The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd

Nivarox-Far S.a.

Cedric Faure

Loïc Curchod

Simon Springer

Christian Manasterski

Michel Willemin

Christian Charbon

Philippe Dubois

Vladislav Spassov

Gerard Rossier

Rudy Charlery

The present invention concerns a method for obtaining a finished or semi-finished zirconia-based article, the surface of the article having a metallic external appearance and non-zero surface electrical conductivity, wherein the method includes the steps of:

Method for obtaining a zirconia-based article having a metallic appearance

A method is described for protecting a silver surface against tarnishing. This involves depositing a layer of a silver-copper alloy on a substrate, which may be a silver substrate. The alloy comprises between 0.1 wt % and 10 wt % of copper relative to the total weight of the alloy. At least one layer of a metal oxide or a nitride having a thickness in a range of 1 nm to 200 nm is deposited on the alloy to protect against tarnishing. The presence of copper in the silver-copper alloy enhances the alloy's adhesion without altering the silver color.

Method for enhancing the adhesion of a layer for the protection of silver against tarnishing on a substrate comprising a silver surface

The invention relates to a method for decorating a timepiece component comprising: According to the invention, at least step b) and step c) are achieved by a physical vapour deposition method.

Method for decorating a timepiece component

The present invention concerns a method for obtaining a finished or semi-finished zirconia-based article (), the article having a metallic external appearance and non-zero surface electrical conductivity, characterized in that the method includes the steps consisting in:

Method for obtaining a carbonitrided zirconia-based article

The present invention relates to a covering element for a portable object made of a first material, the first material being a ceramic material having a first color, characterized in that the surface of said covering element is at least partially treated so as to exhibit at least one conversion having a different color from the first color.

Zirconia covering element with selective coloring

A race start assistance method for a boat participating in a regatta including a pre-race having a duration before the crossing of the start line, the method including a first step intended to permit the creation and storage of the start line in virtual form, and the determination of the instantaneous speed of the boat and its position with respect to the start line, in order to provide at least one indication on how to proceed in the pre-race.

Portable object for regattas

A timepiece mechanism including a pair of components with a first component including a material taken from a first group including solid monocrystalline, natural diamond, micro- or nano-crystalline CVD diamond, solid monocrystalline diamond, and amorphous carbon 'DLC', and having a first friction surface arranged to cooperate with a second friction surface included in a second opposing component and the second component includes, at least in its second friction surface, a material with a high concentration of boron, greater than 10 atomic percent, and, in a particular embodiment, this second opposing component includes at least one ceramic containing boron. Method for manufacturing such a mechanism. Method for transforming such a mechanism.

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Cortaillod, Switzerland

Cedric Faure