GB660365A - Improvements in waterproof watchcases - Google Patents

Abstract

660,365. Watches. WACHTER, T. M. July 28, 1948 [Aug. 1, 1947], No. 20165/48. Class 139 A watchcase of plastic material comprises a transparent crystal, a back, and sides united to form a unitary casing adapted for the edgewise insertion of a watch movement through its open end, and a plastic closure for said open end in which said closure is adapted to fit tightly inside said casing and has an integral neck of plastic material projecting therefrom and having a hole to receive the watch winding stem. In the first embodiment, Figs. 1, 3 and 5, the watchcase is rectangular and is formed in two parts, one of which comprises a crystal 20, Fig. 5, a back 22 and three sides of the case band 24, 26 and the other is the fourth side 28 of the case band and is fixed in position, after insertion of the movement, by plastic cement 30. The first part may be moulded integrally as a unit or have the separate back and side parts fixed together. The dial 40 rests on the top of inwardly extending parts 34, 42 and 46, Fig. 7, integral with the respective sides of the case band. The side 28 has a neck 50 for the reception of the winding stem 62 to the outer end of which the crown 64 is screwed. A plastic sleeve 70 surrounds the neck 74 of the crown 64 and fits tightly into the neck 50 to form a watertight joint. A bezel 80, Fig. 3, overlies the crystal 20 and is provided with strap attachment lugs 84. If desired the lugs may be moulded integrally with the casing. In another embodiment, Figs. 12, 13, the first part of the case is moulded as a unit and comprises a crystal 102, a back 104 and the three sided case band 108. The fourth side 110 of the case band is held in position by metal clamping plates 112, 114, which are assembled by screws 122 passing through holes in the plate 112 and engaging the upper end of tubes 116 fixed to the plate 114 and passing through holes 118 in the case band. A resilient packing 126 lies between the plate 112 and the side 110. In a further embodiment, Fig. 14, hollow wrist embracing arms 160, 162 of a light plastic are fixed to the watchcase and the complete assembly is buoyant. The arm 162 is hinged to the case by a flat spring 166.