Electronic watch with operating controls in the back cover of the case

Abstract

The back cover of the case is provided with positioning means which determine more or less precisely the location where means external to the case must be placed in order to actuate each control mechanism. Such positioning means may for example take the form of grooves at the bottom of each of which is located a control mechanism and into which may be introduced a portion of the securing element of the bracelet. It might likewise comprise protuberances or portions in relief or cavities of more complex form, the remaining parts forming guide means for guiding the external actuating means toward such positioning means. This invention concerns electronic watches having a system of operating controls located in the back cover of their cases. The term 'system of operating controls' here designates all or part of the mechanisms or components which are available to the user in order to permit him to accomplish time setting of the watch and eventually to exercise control over supplementary functions which such watch may be capable of accomplishing, as for instance that of a calendar or alarm. Naturally this definition does not exclude cases where the system is limited to a single mechanism. This may happen when the watch is of a simple nature and intended to indicate only hours and minutes, or because it is capable of responding differently according to whether one actuates the mechanism during a very short interval or relatively long interval, or more or less frequently during a predetermined time interval.