Montres Rado S.a.

Eta Sa Fabriques D'ebauches

Montres Universal S.a.

Leonhard Meister

Pierre-Alain Walder

A wristwatch case includes a caseband (12) which receives a movement (2) surmounted by a dial (3). A crystal (5) and a back cover (6) are secured to the caseband as well as first (7) and second (8) bracelet strands. The back cover entirely covers over the underside of the caseband and includes first (9) and second (10) integrally formed wings. Such wings cover over entirely the outer sides (11) exhibited by the caseband and which are found situated between the bracelet strands. The back cover is preferably made of ceramic material.

Wristwatch case including a back cover rising along the caseband

The watch case of this invention includes a caseband-back of plastic material, a metallic bezel and a packing to assure impermeability between the caseband-back and the bezel. A first annular seat extending radially into the bezel receives an annular protuberance integrally formed with the caseband in a manner such that the caseband-back and bezel become inseparable. At the same time a packing is compressed into a second seat to render impermeable the discontinuity between the caseband-back and the bezel. Assembly of the caseband-back to the bezel is effected by ultrasonic vibrations.

Method for assembling a watch case

The bracelet of this invention includes an inner chain (1) formed from links (2,3) articulated in succession to one another by means of connecting pins (10). The chain is at least partially surrounded by decorative elements (11) formed for example of ceramic. The connecting pins exhibit projections (19, 20) from both lateral sides (13,14) of the inner chain and serve as retaining means for the decorative elements on the inner chain. In one embodiment of the invention the pin projections penetrate into slideways (17, 18) formed in the lateral portions (15,16) of the decorative element. Such bracelet is intended for horological applications.

Bracelet with links

The bezel of the watchcase is made up of an annular zone supporting the glass and of four pillars extending radially outward at 45.degree. angles relative to the 3 o'clock-9 o'clock and 6 o'clock-12 o'clock axes. At the same positions the caseband has four indentations into which the pillars are fitted so as to come in contact with the inside face of the back. Screws fix the back to the bezel, thereby compressing two gaskets and securing the caseband between those two parts. At the location of 3 o'clock, the caseband is pierced by a radial passage provided for a control stem.

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Selzach, Switzerland

Leonhard Meister