inner wall of the cup, the upper edge of the cup being interrupted along at least two portions for the introduction of the watch case.

5. A wristwatch as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the center of the seat is not on the axis of the bracelet.

6. A wristwatch, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.