CH717654A2 - Process for setting the time of a sympathetic watch. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for setting the relative time of a sympathetic watch (200) by means of a sympathetic clock (100), with which the watch (200) forms a sympathetic assembly (1000), the watch (200) comprising at least one hour display and one minute display for which a reference position is defined, and the time setting is carried out, or at the request of a user acting on a control means included in the clock ( 100) or the watch (200), or periodically automatically controlled by the clock (100), and, to set the relative time, the clock (100) drives the said displays of the watch backwards, in counter-clockwise, with a stroke large enough to ensure that the displays pass through the reference position, before returning clockwise to the instantaneous time. The invention also relates to a winding method by implementing this time-setting method.

Description

Field of invention

The invention relates to a sympathetic watchmaking assembly, which comprises a support device, such as a clock or a case, and at least one watch arranged to be placed in a receptacle that includes the support device, in a position single transfer, said sympathetic assembly comprising a link mechanism between the support device and each watch when said watch is placed in said receptacle in said transfer position.

[0002] The invention relates to the very particular field of sympathetic clocks and watches, where these timepieces paired per pair each comprise a time base for counting time, and display means for displaying quantities watchmakers; in particular these display means are arranged to allow the user to simultaneously view the display on the clock and the display on the watch.

Background of the invention

[0003] Since 1800, Abraham-Louis Breguet has arranged sympathetic clocks for winding up, setting the time and adjusting the watches dedicated to them, with no other constraint than placing the watch on the clock.

These three functions (which is the maximum number of known functions), are performed simultaneously at a time defined by the construction of the clock, generally once or twice a day. This is for example the case of the Breguet N°128 clock and the associated N°5009 watch described in the book “The Art of Breguet” by George Daniels. It is the moment when the time setting is triggered that determines the precision of the time setting, which explains the fact that this function was only done once or twice a day for the clocks of the 1800s. , and every two hours for clocks from the 1990s. the user to make a preliminary setting with a first coarse time setting, of the order of more or less fifteen minutes, the clock making the fine time setting on the way.

[0005] To date, only these types of functions have always been applied to the rare existing sympathetic pendulums.

[0006] Some sympathetic clocks permanently arm the barrel of the watch, of the automatic barrel type, and set the time to the minute once or twice a day, at a fixed time. In this type of clock, winding of the barrel must be quick to ensure winding of the disarmed watch within a reasonable time.

[0007] Some sympathetic clocks adjust the rate which is derived from setting the time of the watch.

[0008] Several disadvantages arise from the constructions of these sympathetic pendulums: if the watch is placed continuously on the clock, it will be set periodically (every two hours, twelve hours or every twenty-four hours), which unnecessarily stresses the time-setting mechanism; if the watch is placed continuously on the clock, and if the winding is constant and rapid, the automatic barrel necessary in this case undergoes significant wear; if the watch is stopped when the user places it on the clock, the time setting is not done, it is necessary to wait for the next transition to the set time, for an uncertain time setting; if the watch is stopped when the user places it on the clock, and winding is planned periodically with time setting, winding will not take place before the next passage to the set time, and therefore done, the watch does not work and the previous setting of the time to plus or minus fifteen minutes is lost; if the watch is stopped when the user places it on the clock, and winding is expected to be constant at slow speed, or will not reach full winding for several days if the watch is stopped when the user puts it on the clock, and winding is expected to be constant at a high speed, or will not reach full winding faster, but if the watch remains stored on the clock, this speed fast will stress the sliding flange function of the barrel and will cause premature wear of the latter; only the minutes and winding time-setting functions are guaranteed, other functions are difficult to ensure or add.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to improve the functionalities of nice clocks and watches, by overcoming the drawbacks of the known technique.

The object of the invention is to develop an assembly formed by a clock and at least one watch, which: ensures optimum winding of the watch at all times as soon as it is placed on the clock; ensures the time setting at the request of the user, for example before taking the watch to wear it; ensures precise time setting, to the second for example; guarantees complete time setting, even when the watch is stopped; makes it possible to transmit more information than just the minute, for example: second, minute, hour, date, phase and/or age of the moon, day of the week, week, month, year, leap year, or other.

[0011] The clock is a real independent timepiece, comprising its own time base, and its own display of the time and of the magnitudes associated with the complications that it comprises.

To this end, the invention relates to a method for setting the time of a sympathetic watch by a sympathetic support device as described in claims 1 to 17 and a sympathetic assembly according to claims 18 to 24.

Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where: FIG. 1 represents, schematically, and in front view, a sympathetic watch assembly, which comprises a sympathetic pendulum comprising a receptacle, and at least one sympathetic watch, which is placed in this receptacle, the connections between the pendulum and the watch being made according to two oblique transmission lines, each comprising an actuator in the clock, capable of driving in translation and/or rotation a receiver in the watch, this receiver then acting as an internal actuator to either define the nature a function such as on/off, setting the time, or even winding, or for transmitting a quantity of energy to a mechanism of the watch, for example according to a rotation to drive the timer for setting the time , or by translations in particular back and forth to arm a barrel or a particular mechanism; FIG. 2 schematically represents a detail with two such coplanar transmission lines in FIG. 1, each comprising a shaft consisting of a lower half-shaft housed in the pendulum, and an upper half-shaft housed in the watch, with control means shown for driving one of the two shafts; Figure 3 is similar to Figure 2 and illustrates a variant with two parallel shafts; Figure 4 is a detail showing a drive in rotation of the upper half-shaft by the lower half-shaft, by a flat cooperating with a slot; Figure 5 is a detail showing a drive in translation of the upper half-shaft by the lower half-shaft, by a finger-spring cooperating with a groove; FIG. 6 comprises a bottom view and a side view of a sympathetic watch with two upper half-shafts according to FIG. 3; FIG. 7 represents, schematically and in plan, a detail of a particular embodiment of a first actuator and of a second push-type actuator; Figures 8 to 12 illustrate the taking of data from the clock for setting the time on demand, described below as the sixth variant: Figure 8 is similar to Figure 1, and shows a clock whose movement is maintained by weights, and comprising a conventional front display; between two columns of linear guide of the weights are visible two transfer shafts, each arranged to drive an actuator in the upper part of the clock, near the reception receptacle of the watch; the leftmost transfer shaft in the figure is an output of a differential mechanism which calibrates a quantity read on the clock, in this case for setting the time of the watch; in this figure we see that the time display on the watch, which is stopped, is at 10:10, while the instantaneous display on the clock is at 10:08; FIG. 9 is a detail of the upper part of FIG. 8, at the level of the receptacle, of the two actuators of the clock, and of the watch; this figure superimposes different displays of the watch, and shows only the variation of the minute display: in broken lines, an initial display at 12:23 of the watch when it has been placed on the receptacle; a PESIAM return arrow, anti-clockwise, indicates the forced return of the hour and minute displays to a pre-determined reference position, here at 12:00; small arrows PE or PESAM, with elementary steps clockwise, illustrate part of the two-minute steps successively imposed on the minute hand of the watch to approach the display of the clock; the watch indicates 10:10 a.m. it has therefore taken four elementary two-minute steps, and it is ready to resume its march instantaneously on the order of the clock when the clock reaches 10:10 a.m.; Figure 10 shows that the pendulum comprises a cochlea cam, the detail of which is visible in Figure 11, with 360 bearings and which is driven by its movement at the rate of one revolution in twelve hours, and which a feeler travels, to read the instantaneous value. This probe comprises a rake which cooperates with a gear train arranged to drive a second actuator; more particularly, this cog is an input cog of a differential mechanism, one output of which is the leftmost transfer shaft in the figure, and which is arranged to drive a second actuator via a dismissal; FIG. 12 illustrates, similarly to FIG. 10, a similar and less cumbersome embodiment, with two cochlear cams, one less than 12 steps for reading the hours, and the other greater than 30 steps for reading the hours two-minute intervals; in the same way, each is traversed by a feeler, the rake of which constitutes an input to the differential which corrects the difference in unity; Figures 13 to 18 illustrate a seventh variant of display reference time setting: figure 13 represents, in a diagrammatic way and in plan, a part of the mechanism of the sympathetic watch, which comprises a hammer, similar to a chronograph hammer, which has a cocked position where it is retained by a pawl and tensioned by a spring , and an active position where it bears against the periphery of a first heart-shaped hour cam, so as to constrain it in rotation down to its smallest radius; this first hour cam, in the shape of a heart, is similar to those used in chronograph mechanisms and is carried by the hour wheel; a second minutes cam in the shape of a truncated heart is carried by the minutes display; a jumper cooperates in support with a star attached to the minute display; FIG. 14 is a detail of FIG. 13, showing the detail of the hour cam, which comprises a substantially square notch, and of the minute cam, in the shape of a cardioid in its lower part; FIG. 15 represents, schematically and in section passing through the axis of the hands, the mechanism of FIG. 13, comprising a clutch between the display gear train and the finishing gear train, comprising a friction spring, in the engaged position; Figure 16, similar to Figure 15, shows the same mechanism in the disengaged position; Figure 17 is a detail of Figures 13 and 14, showing the cooperation of a double jumper with the road pinion; figure 18 illustrates, schematically and in plan, a BREGUET 1050 chronograph clutch mechanism, comprising a clamp whose function is to engage and disengage, under the control of a column wheel which controls the angular difference of the gripper arms, for opening or closing the gripper, and therefore disengaging or engaging according to FIGS. 16 and 15; Figures 19 to 21 illustrate an eighth variant of display reference time setting: figure 19 represents, schematically and in plan, part of the mechanism of the sympathetic watch, which comprises a pawl with a pawl spring, a rake meshed with an hour wheel, and clicking clockwise watch of the hour wheel, and driven by a return spring, a rake pinion (or hour pinion), a first hour cam carried by the hour wheel, and comprising an aperture, and a second minute cam carried by a minute display mobile, and comprising a wolf's tooth opening or a notch, and a jumper arranged to cooperate with a star fastened to the minutes display mobile; FIG. 20 represents, schematically and in section passing through the axis of the hands, the mechanism of FIG. 19, comprising a clutch between the display train and the finishing train, comprising a friction spring, in the engaged position; Figure 21, similar to Figure 20, shows the same mechanism in the disengaged position; Figures 22 to 25 illustrate a ninth step-by-step time-setting variant of the hours and minutes displays: FIG. 22 represents, schematically and in plan, part of the mechanism of the sympathetic watch, which includes a corrector coinciding with the interface of the clock or another element making it possible to transmit a to-and-fro movement, a rocker capable of driving the pavement back and forth by one tooth, a jumper maintaining the position of the minutes display in the interval of the driving functions, and a star of 30 teeth carried by the display minutes for two-minute steps; FIG. 23 represents, schematically and in section passing through the axis of the hands, the mechanism of FIG. 22, comprising a clutch between the display gear train and the finishing gear train, comprising a friction spring, in the engaged position; Figure 24, similar to Figure 23, shows the same mechanism in the disengaged position; Figure 25 is a detail of Figure 22, showing the cooperation of a double jumper with the 15-tooth carriage pinion, for obtaining 30 stable positions thanks to the double jumper and the staggering of two surfaces of staggered supports of the rocker arm; FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a cycle executed over 12 hours between the clock and the watch, with an optional request for time setting DMAH by the user, and winding actions R and time setting MAH ; Figure 27, similar to Figure 1, shows the clock with its receptacle still empty, at 10:09 a.m., and the watch displaying 8:17 a.m.; the clock here comprises three actuators, a first actuator substantially at four o'clock of the watch, a second actuator substantially at eight o'clock of the watch, and a third actuator arranged to cooperate with the crown of the watch at three o'clock, all arranged in a star shape around the receptacle here constituted by a stretcher with a pivoting movable part; Figure 28, similar to Figure 27, shows the watch inserted into its receptacle; Figures 29 to 33 illustrate the main time-setting and winding steps, and each include the visualization, at the same instant, of the watch display on the left-hand side, and of the clock display on the left-hand side law : FIG. 29 represents the watch ready to be wound and set the time, as it appears in FIG. 28; FIG. 30 represents a winding of the watch by the rotation of a winding sleeve, constituting the third actuator, driving the crown of the watch, which is wound by the equivalent of thirteen hours of autonomy, either on demand by the DMAH user, either periodically, every twelve hours at a fixed time; FIG. 31 represents the stoppage of the watch by action of a stop lever on the balance wheel of the resonator; the clock controls, by the first actuator at four o'clock, this stopping of the resonator of the watch, the disengagement of the hands of the gear train, and the return of the hands to a reference position, here chosen at 12:00; figure 32 represents the displacement of the hands of the watch by jumps each of the value of a pre-determined step, chosen from three minutes in this example, until bringing them into the position of the instantaneous time displayed by the clock , here 10:12, plus a three-minute step, so at the 10:15 position; it is the pendulum which transmits to the watch, after reading on the cochlea(s) of the pendulum, this instantaneous value of the hour, by the required number of pulses to control the overall movement of the hands; the watch is then ready to restart, and only awaits the release of its stop lever, which will be controlled by the clock; FIG. 33 shows the start of the watch by releasing the stop lever, when the clock passes through the 10:15 position, the watch is then set to the time with the best precision, and is ready to be worn by the user; Figure 34 is a perspective view of the sympathetic assembly of Figures 27 and 28, with the clock according to the embodiment of Figure 12; FIGS. 35 and 36 represent, schematically and in perspective, the cooperation of three actuators of the clock with a watch placed on a pivoting stretcher forming a receptacle: a first actuator at four o'clock of the push-piece type, a second actuator at eight o'clock of the pusher type, and a third rotary actuator at three o'clock for driving the watch crown; FIGS. 37 to 45 are flowcharts comprising the elementary operations of the methods according to nine variants described below, respectively from the first variant to the ninth variant.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The invention relates to a sympathetic watch assembly 1000, which comprises a support device 100, formed in the figures by a sympathetic pendulum 100, which comprises a pendulum hours display 104, and a pendulum minutes display 105 , and at least one sympathetic watch 200, which comprises a watch hour display 4, and a watch minute display 5, and which is arranged to be placed in a receptacle 150 that comprises the clock, in particular at the level of a stretcher 670, in a single transfer position, this sympathetic assembly 1000 comprises at least one link mechanism between this clock 100 and each watch 200 when this watch 200 is deposited in the receptacle 150 in the transfer position.

[0015] Alternatively, the support device 100 can be formed by a case or by any device adapted to cooperate in coupling with the watch 200. Such a case or such a device comprises all the characteristics of the clock 100 described in the present text.

[0016] According to the invention, this at least one link mechanism comprises at least two separate transmission lines, one for selecting a function to be performed or a display quantity to be adjusted, and the other for transferring light. energy or movement, or/and transmit an impulse.

[0017] More particularly, at least one transmission line, and more particularly each transmission line, comprises a shaft. More particularly, this shaft is at least rotatable.

[0018] More particularly and without limitation, at least one of these shafts, or each of these shafts, is similar to that of the Breguet No. 128 clock (G. Daniels: Art de Breguet: page 277).

[0019] At least one such shaft, and more particularly each shaft, is divided into two half-shafts between the clock 100 and the watch 200 concerned, these two half-shafts being arranged to cooperate in driving with each other. when the watch 200 is placed on the clock 100 in the receptacle 150 in the transfer position, either in direct drive, and more particularly in coaxial drive, or through a reference or a gear train. The transmission between these half-shafts is not described in detail here, it is possible to use any suitable drive mechanism, toothing, spline, dog clutch, friction, or other. The half-shafts can cooperate end to end, or internally to each other, or tangentially to each other, or through a transmission or a gear train, or other.

These at least two transmission lines distribute the different functions.

The invention is more particularly described with two transmission lines, in the form of at least two shafts: a first selection shaft 1 and at least a second drive shaft 2. Naturally, some of the functions described below can be split up and processed by other additional trees.

The first selection shaft 1 ensures the transmission of a function selection, one of the functions being a neutral/winding function for recharging the energy of a watch 200. This transmission is in particular of the alternating function type : neutral-winding, date, hours, minutes, or others, spread over 360°. The first selection tree 1 is comparable to a selector, a machine controller, or to a column wheel of a chronograph or a complication watch.

[0023] The second drive shaft 2 ensures the transmission of force, in particular of torque, for the recharging of energy, in particular the winding of a barrel, of a watch 200 from the pendulum 100, and/or to ensure the transmission to a watch 200 of an adjustment or setting value, in the form of an angle of rotation on the basis of a value given by the clock 100, and/or to impart an impulse to a component of the watch . The adjustment or setting value may correspond to one of the quantities displayed by the watch; it can also be an adjustment value of the resonator of the watch, by action on a racket, a hairspring peak, a support on a flexible blade, an inertia adjustment, or other.

[0024] The first shaft 1 and the second shaft 2 are distinct from each other, they can, in a variant, extend along parallel or even coincident axes.

In a particular variant, their axes are coplanar.

In another particular variant, their axes are secant.

[0027] The invention allows adjustment adjustment, in particular time setting, of a watch 200 by at least two separate shafts 1 and 2, the first of which indicates the type of correction desired, and the others the values of correction, at least one tree among the latter being assigned to the function of recharging the energy of the watch, in particular rewinding the barrel.

[0028] The first shaft 1 and/or the second shaft 2 can be movable in different ways, in translation and/or in rotation.

[0029] Alternatively, the first shaft 1 and the second shaft 2 are rotatable.

[0030] Alternatively, the first shaft 1 and the second shaft 2 are movable in translation.

Alternatively, one of the first shaft 1 and the second shaft 2 is rotatable, and the other is translational.

Alternatively, one of the first shaft 1 and the second shaft 2 is movable in rotation and translation, and the other is movable in translation.

Alternatively, one of the first shaft 1 and the second shaft 2 is movable in rotation and translation, and the other is movable in rotation.

[0034] Alternatively, the first shaft 1 and the second shaft 2 are movable in rotation and translation.

[0035] Advantageously, the adjustment is sequential, and starts with a neutral position in which the energy recharging takes place, this neutral position is followed, preferably after a certain pre-defined period, or else on action of the user, by at least an elementary sequence of adjustment of one of the quantities displayed by the watch, or else by the triggering of a particular function.

[0036] More particularly, the adjustment settings of the watch are made sequentially, each quantity being adjusted independently of the others.

More particularly, this sequential time-setting is performed by a dedicated mechanism, in parallel with the traditional time-setting mechanism of the watch.

More particularly, the sequential time setting is controlled by the clock. In particular, in a particular variant, the duration between two elementary sequences is adjustable. More particularly still, each duration between two elementary sequences is adjustable.

[0039] Advantageously, the timing defining the tempo of the elementary sequences, managed by the clock, defines the trigger instant (or the cue) for the start of the watch previously kept stopped by a stop mechanism 20 including but not limited to a stop-seconds mechanism 25 with a stop lever or the like. The exemplary embodiments set out below include, in a non-limiting way, a stop lever arranged to cooperate with an inertial mass 15, in particular a pendulum, of a resonator 10, for its blocking or its release.

[0040] More particularly, the adjustment setting or the sequential time setting corrects, in a non-limiting manner, all or part of the following indications: hour, minute, date, day, month, and/or any other indications.

[0041] The neutral position allows the recharging of energy or winding of the watch, and this winding is controlled by the watch.

This first shaft 1 and this second shaft 2 allow collaboration between the clock 100 and a watch 200 in the manner set out below.

The first shaft 1 comprises a first lower half-shaft 11 of the clock 100 and a first upper half-shaft 12 of the watch 200.

When the watch 200 is absent, that is to say not placed on the clock 100, and when the clock 100 does not carry any watch 200, these two half-shafts intended to constitute together the first shaft 1, are the first lower half-shaft 11 and the first upper half-shaft 12 are each in neutral position.

In the same way, the second shaft 2 comprises a second lower half-shaft 21 of the clock 100 and a second upper half-shaft 22 of the watch 200.

When the watch 200 is placed on the clock 100, the first lower half-shaft 11 and the first upper half-shaft 12 on the one hand, and the second lower half-shaft 21 and the second upper half-shaft 22 on the other hand, are matched. As the first lower half-shaft 11 and the first upper half-shaft 12 are in neutral position, the selected function is neutral/winding, the installation of the watch is facilitated by the indexing of each half-shaft in neutral position independently, which half-trees are naturally indexed.

The pendulum 100 is arranged to deliver a torque on the first shaft 1 in the presence of the watch 200. The rotation of this first shaft 1 is regulated by a regulating mechanism, for example of the minute repeater regulator type.

[0048] Each watch 200 is arranged to release or block the rotation of the second shaft 2 depending on the level of energy that it has stored, in particular depending on the winding of the barrel in a particular case, according to a defined hysteresis , for example by a power reserve mechanism. This rotation of the second shaft 2 is, in this particular case, transmitted to the winding of the barrel and ensures its winding. In this neutral position, the watch 200 therefore ensures its winding at all times within a defined range.

The pendulum 100 comprises at least one control means 300, which is arranged to be operated by the user, or to be controlled by the time base of the pendulum, to rotate the first lower half-shaft 11, to select the function of the first shaft 1.

When the watch 200 is placed on the clock 100 and the user asks to set the time, by such a control means 300, such as a lever, a crown, a push button, a slide, etc., present in particular on the clock 100, the adjustment adjustment or the time setting of the watch 200 is done by a sequence of functions which are controlled by the clock 100. For example for an adjustment to the instantaneous value of the date, hour, minute and second values. Following the user's request, the current value adjustment sequence begins, for example for a time-setting sequence. Each sequence starts at a precise tempo, which is defined by the time base of the clock 100.

More specifically, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control means 300 includes a push button intended to be actuated by the user.

This push button can be arranged so as to arm a spring. Once the button is released, the relaxation of the spring causes, for example, by a pawl the rotation of a control cam of the pendulum 100.

In a variant embodiment of the invention, for setting the time step by step, the cam is adapted to successively assume the positions described below, following the actuation of the control means 300.

In a first position, said cam urges a first rod 511 to cause the watch to stop. This actuation also has the effect of disengaging the displays included in watch 200 and releasing a hammer, the arrangement of which is described in detail in the following text, bringing said displays into a reference position.

In a second position, said cam releases a feeler 602 which falls on a spiral cam 601 by driving the second rod 512 the displays of the watch 200 to positions corresponding to the current time.

In a third position, the cam actuates the first rod 511 to cause the engagement of the displays that includes the watch 200 and the restart of the watch 200.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, for permanent time setting, the cam is adapted to assume the successive positions described below, following the actuation of the control means 300.

In this variant, the first position conforms to the first position described above, with the difference that it also allows the watch 200 to be locked in the transfer position in the receptacle 150.

The second position of said cam conforms to the second position described above.

In the third position, said cam makes it possible to permanently drive the displays of the watch 200 so as to keep them in positions corresponding to the current time.

[0061] A fourth position conforms to the third position of the cam in the variant described above, with the difference that it unlocks the watch from its transfer position in the receptacle 150.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, for relative time setting, the cam is adapted to assume the successive positions described below, following the actuation of the control means 300.

[0063] The first position of said cam, in this variant, conforms to the first position described in the step-by-step time-setting variant above, with the difference that it allows the rotation of the displays of the watch 200 in the opposite direction by thirteen o'clock, in the preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the second position, the cam has the effect of achieving the effects of the second position described in the step-by-step time-setting variant above. In the third position in which, in this variant, the cam actuates the first rod 511 to cause the engagement of the displays of the watch 200 and the restart of the watch 200.

[0065] It should be noted that the positions of the cam and their effects, for each of the above variants, as well as the horological components mentioned, are described in detail in the following text.

[0066] Naturally it is also possible to install a control means 300 on the watch 200, instead of installing it on the clock 100.

[0067] For example, the control means can be a push button suitable for activating the first rod 511.

It is also possible to equip both the clock 100 and the watch 200, each, with a control means 300. If the control means 300 is only on the watch, this makes it possible to lock the function, as long as the watch 200 is not in the transfer position in the receptacle 150.

In the particular case where the sympathetic assembly 1000 is arranged for the successive adjustment of the date, hour, minute and second values, several elementary sequences follow one another.

During the first elementary sequence, the pendulum 100 turns the first shaft 1 in the date position, and turns the second shaft 2 by an angle corresponding to the instantaneous value of the date. The watch 200 recognizes the rotation of the first shaft 1 in the date position, actuates the stop lever, which stops the resonator and the watch, positions the date, hour, minute and second displays in the zero position, and applies the value transmitted by the second shaft 2 to the date display.

[0071] Here, the term "display" means any mobile display element known in horology: hand, ring, disc, cursor, flag, city or time zone display, moon phase display, leap year display, display AM/PM, day/night display, power reserve indicator, ringtone selector, alarm clock indicator, calendar display, or other.

After a first pre-determined duration D1, for example 2 minutes, the pendulum100 triggers the second elementary sequence. During this second elementary sequence, the clock 100 turns the first shaft 1 to the hour position, and turns the second shaft 2 by an angle corresponding to the instantaneous value of the hour. The watch 200 recognizes the rotation of the first shaft 1 in the time position, and applies the value transmitted by the second shaft 2 to the time display 4 of the watch 200.

After a second pre-determined duration D2, for example two minutes, the clock 100 triggers the third elementary sequence. During this third elementary sequence, the clock 100 turns the first shaft 1 to the minute position, and turns the second shaft 2 by an angle corresponding to the instantaneous value of the minutes, added to the value of a third pre-determined duration D3 , which separates the third elementary sequence from the next change of elementary sequence, which will be the last adjustment before releasing the rate of the watch 200. The watch 200 recognizes the rotation of the first shaft 1 in the minute position, and applies the value transmitted by the second shaft 2 to the minute display of the watch 5.

After the third pre-determined duration D3, for example two minutes, the pendulum 100 brings the first shaft 1 back to the neutral/winding position. The watch 200 recognizes the rotation of the first shaft 1 in the neutral/winding position, and releases the stop lever, the watch 200 is then fully adjusted and set to the time, and starts exactly to the second.

[0075] We note the playful and useful side of this construction: in this example, in 6 or 8 minutes (if the first sequence starts after a transitory duration D0 of two minutes), the watch 200, presented on the clock in a state disarmed, stopped and not timed, is reassembled and fully timed, date included. A particular option consists in adding a perpetual calendar to the clock 100, which then makes it possible to correct the simple calendar of the watch 200 at the request of the user at the level of the control means 300.

More particularly, the clock 100 is a clock with mechanical movement.

In a variant, the clock 100 receives a signal from a time base, for example a radio-controlled signal, GPS, a signal from an electronic clock, or other, and comprises means for transforming the signal indicating the instantaneous time in movements of mechanical components, for the transmission of information to a watch 200.

In a variant, all energy and movement transfers between the clock 100 and the watch 200 are mechanical and/or magnetic.

In a variant, all transfers of energy and movement between the clock 100 and the watch 200 are mechanical.

[0080] In a variant, all transfers of energy and movement between the clock 100 and the watch 200 are magnetic.

[0081] In a variant, no transfer of energy and/or movement is carried out through the winding and time-setting stem of the watch.

[0082] More particularly, each half-shaft 12, 22 that the watch 200 includes is separate from the winding and time-setting stem of the watch 200 when it includes one.

[0083] In a variant, no energy transfer is carried out through the winding and time-setting stem of the watch.

[0084] In a variant, no transfer of movement is carried out through the winding and time-setting stem of the watch.

[0085] The winding system does not require a sliding flange barrel and prevents wear thereof. The winding is done in a few minutes and at any time when the watch 200 is placed on the clock 100 and as needed.

As the adjustment settings, and in particular the time setting, are made on demand, the wear of the mechanisms is limited when the watch 200 is stored on the clock 100 for long periods. For these cases, a time setting can be triggered at regular intervals, for example once a week, by a command printed by the time base of the clock 100.

This invention makes it possible to produce a sympathetic pendulum adapted to the needs of current users, of useful and playful use as described above. This allows a real evolution of a product known for two hundred years.

[0088] The operation of the clock 100, which is more stable and more precise than that of the watch 200, keeps the latter on time when it is not worn, and corrects it on demand.

The great autonomy of the clock 100 is brought to the watch 200: when the latter is not worn, and allows for example a worn weekend and weekday maintenance at an ideal operating amplitude.

Different variants of sympathetic clock assembly 1000 according to the invention, and different variants of use, are described below.

Such a sympathetic assembly 1000 comprises a sympathetic pendulum 100 and at least one sympathetic watch 200, which is arranged to be deposited in a receptacle 150 of the pendulum 100, in a single transfer position. The sympathetic assembly 1000 comprises a link mechanism comprising at least two separate transmission lines between the clock 100 and each watch 200 when the watch 200 is deposited in the receptacle 150 in the transfer position.

[0092] The sympathetic clock 100, which is arranged for recharging with energy and adjusting the display and/or operation of at least one sympathetic watch 200, comprises at least one actuator for carrying out the recharging with energy and/ or the display and/or running adjustment of at least one sympathetic watch 200 deposited in the receptacle 150 in the transfer position.

And the clock 100 includes at least a first actuator of the all or nothing clock 501, movable between a rest position and an activated position, to control the activation or deactivation of a mechanism that includes the watch 200. And the pendulum 100 comprises at least one other actuator of the pendulum 502; 503, which is arranged to print a series of pulses or to transmit a mechanical torque to a receiver included in a watch 200.

More specifically, at least a first actuator of the clock 501 is further arranged to print a series of pulses, between its rest position and its activated position, to a receiver that includes a watch 200.

More particularly, at least one other actuator of the pendulum 502; 503, is an on/off actuator, which is movable between a rest position and an activated position, to control the activation or deactivation of a mechanism that includes the watch 200.

More particularly, at least one other actuator of the pendulum 502; 503, is a second actuator 502, which is arranged to print a series of pulses to a receiver that includes a watch 200.

More particularly, at least one other actuator of the pendulum 502; 50.3 is a third actuator 503 arranged to transmit a mechanical torque to a receiver that includes a watch 200.

More particularly, at least one such third actuator 503 can be disengaged in a disengaged position at a distance from a watch 200 deposited in the receptacle 150 in the single transfer position, and can be engaged in a coupling position with a means operating mechanism 270 or with a control rod included in the watch 200.

More particularly, at least one such third actuator 503 comprises a sleeve 678, which is arranged to cooperate, in the coupling position, with an operating means 270 or a control rod that includes a watch 200.

More particularly, the pendulum 100 comprises first energy storage means 691, 693, in particular weights, which are arranged to supply energy to at least one movement 180 or 900 that comprises the pendulum 100 and/or any mechanism specific to the 100 clock.

More particularly, the clock 100 comprises second energy storage means, which are dedicated to the transfer of energy to at least one watch 200 deposited in the receptacle 150. More particularly, these second energy storage means are arranged to drive in rotation a transfer shaft 683 carrying an endless screw 684, or a pinion, to drive a pinion 677, or respectively an endless screw, for driving in rotation the third actuator 503.

[0102] More particularly, the clock 100 is arranged to transfer energy continuously to a watch 200.

[0103] More particularly, the clock 100 is arranged to transfer energy step by step to a watch 200.

More particularly, the pendulum 100 comprises at least one movement 180, which drives at least one cochlear cam 601, 610, 620, the angular position of which characterizes the instantaneous value of a horological variable. And the pendulum 100 comprises at least one sensor 602, 630, 640, which is arranged to cooperate in bearing with the periphery of a cochlear cam 601, 610, 620, to read the instantaneous value. Each feeler 602, 630, 640 comprises a rake 603, 633, 643, which is arranged to cooperate with a gear train arranged to drive a second actuator; more specifically, this cog is an input cog of a differential mechanism 680, one output of which is arranged to drive a second actuator 502.

[0105] More particularly, the pendulum 100 comprises at least one electromechanical or electronic movement arranged to control the movement of an output mobile which is arranged to drive a second actuator 502.

[0106] More particularly, the second actuator 502 comprises a cam 684 having a plurality of ramps arranged to push and pull a second control rod 512 that this second actuator 502 comprises, which second control rod 512 is biased towards the second cam 684 by second elastic return means 513, so as to impart to the second control rod 512 a back and forth movement for setting the time of a watch 200.

[0107] More particularly, the second actuator 502 comprises a crank and a connecting rod, which are arranged to push and pull a second control rod 512 that this second actuator 502 comprises, so as to impart to the second control rod 512 a movement back and forth for setting the time of a watch 200. In a variant, this second control rod 512 is returned by second elastic return means 513.

[0108] More particularly, the pendulum 100 comprises a first transfer shaft 682 for driving a first actuator of the pendulum 501, arranged to push or pull a first rod 511 of this first actuator of the pendulum 501, to control stopping or releasing the resonator 10 of a watch 200, or of a tourbillon or carousel carrying this resonator. More particularly, this first transfer shaft 682 is arranged to drive a first control cam 686 that this first actuator of the pendulum 501 comprises. This first control cam 686 comprises, more particularly, a plurality of ramps.

[0109] More particularly, the clock 100 comprises means for setting at a reference time, and means for triggering when the time displayed by the clock 100 becomes equal to this reference time, to trigger a sequence of movements of the actuators 501, 502, 503, when the receptacle 150 is occupied by a watch 200 during the transfer position.

[0110] More particularly, the clock 100 comprises means for controlling the recoil of the actuators 501, 502, 503, when the user removes a watch 200 from the receptacle 150 during the execution of an energy recharging cycle and/or display adjustment and/or operation.

[0111] More specifically, the clock 100 comprises means for periodically triggering energy recharging cycles of a watch 200 deposited in the receptacle 150 according to a predetermined period, and comprises means for limiting an energy recharging cycle for a power reserve of a predetermined value, the power reserve being greater than the predetermined period.

[0112] More specifically, the clock 100 comprises manual control means, which are arranged to be manipulated by a user to control the execution of an energy recharging and/or display adjustment cycle and/or walking a watch 200 placed in the receptacle 150 in the transfer position.

More specifically, the clock 100 comprises a stop control mechanism 120, which is arranged to transform a step-by-step time-setting command performed by a user or by the clock 100, into a sequence, of which the first step is a control action of a mechanism for stopping 20 and/or disengaging the displays that includes a sympathetic watch 200.

More specifically, this stop control mechanism 120 is arranged to control a movement of a transmission line to identify a time-setting action, and to control the transfer of a pulse or a couple to a stopper mechanism 20 that comprises the watch 200.

[0115] As regards the sympathetic watches 200, advantageous, non-limiting types are described below: a version with hearts and hammer, a version with ratchet and double cam, and a version with ratchet, rake and double cam .

These watches have common characteristics.

In both watch versions, the sympathetic watch 200 includes at least one energy storage barrel, for supplying at least one resonator 10 that this watch 200 includes. The watch 200 comprises a display gear train and a finishing gear train.

To set the time, it is necessary to use a clutch mechanism, and/or a resonator stop mechanism. To this end, for all the time-setting devices and methods presented in the present description, the watch 200 comprises either a stop mechanism 20 which is arranged to stop the operation of the resonator 10, or else a mechanism clutch making it possible to separate the display from the going train, or else both such a stop mechanism 20 and such a clutch mechanism

[0119] The clutch in fact allows, when it is open, the rotation of the displays, in particular the hands, independently of the going train, whether for a movement of these displays towards a pre-determined reference time, or for a movement towards the exact instantaneous time (time setting step by step, or relative time setting, or permanent time setting), or even for the movement of an offset (version with top second) , and, when it is closed, to drive the displays or hands.

The use of a stop mechanism 20 comprising a second stop mechanism 25, in particular with a stop lever, is necessary for certain time-setting modes such as permanent time-setting. And it constitutes an advantage for step-by-step time-setting modes, where the stop mechanism 20 allows a top start at 0 seconds, or even for relative time-setting modes where the user can then see the inertial mass 15 of the resonator 10, in particular a balance wheel, stopped during time setting. In these two time-setting modes, the clutch alone can start the hands without the balance wheel being stopped, the display of the seconds is then random: ±30 s.

The watch 200 conventionally comprises at least one hour display 4 and one minute display 5, and/or at least any other display 3.

The watch 200 comprises at least one internal mechanism, which is capable of being activated or deactivated by an on/off actuator of the clock 100, and it comprises at least one receiver capable of receiving a series of pulses or a mechanical torque coming from an actuator of the pendulum 100.

In the hearts and hammer version, the watch 200 includes a reset mechanism 500, which is arranged to return at least one such display 3, 4, 5, to a pre-determined reference position. This description essentially deals with the example of a reference position at twelve o'clock and zero minutes; any other reference position is possible, for example ten o'clock and ten minutes, or other.

The reset mechanism 500 is arranged to bring back at least one, and more particularly but not limited to each, display 3; 4; 5, of watch 200 in its reference position. To this end, the reset mechanism 500 comprises in particular, for at least one display 3, 4, 5, at least one core 401, 702, 703, which is integral in rotation with the display concerned 3, 4, 5 , and the reset mechanism 500 comprises at least one hammer 402, 701, which is arranged to cooperate in support with a heart 401, 702, 703, under the thrust of a spring when it is released by the activation of the reset mechanism 500. This hammer 402, 701 is recalled by the reset mechanism 500 which tends to move it away from the heart 401, 702, 703, in normal operation.

[0125] More particularly, the watch 200 includes a first watch actuator 901, which is arranged to be actuated by the clock 100, to control the movement of at least one hammer 402, 701, to cause the positioning of at least one at least one display 3, 4, 5, in the pre-determined reference position, by bringing into cooperation, for each adjusted horological quantity, a hammer 402, 701, with a heart 401, 702, 703, carried by the corresponding display, and more particularly by a roadway.

More particularly, the hammer 402 or 701 is unique, and common to all the cores 401, 702, 703, which the watch 200 includes, for adjusting the display for the different corresponding watch quantities.

[0127] More particularly, the watch 200 includes such a stop mechanism 20, and a first watch actuator 901, which is arranged to be actuated by the clock 100, to control this stop mechanism 20 to block or release the operation of its resonator 10 and/or a disengagement mechanism for the displays of the watch 200.

[0128] More specifically, the first actuator of the watch 901 is arranged to ensure the rearming of the hammer 402, 701.

[0129] More specifically, this stop mechanism 20 comprises a stop-seconds mechanism 25 comprising a stop lever arranged to cooperate in support with an inertial mass 15 of the resonator 10 in a blocking position, and to remain at a distance from the mass inertial 15 during the normal operation of the resonator 10.

[0130] More particularly, the watch 200 comprises at least one operating means 270 or a control rod, which is capable of cooperating with an actuator of a pendulum 100 in a coupling position.

More particularly, the watch 200 comprises manual control means, for example in accordance with those described above, which are arranged to be manipulated by a user to control the execution of an energy recharging cycle and/or or display adjustment and/or rate adjustment of the watch 200 when it is deposited in a receptacle 150 in the transfer position, and in particular the watch 200 comprises at least one control means 300 accessible to the user for the command to execute a winding of the periodic type, and/or for the command to execute an automatic time setting.

More particularly, watch 200 includes a second watch actuator 902, which is able to operate in a back-and-forth movement, for driving a minute display 5 of watch 200, by steps of a given value, and to drive indirectly, through this 5 minute display, a 4 hour display of the watch 200.

The watch 200 is arranged to correct the display in steps, with correction steps of a predetermined value, for example two minutes. This correction step is an integer sub-multiple of the hour: one minute, two minutes, three minutes, four minutes, five minutes, six minutes, ten minutes, twelve minutes, fifteen minutes, twenty minutes, thirty minutes. The watch 200 comprises a floor or a minute wheel, which is positioned precisely thanks to a star with 30 teeth, with 15 teeth or comprising a number of teeth corresponding to the number of correction steps chosen per hour.

The watch 200 advantageously comprises at least a first upper selection half-shaft 11 and at least a second upper drive half-shaft 12, and the watch 200 is arranged to recognize the movement of a transmission line of selection or of a drive transmission line in the end-of-time-setting position, where the first upper half-shaft 12 is arranged to actuate the stop lever of the stop mechanism 20, to release the resonator 10, and/or a mechanism for disengaging the displays, and authorizing the running of the watch 200 .

[0135] More specifically, the watch 200 comprises at least one safety mechanism, to prevent the spring of a barrel from breaking when overloaded, the safety mechanism comprising a sliding flange or a power reserve measurement mechanism to prevent a unnecessary or harmful winding of a barrel.

More particularly, the watch 200 comprises displays 3, 4, 5, which are arranged to pivot clockwise or counterclockwise, each of the displays being associated with a pawl arranged to block the display in question when passing from the reference position, or from a preparation position close to the reference position.

More particularly, the reference position and/or the preparation position is adjustable, as well as the locking position of the pawl.

[0138] More particularly, the watch 200 comprises an interface arranged to drive at least one such display 3, 4, 5, in a rotation counterclockwise, and to arm the barrel during such a counter-clockwise rotation.

The interface is advantageously arranged to drive, in addition to the rotation of at least one display 3, 4, 5, counterclockwise, a manual winding gear train of at least one barrel , by a ratchet mechanism external to a going train that the watch 200 comprises.

[0140] In a variant, the going train of the watch 200 comprises a mobile pawl, arranged for the winding of at least one barrel during a rotation in the counter-clockwise direction.

The watch 200 advantageously comprises a time-setting friction capable of allowing the transfer of torque from the winding, or alternatively comprises a clutch mechanism instead of a time-setting friction.

[0142] More specifically, the watch 200 comprises at least one roadway clutch mechanism, which is arranged for the engagement or disengagement of a display 3, 4, 5. In particular, this clutch mechanism 706 between the display train 705, 707, 708 and the finishing train 710, comprises a friction spring 709.

[0143] More particularly, the watch 200 includes a minute display 5, which is arranged to pivot clockwise or counterclockwise, and includes a pawl, which is arranged to unlock when switching from the minute display 5 to the preparation position, and to lock the minute display in the reference position. And the watch 200 advantageously comprises a friction mechanism arranged to allow the continuation of the rearming after this blocking during rotation in the counter-clockwise direction.

The watch 200 includes in particular a hammer 701, which is movable between a cocked position where the hammer 701 is retained by a pawl and tensioned by a spring, and an active position where the hammer 701 is arranged to rest on the periphery a first hour cam 702 in the shape of a heart, carried by an hour wheel 708, so as to constrain it in rotation down to its smallest radius. The watch 200 also includes a star carried by a minute display mobile, cooperating with a jumper 704, 7040, for maintaining each display position according to a regular pitch.

And the watch 200 includes a second minute cam 703 in the shape of a truncated heart, carried by a minute display 705 to guarantee the display position to the nearest minute.

In both versions of the watch, the sympathetic assembly 1000 advantageously includes a controller mechanism for controlling the placing of the displays in the reference position. More particularly, this controller mechanism comprises at least one column wheel 840.

[0147] More specifically, the watch 200 comprises a function controller, capable of occupying at least two positions, the first corresponding to the start of the function where the controller is arranged to control the disengagement of the going train, and stop the inertial mass 15 of the resonator 10, and the second corresponding to the end of the function where the controller is arranged to release the clutch and the pendulum.

In a variant, the function controller is capable of occupying, between the first position and the second position, an intermediate position in which the controller controls the winding of the hammer.

In an alternative, the function controller is integrated into the watch 200, and comprises either a rotary controller, of the column wheel type, controlled by the interface, with two to five successive stable positions, or else a reciprocating controller, shuttle type, controlled by the interface, with two successive stable positions.

In another alternative, the function controller is external to the watch 200 and is housed in the clock 100, and the watch 200 comprises only a reciprocating cam controlled by the interface and returning to rest. by default, and includes a stable position of rest, and one to three piloted positions.

[0151] In a variant, the function controller is of the column-wheel type with three positions, arranged to control three rockers arranged to control the clutch, the stop lever, and the hammer or hammers, or which form part of these mechanisms, the levers being arranged to rest on the columns of the column wheel so as to be activated as required, and the different positions of which are an initial and final position with active clutch, inactive stop lever, and cocked hammer, a position for returning to the reference time, for example 12:00 min, with clutch inactive, stop lever active, and hammer released, and a time-setting position with clutch inactive, stop lever active, and hammer cocked.

[0152] In a variant, the function controller comprises a three-level spiral, which is located in the pendulum 100 and which is arranged to control, via a sympathetic interface, a reciprocating cam in the watch 200, to control the clutch, the stop lever, and the hammer or hammers, and whose different positions are an initial and final position with active clutch, inactive stop lever, and cocked hammer, a return position to the reference time, for example 12:00 min, with clutch inactive, stop lever active, and hammer released, and a time-setting position with clutch inactive, stop lever active, and hammer cocked.

[0153] A watch variant can be used for winding by rotating the display towards a reference position, under the action of the pendulum. This watch has a pawl, and at least two cams.

In this variant, the watch 200 includes at least one energy storage barrel, for supplying at least one resonator 10 that the watch 200 includes, and a display train and a finishing train.

The watch 200 comprises either a stop mechanism 20 arranged to stop the operation of the resonator 10, or else a clutch mechanism making it possible to separate the display from the going train, or else both such stop mechanism 20 and such a clutch mechanism.

The watch 200 includes at least one display 3; 4; 5, including at least a 4 hour display and a 5 minute display.

The watch 200 includes at least one receiver capable of receiving a series of pulses or a mechanical torque coming from an actuator of the clock 100.

[0158] The watch 200 comprises a transmission line capable of driving the display counterclockwise, a pawl 801, and at least one first hour cam 802 carried by the hour wheel 808, and comprising a wolf-tooth opening 8030 or a notch 831 corresponding to a reference position of the display.

More specifically, the watch 200 includes a first hour cam 802 carried by the hour wheel 808, and including an opening 8020, a second minute cam 803 carried by a minute display mobile 805, and including a wolf's tooth opening 8030 or a notch 831, a jumper 804 arranged to cooperate with a star carried by a minute display mobile 805 for maintaining each display position according to a pre-determined regular pitch.

[0160] More specifically, watch 200 includes an interface arranged to drive at least one display 3; 4; 5 in an anti-clockwise rotation, and to cock a cylinder, during an anti-clockwise rotation. And the watch 200 comprises a going train which comprises a pawl mobile, arranged to allow the winding of at least one barrel during rotation in the counter-clockwise direction.

[0161] More particularly, the interface is arranged to drive, in addition to the rotation of at least one display 3, 4, 5, in an anti-clockwise direction, a manual winding train of the at least one barrel, by a ratchet mechanism external to a going train that the watch 200 comprises.

[0162] More particularly, the watch 200 comprises a time-setting friction able to allow the transfer of torque from the winding, or else comprises a clutch mechanism instead of a time-setting friction .

Another watch variant comprises a pawl, a rake, and at least two cams. In this ratchet, rake and double cam version, the watch 200 comprises a ratchet 801, a rake 823 meshed on an hour wheel 808, and which is arranged to click off the hour wheel 808 clockwise watch, and which is driven by a return spring 825, an hour rake pinion 824. The watch 200 comprises two cams: at least a first hour cam 802 carried by the hour wheel 808, and comprising an opening 8020, and a second minute cam 803 carried by a minute display mobile 805, and comprising a wolf's tooth opening 8030 or a notch 831. The watch 200 comprises a jumper 804, which is arranged to cooperate with a star carried by a minutes display mobile 805 for maintaining each display position according to a pre-determined regular pitch.

The rake pinion 824 is arranged to drive and arm the rake 823, which clicks with each tooth, during normal operation of the watch 200 when the watch 200 does not cooperate with the clock 100.

[0165] And the watch 200 includes a clutch mechanism 806 between a display train 805, 807, 808, and a finishing train 810.

[0166] The sympathetic assembly 1000 comprises an interface between the clock 100 and the watch 200, this interface being arranged to disengage the clutch mechanism 806 by actuating it towards its disengaged position, which allows the rake 823 to drive counter-clockwise the hour display and minute display cog of the watch 200, over as many turns as necessary, until the pawl 801 meets the opening 8020 of the first hours cam 802, corresponding to the minutes preceding a reference time corresponding to a predetermined reference position of the displays 3, 4, 5, of the watch 200, at an instant at which the pawl 801 can press on the second minutes cam 803 for a rotation corresponding to the last minutes before reaching this reference time, and until blocking in the wolf's tooth opening 8030 of the second minute cam 803, the blocking corresponding to the display position of r reference.

The time setting mechanism controlled by the clock 100 is arranged to perform the time setting of the displays 4, 5, of the watch 200, clockwise, towards exact time by rearming the rake 801.

[0168] The interface between the clock 100 and the watch 200 is further arranged to reconnect the going train with the display train, by engaging the clutch mechanism 806 to reset the rack 801 or complete the rearming of the rack 801 .

The cooperation between the jumper 804 and the star allows the displays to be maintained in each step, and authorizes the rearming of the rack 801 without losing the display.

The star, carried by the minutes display 5, is either a thirty-tooth star cooperating with a simple one-tooth jumper 804, or else a fifteen-tooth minutes road pinion cooperating with a single tooth at a time of a double jumper 8040 comprising two teeth, or comprises a number of teeth which corresponds to the whole number of predetermined steps contained in one hour.

The clutch mechanism 806 advantageously comprises a friction spring 809.

[0172] More specifically, this clutch mechanism 806 is a chronograph clutch mechanism, comprising a gripper 821 whose function is to engage and disengage, under the control of a column wheel 840 which controls the angular deviation of the arms of the gripper 821, 822, for the opening or closing of the gripper, corresponding respectively to disengagement or engagement.

As in the hearts and hammer version, the sympathetic assembly 1000 comprises a controller mechanism, inside or outside the watch 200, for controlling the placing of the displays in the reference position.

[0174] More specifically, this function controller is able to occupy at least two positions, the first corresponding to the start of the function where the controller is arranged to control the disengagement of the going train, and stop the resonator balance wheel, and the second corresponding to the end of the function where the controller is arranged to release the clutch and the rocker arm.

More particularly, the function controller is integrated into the watch 200, and comprises either a rotary controller, of the column wheel 840 type, controlled by the interface, with two to five successive stable positions, or else a controller back and forth, shuttle type, controlled by the interface, with two successive stable positions.

More specifically, the function controller is external to the watch 200 and is housed in the clock 100, and the watch 200 comprises only a reciprocating cam controlled by the interface and returning to rest by default. , and includes a stable resting position, and one to three piloted positions.

More particularly, the function controller comprises a snail and a two-position cam.

In a first particular variant, called step-by-step time setting, the sympathetic assembly 1000 is arranged to allow step-by-step time setting. More particularly, this sympathetic assembly 1000 comprising a sympathetic clock 100 and at least one associated sympathetic watch 200 is designed to perform the following functions: the starting of the stopped watch when it is placed on the clock; the winding of the watch with the assurance of an autonomy of at least twelve hours when it is removed from the clock; keeping the watch running when it is on the clock; setting the time of the watch when it is placed on the clock or on demand, to within plus or minus 15 seconds; keeping the watch on time as long as it is on the clock; the possibility of deactivating the function for possible storage of the stopped watch on the clock.

In this first variant, the time setting can be done step by step at the request of the user at the level of the control means 300, and/or automatically, that is to say controlled by the clock 100, in particular by a mechanism linked to the rotation of the displays of the clock 100, in particular and not limited to a display of the hours of the clock 104, and a display of the minutes of the clock 105. The command carried out by the clock 100 can be periodic, or linked to an additional mechanism set by the user, called an alarm clock type, analogous to an alarm clock mechanism; this command performed by the clock 100 is executed only if a watch 200 is present in the receptacle 150, in the transfer position.

[0180] The time-setting is of interest to the user, except for demonstration purposes, only if the watch 200 is not completely disarmed. Also, the time setting is generally consecutive to a rearming, or more generally, a recharging of energy of the watch 200. The present description is simplified by the use of the terms “winding” or “rearming” for any charging or respectively recharging in energy.

The watch 200 conventionally comprises displays, 3, 4, 5, and in particular and without limitation a display of the hours of the watch 4, and a display of the minutes of the watch 5. The figures illustrate non-limiting variants where these displays are needles.

More specifically, the command performed by the clock 100, or the action of the user on the control means 300, has the first effect of positioning one of the transmission lines in a position corresponding to the time setting. . One of the transmission lines is then able to print to a time-setting mechanism, which is internal to the watch 200, the movement or movements necessary to achieve the current time display accurately.

The invention is described below in a non-limiting embodiment, in which one of the transmission lines between the clock and the watch comprises a first actuator of the clock 501, which is arranged to cooperate with a first actuator of the watch 901 for controlling the start or stop of the watch, and another of these transmission lines comprises a second actuator of the clock 502 which is arranged to cooperate with a second actuator of the watch 902, in particular a pusher or the like, which incrementally provides the positioning movement. In another embodiment, these pushers can be combined. In another embodiment, another transmission line comprises a third actuator of the clock 503, arranged to cooperate with one of the actuators of the watch.

The watch 200 includes a resonator 10, which includes at least one inertial mass 15; the present description relates to the most common case of a resonator of the balance-spring type, where the inertial mass 15 is a balance wheel.

The watch 200 is equipped with a stop mechanism 20, arranged to stop the operation of the resonator 10, in particular by pressing an arm, or a leaf spring, or another actuator, on the inertial mass 15 or on a suitable element of the resonator. More particularly, this stop mechanism 20 is a stop-seconds mechanism 25 comprising a stop lever.

The clock 100 comprises a stop control mechanism 120, which is arranged to transform the step-by-step time-setting command performed by the user or by the clock 100, into a sequence, the first of which step is a control action of the stop mechanism 20 of the watch 200.

The stop control mechanism 120 of the clock 100 is arranged to control a movement of one of the transmission lines to identify the time setting action, and to control the transfer of a pulse or of a torque to the stop mechanism 20 of the watch 200.

[0188] The time-setting sequence is as follows: to set the time, the resonator 10 is stopped, in particular the balance wheel 15 of the watch 200, is stopped and the displays of the watch 200 return to the reference position, in particular 12:00, instantly; the hour 4 and minute 5 displays of the watch 200 then reach, by successive steps, a restart display position which corresponds to the instantaneous exact time, increased by the value of at least one additional step imposed by the mechanism, including a two-minute step; at the passage of the next two minutes, that is to say at the instant corresponding to the restart display position which has just been reached, the resonator 10, in particular the balance wheel 15, of the watch, is released by the stop mechanism 20 of the watch 200, in particular by this stop-seconds mechanism 25.

To do this, the watch 200 recognizes the movement of the transmission line between the clock 100 and the watch 200 in the time-set position, a first actuator of the watch 901 (in particular a pusher or the like) actuates the stop lever of the stop-seconds mechanism 25, which stops the resonator 10 and the watch 200. This first actuator of the watch 901 is advantageously also a mechanism for controlling at least one hammer or the like, and causes the positioning of the displays of hour 4 and minute 5 of the watch 200 in the reference position, by bringing into cooperation, for each adjusted horological variable, a hammer with a heart carried by a roadway.

[0190] Thus, more particularly, step-by-step time setting includes a sequence of steps, described here with numerical values of the step which are in no way limiting: During the time setting order given by the user at the level of the control means 300, or given by the clock 100 itself, the control means 300, or a clockwork movement 900 that comprises the clock 100, activates the stop control mechanism 120 , which immediately controls the stop mechanism 20 of the watch 200, through the first pusher 901.

The resonator 10 is then stopped, in the particular case illustrated here the inertial mass 15 is stopped.

The watch 200 includes at least one display 3, 4, 5; more particularly and non-limitingly, the present description relates to the adjustment of an hour display of the watch 4, and of a minute display of the watch 5

The watch 200 includes a reset mechanism 500, which is arranged to bring back at least one display 3, 4, 5, of the watch, in particular the hour display of the watch 4 and the minute display of the watch 5, at a reference position, in particular for example the position at the reference position, in particular 12:00 p.m., that is to say twelve hours and zero minutes, or again, as visible in FIGS. 27 to 33 , the 10:10 position, i.e. ten hours and ten minutes, or any other value. In the absence of any indication to the contrary, in the present description, the reference position is this reference position of 12:00, twelve hours and zero minutes.

More particularly, this reset mechanism 500 is arranged to return each display 3, 4, 5 of the watch to its reference position.

In a non-limiting embodiment, this reset mechanism 500 comprises, for each display 3, 4, 5, a heart 401, 702, 703, which is integral in rotation with this display 3, 4, 5 , and the reset mechanism 500 comprises at least one hammer 402, 701, which is arranged to cooperate in support with this core 401, 702, 703, when the reset mechanism 500 is activated; preferably this hammer 402, 701 is returned by a hammer spring 403 which tends to move it away from the core 401, 702, 703, in normal operation.

In a particular variant, the hammer 402, 701 is unique, and common to all the hearts 401, 702, 703, which the watch 200 includes for the different horological magnitudes to be adjusted.

The stop mechanism 20 thus controls, simultaneously with the stoppage of the watch 200, the resetting of its display by activating its reset mechanism 500 to return each display 3, 4, 5, to its reference position.

Thus each display 3, 4, 5 of the watch 200 instantly assumes the reference display position, for example the twelve o'clock and zero minute position.

Another transmission line is then driven by the clock to impose a particular display on the watch; instead of being done continuously, this workout is done in steps. This other transmission line includes a second watch actuator 902, which operates here in a to-and-fro movement; this execution is one of the non-limiting possibilities for controlling the time of the watch.

[0200] Subsequently, by means of this second actuator of the watch 902, the clock 100 drives the minute display of the watch 5, in steps of a given value, for example of two minutes, and therefore drives indirectly, through the minute display of the watch 5, the hour display of the watch 4, until the display on the watch corresponds to a restart display position which corresponds to the instantaneous exact time which is the value of the instantaneous display visible on the clock 100, increased by at least one additional step, therefore here by two minutes.

[0201] This mechanism operates analogously to a date corrector: watch 200 has a corrector linked to a minute wheel set, and clock 100 actuates a second watch actuator 902 which presses this corrector the number of times necessary to reach the instantaneous time, increased by the value of the step, here by two minutes. This linear movement resembles the operation of a bicycle pump. Referencing on the clock is done in a manner similar to that carried out by a minute repeater mechanism on demand, with sensing of the hour and minute snails that the clock conventionally comprises.

The two-minute steps are a non-limiting example, and, in this example, the number of steps to be taken, for two-minute steps, is then variable between 0 and 359 steps (60/2*12). During this phase, the floor or the minute wheel of the watch is positioned precisely by means of a star, in particular but not limited to 30 teeth; we will see later the advantageous case of a spider of 15 teeth. More generally, the roadway or the minute wheel of the watch 200 is precisely positioned by the combination of a star fixed to the roadway or the minute wheel, and a jumper with one or more teeth, the number of teeth of this star and the number of teeth of this jumper together defining the value of the predetermined pitch.

[0203] The operation of the first actuator of the watch 901 can be used to ensure the rearming of the hammer 402, 701.

[0204] Subsequently, the clock 100 waits for the next passage at the following two minutes, for, at this precise instant which corresponds to the restart display position which was previously set, to release the stop lever by means of the first pusher 901, and thus allow the watch to operate at the exact time. Thanks to the stop seconds, this time setting is very precise.

[0205] Indeed, this same transition to the following two minutes has the effect of modifying the state of the stop control mechanism 120, and of controlling a movement of the on/off control transmission line, to identify the end of the time setting action, and to control the transfer of an impulse or a torque to the stop mechanism 20 of the watch 200.

[0206] In the execution where the sympathetic pendulum 100 comprises a first selection shaft 1 and at least a second drive shaft 2, the watch 200 recognizes the movement of one of the transmission lines in the end-of-warning position. the hour, the first upper half-shaft 12 re-actuates the stop lever of the stop mechanism 20, which releases the resonator 10 and the watch 200, the operation of which resumes instantaneously.

In short, via a first interface, the pendulum 100 stops the inertial mass 15, in particular the balance wheel, of the watch 200, in particular via a stop-second lever mechanism 25.

[0208] Subsequently, by a second mechanism, the clock 100 drives in steps, here in steps of two minutes, the display of the minutes of the watch 5 of the watch 200, and through it the display of the hours of watch 4 of watch 200, until these displays reach and together indicate the instantaneous exact time plus two minutes.

[0209] Subsequently, the clock 100 waits for the next passage to the next two minutes to release the stop lever, and thus allow the watch 200 to operate on time.

The time setting of the watch is thus carried out very precisely.

In short, the step-by-step time-setting method of such a sympathetic watch 200 comprises various steps described below.

[0212] 1A: A value of a pre-determined autonomy that watch 200 must have at all times after a first winding in the event of removal of clock 100 is determined.

[0213] 1B: A predetermined time-setting step value is determined.

[0214] 1C: A reference position of the displays 3, 4, 5, of the watch 200 is defined.

[0215] 1D: The link mechanism is equipped with at least two distinct transmission lines, one to transfer energy or a movement, and the other to select a function to be performed or a display quantity to be adjusted, each transmission line having an interface with a pendulum actuator in the clock 100 and at least one watch actuator in the watch 200.

[0216] 1E: The watch 200 is placed in the receptacle 150, in the transfer position allowing the clock 100 to detect the presence of the watch 200, and to carry out a first winding of the watch 200 to trigger the setting running of watch 200 if watch 200 is stopped when it is placed on clock 100.

[0217] 1F: The clock 100 winds the watch 200 so as to guarantee the pre-determined autonomy of the watch 200 when it is removed from the clock 100.

[0218] 1G: And the clock 100 sets the time of the watch 200, either when the watch 200 is placed on the receptacle 150, or when the clock 100 passes a predetermined instant, or at the request by action of a user on a control means 300 that includes the clock 100 or the watch 200, or on command of a clock movement 900 that includes the clock 100.

[0219] 1H: And the clock 100 positions a transmission line in a position corresponding to the time setting, and actuates by successive steps, each of the value of this predetermined step, a transmission line capable of printing on a mechanism time setting internal to the watch 200 any movement necessary to accurately achieve the display of the current time.

1I: Clock 100 keeps watch 200 in operation as long as watch 200 is on clock 100, in receptacle 150, in the transfer position.

[0221] 1J: More specifically, the clock 100 and/or the watch 200 is equipped with control means arranged to allow the user to deactivate the time-setting function and the winding function for a storage of the watch stopped on the clock.

[0222] 1K: More specifically, the time setting is controlled step by step by a periodic mechanism linked to the rotation of the displays of the clock 100, or else linked to an alarm mechanism, or of the alarm type, regulated by the user.

[0223] 1L: More specifically, the sympathetic assembly 1000 is equipped with a first transmission line which comprises a first actuator of the clock 501, which is arranged to cooperate with a first actuator of the watch 901 for controlling the running or stoppage of the watch, and a second transmission line which comprises a second actuator of the clock 502 which is arranged to cooperate with a second actuator of the watch 902, which provides the positioning movement incrementally.

[0224] 1M: More specifically, the sympathetic assembly 1000 is equipped with a first transmission line which comprises a first actuator of the clock 501, which is arranged to cooperate with a first actuator of the watch 901 for controlling the engagement or disengagement of the display of the watch 200 with respect to the resonator without stopping the latter, and of a second transmission line which comprises a second actuator of the pendulum 502 which is arranged to cooperate with a second actuator of the watch 902, which incrementally provides the positioning movement.

[0225] 1N: More particularly, a single actuator is produced constituting both the first actuator of the watch 901 and the second actuator of the watch 902.

[0226] 1O: More specifically, the watch 200 is equipped with a stop mechanism 20, and the clock 100 is equipped with a stop control mechanism 120, which is arranged to transform the time step by step performed by a user or by the clock 100, in a sequence, the first step of which is a control action of the stop mechanism 20 of the watch 200, the stop control mechanism 120 of the clock 100 being arranged to control a movement of a transmission line to identify the time-setting action, and to control the transfer of an impulse or a torque to the stop mechanism 20 of the watch 200.

[0227] 1P: More particularly, for the actuation, in successive steps, of the transmission line to the internal time-setting mechanism in the watch 200, a time-setting sequence is carried out according to which the mechanism stop control 120 of the clock 100 controls the stop mechanism 20 of the watch 200 to stop the resonator 10 before setting the time, and to control a reset mechanism 500, which is fitted to watch 200, to instantly recall displays 3, 4; 5, of the watch 200 in their reference position, then the advancement of the displays 3, 4, 5 is controlled, by successive steps, up to a restart display position which corresponds to the exact instantaneous time readable on the pendulum 100, increased by a value corresponding to a predetermined pitch, or an integer number of predetermined pitches, imposed by the mechanism. And the passage of the clock 100 at the time corresponding to the restart display position modifies the state of the stop control mechanism 120, and commands a movement of the on/off control transmission line, for identify the time setting end action, and command the transfer of an impulse or a torque to the stop mechanism 20 of the watch 200 to release it and restart the resonator 10.

[0228] 1Q: More particularly, to carry out the reset, the watch 200 recognizes the movement of the transmission line between the clock 100 and the watch 200 in the time-setting position, and a first actuator of the watch 901 actuates the stop mechanism 20 which stops the resonator 10 and the watch 200, the first actuator of the watch 901 constituting a mechanism for controlling at least one hammer, to cause the positioning of at least one hour display 4 and a minute display 5, in the reference position, by co-operating, for each timepiece adjusted, with a hammer 402; 701, with a core 401, 702, 703, integral in rotation with a display and carried by a floor.

[0229] 1R: More specifically, to perform the time-setting sequence, the clock 100 drives another transmission line to impose a particular display on the watch 200, this other transmission line comprises a second actuator of the watch 902, which operates back and forth, and, by means of the second actuator of the watch 902, the clock 100 drives the minute display of the watch 5 of the watch 200, by an integer number of predetermined steps, and causes, through the minute display of the watch 5, the hour display of the watch 4 of the watch 200, until the display on the watch 200 corresponds to the position d reboot display.

[0230] 1S: More specifically, to perform the time-setting sequence, the clock 100 is equipped with a mechanism for driving hour and minute snails by the movement 900, and a mechanism for sensing the instantaneous hour and minute, like on a minute repeater mechanism on demand.

[0231] 1T: More specifically, to perform the time-setting sequence, the clock 100 is fitted with a mechanism driven by the movement 900 of a single minute cochlea driven at a speed of one revolution in twelve hours, or one revolution in twenty-four hours, comprising a number of steps corresponding to the chosen minute step multiplied by 12 or 24, and an instantaneous minute feeler mechanism as on a minute repeater mechanism on demand .

[0232] 1U: More specifically, a predetermined step of two minutes is chosen, and the number of steps to be taken is variable between 0 and 359 steps, during which the floor or the minute wheel of the watch 200 is positioned precisely thanks to a 30-tooth or 15-tooth spider which can then be made up of the roadway itself.

[0233] 1V: More particularly, the roadway or the minute wheel of the watch 200 is precisely positioned by the combination of a star fixed to the roadway or the minute wheel, and a jumper with one or more teeth, the number of star teeth and the number of jumper teeth together defining the value of the predetermined pitch.

[0234] 1W: More specifically, a clock 100 is implemented which includes a first selection shaft 1 and at least one second drive shaft 2, and the watch 200 is arranged to recognize the movement of one of the lines of transmission in the end of time-setting position, and comprises a first upper half-shaft 12 which controls the stop mechanism 20 to release the resonator 10.

A second variant, called winding by periodic impulse and with the time-setting function, relates to the periodic winding of the watch 200, when the watch is in the receptacle 150 of the clock 100, with a value of arming which corresponds to the duration of a period, plus a safety duration.

The general objectives are the same as for the first step-by-step time-setting variant.

[0237] In an advantageous embodiment, winding identical to that which is carried out at each period is also triggered when the watch is timed, either at the request of the user, or at the request of the time base of the clock 100, to ensure the operation of the watch 200 after setting the time. This winding is then carried out prior to the time-setting operation.

This principle requires the presence, at the level of the watch 200, of a safety mechanism, such as a barrel of the sliding flange type, to prevent the barrel spring breaking in overload. In a more complex execution, a mechanism for measuring the power reserve can make it possible to prevent unnecessary or detrimental winding of the barrel.

[0239] For example, and in a non-limiting way, the periodic winding is carried out with a period of twelve hours, therefore twice a day, for a winding value greater than the period of periodic winding, for example a value of winding of thirteen hours, so as to have thirteen hours of autonomy.

The execution of a periodic type winding can be done at the request of the user at the level of the control means 300, and/or automatically, that is to say controlled by the clock 100, in particular by a mechanism linked to the rotation of the displays 104, 105, of the clock 100. The command carried out by the clock 100 can be periodic, or linked to an additional mechanism set by the user, an alarm mechanism, or a alarm-type mechanism; this command performed by the clock 100 is executed only if a watch 200 is present in the receptacle 150, in the transfer position.

[0241] The execution of a rewinding of the periodic type can be triggered by an action by the user during a time-setting request, or by a command from the clock 100 itself for the same object. .

More specifically, it is via one of the transmission lines between the clock and the watch, or via a third interface such as a crown, that the clock 100 drives the watch winding train 200 by a number of revolutions equivalent to thirteen hours of autonomy, in the present example. This autonomy allows the watch 200 to operate if the user immediately wears his watch, provided that the latter is equipped with an automatic winding mechanism ensuring the additional winding, even if this watch 200 was disarmed beforehand, before the time update request.

[0243] If the watch 200 is automatic, it will continue winding with the wearer.

If the watch 200 remains in its receptacle 150 on the clock 100, it continues to operate until the next periodic winding, in our advantageous example, after twelve hours.

[0245] It can be noted that, in an extreme case, the winding may go down so that the chronometry is impaired, but if the winding period is coupled with a time-setting period, this loss is not no harm to the user.

[0246] It is also noted that, after approximately 50 cycles, the maximum winding of the watch, for example 60 hours, will be reached, the watch will therefore operate continuously between 48 and 60 hours of winding and the flange of the barrel is then required to slip for two hours a day, which is much less than for normal wear of an automatic watch, and does not generate inconsiderate wear of the mechanism.

This periodic winding is very simple, and preserves the energy storage mechanism of the watch, while ensuring availability for the benefit of the user.

In short, the periodic pulse winding method of such a sympathetic watch 200 comprises various steps described below.

2A: A winding period is determined, and, when the watch is in the receptacle 150, a periodic winding of the watch 200 is carried out with a period equal to the winding period, with a value of arming which corresponds to the duration of an arming period, plus a safety duration.

[0250] 2B: More particularly, a winding identical to the periodic winding which is carried out at each winding period is triggered, either during an operation to set the time of the watch 200 by the clock 100, or else at the request by action of a user on a control means 300, or on command of a clock movement 900 that includes the clock 100, to ensure the continuation of the operation of the watch 200 after the operation of setting the time, the winding being carried out prior to the time-setting operation.

[0251] 2C: More particularly, the clock 100 keeps the watch 200 in operation as long as the watch 200 is on the clock 100, in the receptacle 150, in the transfer position.

[0252] 2D: The clock 100 and/or the watch 200 is fitted with control means arranged to allow the user to deactivate the time-setting function and the winding function for storage of the watch stopped on the clock.

[0253] 2E: The watch 200 is fitted with a safety mechanism, a barrel with a sliding flange or a mechanism for measuring the power reserve, to prevent the barrel spring from breaking when overloaded and to prevent unnecessary winding or winding that is detrimental to the barrel.

More particularly, a winding period of twelve hours is chosen.

[0255] 2F: More specifically, a setting value of thirteen hours is chosen, including a setting period of twelve hours, and a safety duration of one hour, so as to have a total of thirteen hours of autonomy .

[0256] 2G: More specifically, automatic winding of the periodic type is chosen, controlled by the clock 100, either periodically by a mechanism linked to the rotation of the displays of the clock 100, or by the triggering of a mechanism schedule set by the user, at a time defined by the user in a wake-up mechanism or in an alarm-like mechanism.

[0257] 2H: More specifically, periodic winding is triggered, either by an action by the user during a time setting request, or by a time setting command by the clock 100 .

[0258] 2I: The pendulum 100 drives the winding train of the watch 200 by one of the transmission lines, or by a third interface controlling the rotation of a crown that includes the watch 200, by an adequate number of revolutions for constitute a winding value equal to the sum of the winding period and the safety duration, so as to allow the immediate operation of the watch 200, even if the user immediately wears the watch 200, and even if the watch 200 was disarmed beforehand, before the time-setting request.

[0259] 2J: More specifically, the winding period is reduced to a threshold at which the chronometry of the watch 200 is impaired, and the winding period is coupled with a time-setting period, so that the loss of chronometric performance is not harmful to the user.

More particularly, the link mechanism is produced comprising at least two separate transmission lines between the clock 100 and the watch 200.

[0261] More particularly, this sympathetic assembly 1000 is made with a watch 200 comprising at least one resonator 10, and a display gear train and a finishing gear train, and, or else a stop mechanism 20 arranged to stop running. of the resonator 10, or else a clutch mechanism making it possible to separate the display from the going train, or else both such a stop mechanism 20 and such a clutch mechanism, and the watch 200 comprising at least one 4 hours display and a 5 minutes display.

[0262] A third variant, called relative time setting, concerns the execution of the time setting on demand, and automatically periodically, for example twice a day, controlled by the clock 100 .

The general objectives are the same as for the first step-by-step time-setting variant.

At each period, the clock 100 drives the displays 4, 5, of the watch 200, backwards, by a value guaranteeing the passage of the displays to a twelve o'clock and zero minute position, for example by a value of thirteen o'clock for setting the time of a twelve o'clock time display. Each of these displays 4, 5 is locked on passage from the twelve o'clock and zero minute reference position by a pawl. More particularly, this reference position is adjustable, as well as the locking position of the pawl specific to at least one display 4, 5, more particularly to each display 4, 5.

The clock 100 drives the displays of the watch 4, 5 until the correct time, with an accuracy of the order of ±20 seconds.

[0266] The execution of this time setting on demand, and automatically on a periodic basis, can be done at the user's request at the level of the control means 300, and/or automatically, it that is to say driven by the clock 100, in particular by a mechanism linked to the rotation of the displays 104, 105, of the clock 100. The command carried out by the clock 100 can be periodic, or else linked to an additional mechanism regulated by the user, a wake-up mechanism or a wake-up-like mechanism; this command performed by the clock 100 is executed only if a watch 200 is present in the receptacle 150, in the transfer position.

By means of a crown or similar type interface, the clock 100 drives the minute display of the watch 5, and by this drives the hour display of the watch 4, in the counter-clockwise direction. a watch, abbreviated as SIAM, of the equivalent of thirteen o'clock so as to guarantee the passage of the hours through the reference position, in particular at twelve o'clock and zero minutes. On passing from the position at twelve o'clock and zero minutes, or, advantageously on passing from a neighboring position, called the preparation position, for example from the position at twelve o'clock and fifteen minutes, a pawl unlocks and blocks the display of the minute at the reference position, in particular 12 o'clock. Drive by the hour clock, on the thirteen o'clock run counter-clockwise, continues on a friction system. This principle is the reverse principle of the principle which makes it possible to adjust exactly, to the minute, the alarm clock ringing time, by combining two cams, one which is an hour cam and which has an opening corresponding to a lapse of time of about a quarter of an hour before the time scheduled for the execution of the chime, this opening being arranged to cooperate with a pin for the continuation of the drive by the movement of the minute cam alone which triggers the chime at the exact minute previously set, as read in document EP2073076B1 in the name of MONTRES BREGUET.

[0268] Subsequently, via an appropriate interface, the clock 100 drives the minute display of the watch 5 in the normal clockwise direction, abbreviated SAM, and through it the hour display of the watch 4, until they reach the correct time. It should be noted that the time-setting precision is highly dependent on the clearances and out-of-roundness of the time-setting gear train, it is estimated at approximately +/- 15 to 20 seconds per minute.

[0269] More particularly, the reference position and/or the preparation position is adjustable, as well as the locking position of at least one pawl, in particular of each pawl.

In short, the method for setting the relative time of such a sympathetic watch 200 comprises various steps described below.

[0271] 3A: A reference position of the displays 3, 4, 5, of the watch 200 is defined.

[0272] 3B: The time setting is performed, or at the request of a user acting on a control means 300 that includes the clock 100 or the watch 200, or automatically periodically controlled by the clock 100.

[0273] 3C: And, to perform the relative time setting, the clock 100 drives the displays 4, 5, of the watch backwards, counterclockwise, with a sufficiently large stroke to guarantee the passage of the displays 4, 5, through the reference position.

[0274] 3D: For a watch 200 carrying out a display over twelve hours, the course is chosen with a value greater than twelve hours, in particular but not limited to for setting the time twice a day.

[0275] 3E: More specifically, the watch 200 is equipped with, in particular but not limited to each of its displays 4, 5, a pawl arranged to block at least one display 4, 5, when it passes through the position corresponding to the reference position.

[0276] 3F: More particularly, the control means 300 are equipped with adjustment means for adjusting the locking position of the pawl specific to at least one display, or for adjusting the locking position of the pawl specific to each display.

More specifically, the control means 300 is equipped with adjustment means for adjusting the reference position.

[0278] 3G: More specifically, automatic periodic time setting is chosen, controlled by the clock 100, either periodically by a mechanism linked to the rotation of the displays of the clock 100, or by triggering of an auxiliary mechanism set by the user, at a time defined by the user in a wake-up mechanism or in a wake-up type mechanism.

[0279] 3H: More specifically, periodic time setting is triggered, either by a user action during a time setting request, or by a time setting command by the pendulum 100.

[0280] 3I: More particularly, through an interface, the clock 100 drives the minute display of the watch 5, and by this drives the hour display of the watch 4, in the opposite direction to hands of a clock, to block the minute display at the reference position, the drive by the 100 hour clock continuing on a friction system.

[0281] 3J: More particularly, then, via an appropriate interface, the clock 100 drives the minute display of the watch 5 this time in the normal clockwise direction, and through it the display of the hours of watch 4, until they reach the correct time.

[0282] 3K: More specifically, a preparation position is defined, close to the reference position, on passing which a pawl is unlocked, the control means 300 is equipped with an adjustment means for adjusting the preparation position .

[0283] 3L: More specifically, the sympathetic assembly 1000 is equipped with a first transmission line which comprises a first actuator of the clock 501, which is arranged to cooperate with a first actuator of the watch 901 for controlling the engagement or disengagement of the display of the watch 200 with respect to the resonator 10 without stopping the latter, and of a second transmission line which comprises a second actuator of the clock 502 which is arranged to cooperate with a second actuator of the watch 902, which provides the positioning movement.

3M: More specifically, the watch 200 is fitted with a stop mechanism 20 to keep the inertial mass 15 of the resonator 10 stationary while the time is being set.

[0285] 3N: More specifically, the watch 200 is equipped with a clutch mechanism to start up the displays 4; 5 without the inertial mass 15 of the resonator 10 being stopped during time setting.

In a fourth variant, called winding by setting the relative time, the winding is done during the duration of thirteen hours of counter-clockwise rotation of the relative time setting of the shows, shown above. It is done in the same way, on demand and automatically twice a day. The thirteen hours of counter-clockwise rotation of the displays 4, 5, of the watch ensure the winding of the watch for a period of thirteen hours.

This fourth variant enables time-setting and winding to be carried out with a single rotary interface.

The time-setting function is triggered by an action by the user on the clock (on demand), or by a mechanism linked to the rotation of the displays of the clock (periodic).

By means of a crown or similar type interface, the clock 100 drives the minute display of the watch 5 and the hour display of the watch 4 counterclockwise by the equivalent of thirteen hours for relative time setting. This rotation can be used to arm the barrel, advantageously by thirteen o'clock.

[0290] Two solutions are proposed: or else the interface drives the manual winding gear train in addition to the counter-clockwise rotation of the displays; or else the going train comprises a mobile ratchet, which allows the winding of the barrel during the reverse rotation of the displays.

The first option is simple to implement. It includes a ratchet system so that the clockwise rotation of the relative time setting displays can take place, but the ratchet system is not located in the going train.

[0292] The second option is interesting because it only requires a ratchet wheel in the going train. The time-setting friction must enable the transfer of torque from the winding; typical pavement torque is about 1 N.mm, and typical pavement torque for maximum winding is 3 N.mm. A clutch system can replace conventional time-setting friction.

This invention makes it possible to ensure winding for a period of thirteen hours when time-setting on demand, and for a period of thirteen hours during periodic time-settings.

In short, the winding method by setting the relative time of such a sympathetic watch 200 comprises various steps described below.

[0295] 4A: A reference position of the displays of the watch 200 is defined.

[0296] 4B: The winding is performed by setting the time, or at the request of a user acting on a control means 300 that comprises the clock 100 or the watch 200, or automatically in a periodically controlled manner by the pendulum 100, and, to perform the relative time setting which allows winding, the pendulum 100 drives the displays 4, 5, of the watch backwards, counterclockwise, with a race large enough to guarantee the passage of the displays 4, 5, through the reference position.

[0297] 4C: More particularly, for a watch 200 carrying out a twelve-hour display, the course is chosen with a value greater than twelve hours, in particular but not limited to for setting the time twice a day.

[0298] 4D: More specifically, the watch 200 is equipped with, for each of its displays 4, 5, a pawl arranged to block this display 4, 5, when it passes through the position corresponding to the reference position.

[0299] 4E: More particularly, the control means 300 are equipped with adjustment means for adjusting the locking position of the pawl specific to at least one display, or for adjusting the locking position of the pawl specific to each display.

[0300] 4F: More particularly, the control means 300 is equipped with an adjustment means for adjusting the reference position.

[0301] 4G: More specifically, automatic periodic time setting is chosen, controlled by the clock 100, either periodically by a mechanism linked to the rotation of the displays of the clock 100, or by triggering a user-set ancillary mechanism at a user-defined time in a wake-up or wake-up-like mechanism.

[0302] 4H: More specifically, periodic time setting is triggered, either by a user action during a time setting request, or by a time setting command by the pendulum 100.

[0303] 4I: More particularly, through an interface, the clock 100 drives the minute display of the watch 5, and by this drives the hour display of the watch 4, in the opposite direction of the hands of a watch, to block the display of the minute at the reference position, the drive by the 100 hour clock continuing on a friction system, to ensure the defined winding. In particular, a preparation position is defined, close to the reference position, on passage from which the pawl is unlocked, in order to block the display of the minute.

[0304] 4J: More specifically, when the displays rotate counter-clockwise, the interface winds the barrel. And, either the pawl is outside the finishing gear train and the interface drives, in addition to the displays, the manual winding gear train that the watch 200 includes, or else the finishing gear train includes a ratchet wheel set which allows the winding of the barrel by the display gear train and the part of the going train situated between the pawl mobile and the barrel during the reverse rotation of the displays.

[0305] In a fifth variant, called permanent time setting, time setting, like winding, takes place only on demand.

[0306] In this variant, the watch 200 is necessarily equipped with a stop mechanism 20, arranged to stop the operation of the resonator 10, in particular by pressing an arm, or a leaf spring, or another actuator, on the inertial mass 15 or on a suitable element of the resonator. More particularly, this stop mechanism 20 is a stop-seconds mechanism 25 comprising a stop lever.

[0307] The stop lever is activated.

[0308] The clock drives the displays back thirteen o'clock, they are blocked when passing the reference position, in particular 12 o'clock, by pawls.

[0309] These thirteen hours of reverse rotation also ensure the winding of the watch as before.

The clock then drives the displays up to the time, with an accuracy of the order of ±20 seconds.

[0311] Subsequently, the clock continues to drive the displays until the watch is unlocked on the clock.

[0312] Unlocking the watch on the clock releases the stop lever.

[0313] This fifth variant avoids constant operation of the watch (excluding display), daily winding and time-setting, the functions being carried out only once, from the request until the taking of the show.

The time-setting function is triggered by an action by the user on the clock (on request) only.

[0315] Via a second interface (pusher type), the clock stops the watch and disengages the display (road clutch).

[0316] Via a first interface (crown type), the clock drives the minute display and through it that of the hours in an anti-clockwise direction by the equivalent of thirteen hours, so as to guarantee the passage of hours at the reference position, in particular 12 o'clock, and to guarantee a minimum winding of more than twelve hours of power reserve, in particular with a value of thirteen hours of power reserve, in a manner similar to the fourth variant. A little before reaching the reference position, in particular 12 o'clock, in reverse, for example when passing the 12:15 o'clock position, or similar, a pawl unlocks and locks the minute at the reference position, in particular 12 o'clock; the drive by the counter-clockwise thirteen o'clock clock continues on a friction system.

Subsequently, via the first interface, the clock drives the minute display, and through it that of the hours until they reach the exact time. It should be noted that the time-setting precision is highly dependent on the backlashes and out-of-roundness of the time-setting gear train, it is estimated at ±20 seconds per minute.

[0318] Subsequently, via the first interface, the clock drives the displays at real speed as long as the watch is not unlocked from the clock for the wearer.

When the watch is unlocked for the wearer by the user, the clock, via the second interface, releases the stop lever and the clutch of the display, the watch is again independent.

[0320] This invention has the advantage of saving the operating wear of the watch when it is on the clock.

[0321] It also guarantees a minimum of thirteen hours of autonomy regardless of when the watch is taken.

In short, the winding process by permanent time setting of such a sympathetic watch 200 comprises various steps described below.

[0323] 5A: A reference position of the displays of the watch 200 is defined.

[0324] 5B: The time setting is executed only at the request of a user acting on a control means 300 that includes the clock 100 or the watch 200, or automatically periodically controlled by the clock 100 , and, to set the time, the clock 100 drives the displays 4, 5, of the watch backwards, counterclockwise, with a stroke large enough to guarantee the passage of the displays 4, 5, by the reference position; or the clock 100 controls the means of the watch 200 which are arranged so as to ensure the movement of the displays towards the reference position by means of hearts.

[0325] 5C: Through an interface, the clock 100 drives the minute display of the watch 5, and by this drives the hour display of the watch 4, in the counter-clockwise direction. a watch, to block the display of the minute at the reference position, the driving by the clock 100 of the hours continuing on a friction system, and then, by an appropriate interface, the clock 100 drives the display of the minutes of the watch 5 this time in the normal clockwise direction, and through it the display of the hours of the watch 4, until they reach the exact time in continuous rotation. More particularly, a preparation position is defined, close to the reference position, on passing which a pawl is unlocked, for this blocking of the minute display.

[0326] 5D: The action of the user on the control means 300 actuates the stop mechanism 20 to stop the operation of the resonator 10, prior to driving the displays 4, 5, to the position of reference, and, after the instantaneous time has been reached by the displays 4, 5, of the watch 200, the clock 100 drives the displays 4, 5, as long as the watch 200 is in the transfer position in the receptacle 150 , and the removal of the watch 200 from the receptacle 150 dissociates it from the clock 100 and generates the release of the stop mechanism 20 to authorize the operation of the resonator 10.

5E: The displays 4, 5 are thus driven up to the reference position, in the counter-clockwise direction.

[0328] 5F: During the action of the user on the control means 300, the clock 100 actuates the stop mechanism 20 through an all or nothing interface to stop the operation of the resonator 10.

[0329] 5G: More particularly, for driving the displays 4, 5 backwards, the clock 100 drives the displays 4, 5, through a motion transmission interface, and, after reaching the instantaneous time by the displays 4, 5, in the normal direction of clockwise, the pendulum 100 drives the displays 4, 5, at real speed as long as the watch 200 is in the transfer position in the receptacle 150, and the removal of the watch 200 from the receptacle 150 dissociates it from the clock 100 and generates the clutch between the motion transmission interface and the displays 4, 5.

5H: More particularly, for a watch 200 carrying out a display over twelve hours, the course is chosen with a value greater than twelve hours, in particular but not limited to for setting the time twice a day.

[0331] 5I: More specifically, the watch 200 is equipped with, for each of its displays 4, 5, a pawl arranged to block this display 4, 5, when it passes through the position corresponding to the reference position.

[0332] 5J: More particularly, the control means 300 are fitted with adjustment means for adjusting the locking position of the pawl specific to at least one display, or for adjusting the locking position of the pawl specific to each display.

5K: More specifically, control means 300 are equipped with an adjustment means for adjusting the reference position.

[0334] 5L: More specifically, a permanent time-setting trigger is chosen automatically, driven by the clock 100, either periodically by a mechanism linked to the rotation of the displays of the clock 100, or by triggering from an auxiliary mechanism set by the user, at a time defined by the user in an alarm-type mechanism.

[0335] 5M: More specifically, such a permanent time setting is triggered, either by an action by the user during a time setting request, or by a time setting command by the clock 100.

5N: More specifically, the control means 300 is equipped with an adjustment means for adjusting the preparation position.

50: More particularly, the winding is executed only on demand during an action by a user on the control means 300 during the permanent time setting which allows the winding.

A sixth variant, called data acquisition for setting the time on demand, is intended to allow the time displayed by the clock to be read and to transmit the information to the watch within the framework of the modes operation of sympathetic pendulums described in the first, third and fifth variants above. Figures 8 to 12 illustrate this taking of data on the clock for setting the time on demand.

This sixth variant uses a mechanism which allows the reading of the difference between the current time and the reference time, chosen arbitrarily and not limited to 12:00 p.m. for all the variants shown, and which also makes it possible to transmit the information of the value of this difference to the watch, so as to index it after a reset to the reference position, in particular 12:00, of its displays. Advantageously, this transmission can give either the exact difference, or else the total of the difference and of an offset necessary for setting the time to the top second.

[0340] This sixth variant is explained here in a manner analogous to the first so-called step-by-step time-setting variant, it will be seen that it is also valid for the third and fifth variants.

[0341] Let us recall that, according to the first variant, the time-setting function is triggered by an action of the user on the clock (on request at the level of the control means 300) or by a mechanism linked to the rotation of the clock displays (periodic). Via the first interface, the pendulum stops the resonator 10, in particular the balance 15 of the watch (stop balance lever mechanism), and actuates a hammer mechanism bringing the hour display of the watch 4 to 12 o'clock, and through it the minute display of the watch 5 to 00 minutes. Subsequently, via the second interface (pusher), the clock drives the minute display of watch 5 in two-minute steps, and via it the hour display of watch 4, until these displays 4 and 5 reach and indicate the exact time increased by a non-limiting step of two minutes. This function can ensure the reset of the hammer. During this phase, the minute wheel is precisely positioned thanks to a star, in particular a 30-tooth or 15-tooth star. The clock then waits for the next passage to the next two minutes to release the stop lever and allow the watch to run on time.

A first embodiment of this sixth variant comprises a single cam 601 at the level of the pendulum 100, and sets the time step by step.

The pendulum 100 comprises a snail cam 601 making one revolution in twelve hours, and comprising 360 bearings 6010 on its circumference, ie one bearing per two minutes. This cam is attached to the display of the clock (one revolution in twelve hours).

The pendulum 100 comprises a feeler 602, in particular a rocker, which comprises at a first end a rake 603, and at a second opposite end a feeler finger 604 with beak 605. The latter is maintained by default in a position of rest, which corresponds to the reference time, plus an offset corresponding to any gear train play and any additional jump to allow the time-setting function with stop seconds according to the first variant. Maintaining this feeler 602 is advantageously done with an adjustment eccentric (not shown) allowing the watchmaker to be able to easily compensate for these games.

The adjustment can also advantageously be carried out with a fine adjustment rake according to the teachings of application EP20158326.7 in the name of MONTRES BREGUET.

[0346] When the user requests the time setting, or when the clock itself requests this time setting, the proposed time setting cycle includes a phase for setting the reference of the watch at the reference position, 12:00 for example.

The feeler 602 carrying the feeler finger 604 is subjected to the action of return means, and in particular an elastic return means such as a spring.

As soon as this referencing is performed, the pendulum 100 releases the feeler 602, which is driven in rotation by this return means, not shown in the figures. The feeler 602 rotates until it comes up against one of the 360 bearings 6010 of the cam 601. This rotation corresponds exactly to the number of two-minute steps separating the reference time from the time displayed on the clock.

This rotation is transmitted in a non-limiting way by an interface, in particular of back and forth type, to the watch and to its display or to its minute display. Alternatively, the interface can also be rotatable instead of reciprocating.

[0350] At the end of the function, the clock 100 resets and returns the feeler 602 to its rest position by a mechanism similar to the known grand alarm mechanisms, and finds itself ready for a new function.

A second embodiment of this sixth variant comprises two cams 610 and 620 in the clock 100, and sets the time step by step.

A 360-position cam, as used in the first embodiment, remains in fact an element that is difficult to manufacture, and necessarily bulky, even in the context of a clock.

The operation of this second embodiment is analogous to that of the first mode with a single cam, but compensates for the difficulty of manufacturing the cam: thus the clock 100 comprises two cams: a first hour cam 610 making a rotation in twelve hours and comprising on its circumference 12 bearings 6100 of one hour each, and a second minute cam 620 making one revolution in one hour and comprising 30 bearings 6200 of two minutes each. These cams are integral with the display of the clock, respectively with the hour display 104 (one revolution in twelve hours) and the minute display 105 (one revolution in one hour).

The clock 100 also includes two feelers: a first feeler 630 arranged to cooperate with the first hour cam 610, and a second feeler 640 arranged to cooperate with the second minute cam 620. These two feelers are held by default in a rest position which corresponds, for the first feeler 630 of the hours to the reference time plus an offset corresponding to any play in the gear train, and for the second feeler 640 of the minutes to a possible additional jump to allow the function setting the time with a second stop mechanism 25 according to the first variant.

As soon as the watch 200 has been set to the reference time, the clock 100 releases the feelers 630 and 640 until they come to bear on their respective cam 610,620. This rotation is transmitted to an interface and to the watch 200, in particular via a differential gear train 680, one of the reasons of which has a ratio of 1/12 with respect to the other, in order to combine the values of the two cams. An output of this differential mechanism 680 is arranged to drive a second actuator 502, in particular but not limited to via a second control cam 684.

More specifically, this second actuator 502 includes a crank and a connecting rod arranged to push and pull a second control rod 512 that this second actuator 502 includes, so as to impart to the second control rod 512 a va- back and forth for setting the time of such a watch 200. In a variant, the second control rod 512 is biased towards the second cam 684 by second elastic biasing means 513.

[0357] In a variant, the pendulum 100 comprises at least one electromechanical or electronic movement, which is arranged to control the movement of an output mobile which is arranged to drive such a second actuator 502, in particular but not limited to the intermediary of a second control cam 684.

This rotation is transmitted by this interface to the watch 200 and to its minute display 5.

At the end of the function, the clock 100 resets and brings the two feelers 630 and 640 back to their rest positions, by a mechanism similar to the known mechanisms of the Grande Sonnerie, and finds itself ready for a new function.

In short, the process for taking data from the clock 100 for setting the time at the request of the watch 200 comprises various steps described below.

[0361] 6A: A reference position of the displays of the watch 200 is defined.

[0362] 6B: The clock 100 performs the time setting of the watch 200, either when the watch 200 is placed on the receptacle 150, or when passing a predetermined instant on the clock 100, or at the request by action of a user on a control means 300 that comprises the clock 100 or the watch 200, or on command of a clock movement 900 that comprises the clock 100, and the time displayed by the clock 100 for transmitting the time information to the watch 200, by implementing a reading mechanism at the level of the clock 100, which reads the difference between the current time in relation to the reference time , and which is arranged to transmit the information of the value of this difference to the watch 200, so as to index it after setting the reference position of its displays 4, 5.

[0363] 6C: More particularly, the reading mechanism is arranged to transmit the information of the value, either of the exact difference, or of a corrected difference which is the total of the difference and of a offset required to set the time to the top second.

[0364] 6D: More specifically, a predetermined time-setting step value is determined, and the clock 100 positions a transmission line in a position corresponding to the time setting, and actuates, in successive steps, each of the value of the predetermined step, a transmission line capable of imprinting on a time-setting mechanism internal to the watch 200 any movement necessary to achieve the current time display accurately. And, for actuation by successive steps of the transmission line to the time-setting mechanism internal to the watch 200, a time-setting sequence is carried out according to which the stop control mechanism 120 of the pendulum 100 controls the stop mechanism 20 of the watch 200 to stop the resonator 10 or disengage the going train of the display train before setting the time, and to control a reset mechanism 500 that includes the watch 200 to instantly recall the displays 3, 4, 5, of the watch 200 in their reference position.

[0365] 6E: Then the advancement of the displays 3, 4, 5 is controlled, by successive steps, up to a restart display position which corresponds to the exact instantaneous time readable on the clock 100, increased by a value corresponding to a predetermined pitch, or an integer number of predetermined pitches, imposed by the mechanism.

[0366] 6F: Then the passage of the clock 100 at the time corresponding to the restart display position modifies the state of the stop control mechanism 120, and commands a movement of the control transmission line of on/off, to identify the time-setting end action, and commands the transfer of an impulse or a torque to the stop mechanism 20 of the watch 200 to release it and restart the resonator 10 or engage the finishing cog to the display cog.

[0367] 6G: More particularly, to carry out the reset, the watch 200 recognizes the movement of the transmission line between the clock 100 and the watch 200 in the time-setting position, and a watch 200 is used whose a first watch actuator 901 actuates the stop mechanism 20 which stops the resonator 10 and the watch 200, this first watch actuator 901 constituting a control mechanism for at least one hammer, to cause the positioning of at least one at least one hour display 4 and one minute display 5, in the reference position, by bringing into cooperation, in particular for each adjusted horological quantity, a hammer 402, 701, with a heart 401, 702, 703, integral in rotation with one of the displays, and more particularly but not limited to carried by a roadway.

[0368] 6H: More specifically, to perform the time-setting sequence, the clock 100 drives another transmission line to impose a particular display on the watch 200, this other transmission line comprises a second actuator of the watch 902, with which the watch 200 is fitted, and which operates in a back-and-forth movement, and, by means of the second actuator of the watch 902, the clock 100 drives the minute display of the watch 5 of the watch 200, by an integer number of predetermined steps, and drives, through the minute display of watch 5, the hour display of watch 4 of watch 200, until the display on the watch 200 corresponds to the restart display position.

[0369] 6I: More specifically, to perform the time-setting sequence, the clock 100 is fitted with a mechanism for driving hour and minute snails by the movement 900, and with a mechanism for instantaneous hour and minute sensing on demand.

[0370] 6J: More specifically, to perform the time-setting sequence, the clock 100 is equipped with a mechanism for driving a single minute cochle driven at a speed of one revolution in twelve hours, or one turn in twenty-four hours, by the 900 movement, comprising a number of steps corresponding to the chosen minute step multiplied by 12 or 24, and an instantaneous minute feeler mechanism.

[0371] 6K: More specifically, a predetermined step of two minutes is chosen, and the number of steps to be taken is variable between 0 and 359 steps, during which the floor or the minute wheel of the watch 200 is positioned precisely thanks to a 30-tooth or 15-tooth spider which can then be made up of the roadway itself.

[0372] 6L: More particularly, the roadway or the minute wheel of the watch 200 is precisely positioned by the combination of a star fixed to the roadway or the minute wheel, and a jumper with one or more teeth, the number of star teeth and the number of jumper teeth together defining the value of the predetermined pitch.

[0373] 6M: More particularly, when the clock 100 drives the minute display of the watch 5, it also ensures the rearming, at least partially, of at least one hammer 402, 701, or of each hammer 402, 701 .

[0374] 6N: More particularly, to carry out the sensing of the instantaneous hour and minute, a pendulum 100 is used which comprises a single snail cam 601 making one revolution in twelve hours, and comprising three hundred and sixty bearings 6010 on its circumference, i.e. one level per two minutes, the single snail cam 601 being integral with the display of the clock 100 which completes one revolution in twelve hours, and the clock 100 includes a feeler 602, subjected to the action of return means elastic, and which comprises at a first end a rake 603, and at a second opposite end a feeler finger 604 with beak 605, which feeler 602 is maintained by default in a rest position, which corresponds to the reference time, added a positive or zero offset corresponding to any gear train play and any additional jump to enable a time-setting function to be performed with stop second, and, when the user requests the time-setting time, or when the clock 100 requests the time setting, the time setting cycle begins with a phase of setting the reference of the watch 100 to the reference position, and, as soon as this setting reference is made, the pendulum 100 releases the feeler 602, which rotates until it abuts on one of the bearings 6010 of the cam 601, according to a rotation which corresponds exactly to the number of steps separating the reference time from the displayed time on the clock 100.

[0375] 6O: More particularly, at the end of the function, the pendulum 100 resets and brings the feeler 602 back to its rest position, and finds itself ready for a new function.

[0376] 6P: More specifically, to carry out the sensing of the instantaneous hour and minute, a pendulum 100 is used which comprises a first hour snail cam 610 making one revolution in twelve hours and comprising on its circumference twelve bearings 6100 of one hour each, and a second minutes snail cam 620 making one revolution in one hour and comprising thirty levels 6200 of two minutes each, which cams 610 and 620 are respectively integral with the hour display of the clock 104 making one revolution in twelve hours and of the minutes display of the clock 105 making one revolution in one hour, the clock 100 comprising a first feeler 630 arranged to cooperate with the first hour cam 610, and a second feeler 640 arranged to cooperate with the second minutes cam 620, the first feeler 630 and the second feeler 640 being maintained by default in a rest position which corresponds, for the first feeler 630 of the hours to the reference time plus a positive or zero offset corresponding to any gear wheel play, and for the second feeler 640 minutes to a possible additional jump to allow the time-setting function with a stop-seconds mechanism 25, and, when the user requests the time setting, or when the clock 100 requests the time setting, the time setting cycle begins with a phase for setting the reference of the watch 200 to the reference position, and, as soon as this referencing is carried out, the pendulum 100 releases the first feeler 630 and the second feeler 640 until it comes to bear on their respective cam 610, 620, in a rotation which is transmitted to an interface and to the minute display 5 of the watch 200, via a differential gear train 680, one of the reasons of which has a ratio of 1/12 with respect to the other, in order to accumulate the values of the two cams 610, 620.

[0377] 6Q: More particularly, at the end of the function, the pendulum 100 resets and brings the first feeler 630 and the second feeler 640 to their rest position, and finds itself ready for a new function.

[0378] A seventh variant, called reference time setting of the displays, and illustrated by FIGS. 13 to 18, proposes a solution for the function of returning to the reference position, in particular 12:00, of the displays of the watch 200, function which is necessary for the implementation of the first, third and fifth variants above.

This is to allow the execution of a cycle, for a first movement of an interface between the watch 200 and the clock 100, a corrector for example, perform the following functions in the watch 200 to n' any time: disengaging the display gear train from the finishing gear train; bring the displays to a reference position, for example 12:00; maintain this position as precisely as possible; allow a time setting function (which will be detailed later); take advantage of this time-setting function to reset a hammer; or disable this hammer.

[0380] On a second movement of the interface between watch 200 and clock 100: engaging the display gear train on the finishing gear train; if necessary, reset the hammer.

[0381] To this end, the watch 200 comprises: a hammer 701, similar to a chronograph hammer, which has a cocked position where it is retained by a pawl and tensioned by a spring, and an active position where it bears against the periphery of a first hour cam 702, heart-shaped, so as to constrain it in rotation to its smallest radius; this first heart-shaped 702 hours cam is similar to those used in chronograph mechanisms. This first hour cam 702 is carried by the hour wheel 708; a second minute cam 703 in the shape of a truncated heart, carried by the minute display 705; a jumper 704 cooperating in support with a 30-tooth star fixed to the minute display (not shown in the figures); a 30-tooth star carried by the minute display (not shown in the figures); a road pinion 705, which can act as a star, in particular a star with 15 teeth cooperating with a double jumper 7040, as visible in FIG. 17; a clutch mechanism 706 between the display train 705-707-708 and the finishing train 710, comprising a friction spring 709 in the particular case illustrated by the figures; a mechanism controlling the three phases of the function (not shown in the figures).

The cycle is carried out in three phases: triggering of the setting at the reference position, in particular 12:00, and disengagement by the interface, in the position of FIG. 15; maintaining the position of the displays for setting the time, isolating or resetting the hammer; clutch and if necessary rearming of the hammer via the interface.

[0383] During the first phase, the interface actuates the clutch 706 towards its disengaged position, as shown in Figure 16.

The interface then releases the hammer 701, which takes the display of the hours via the first core cam 702 and, via the timer, the display of the minutes to the reference position, in particular 12:00.

[0385] The typical timer set allows an error of the order of 3 minutes on the position of the minute display in relation to that of the hours: ±1.5 minutes, depending on the direction of zeroing transmitted by the hammer on the heart, as seen in Figures 13 and 14.

Advantageously, an additional minutes cam-heart 703 works at the end of the function of the hammer 701, and guarantees the position to the nearest minute.

During the second phase, the jumper 704 and the star of 30 maintain the position of the display at the reference position, in particular 12:00, and at all the following positions by correction steps of two minutes. In our example, the 15-tooth roadway advantageously replaces the 30-tooth spider, working with a double jumper according to the representation visible in figure 17.

The mechanism can reset the hammer without losing the display, the time can be set in two-minute steps.

[0389] During the third phase, the interface can release the clutch, and reconnect the finishing gear with the display gear.

[0390] Thus the option of the two cam-cores makes it possible to improve the precision of the operation.

[0391] FIG. 18 illustrates a BREGUET 1050 chronograph clutch mechanism, comprising a gripper 721 whose function is to engage and disengage, under the control of a column wheel 740 which controls the difference angle of the gripper arms 721 and 722, for opening or closing the gripper, and therefore disengaging or engaging.

This seventh variant makes it possible to bring in a time-setting mechanism, and makes it possible to disengage the display train from the going train, and to re-engage them with each other.

The construction is simplified in the case of the advantageous use of the road teeth for the star function.

In short, the method for setting the reference time of the displays comprises various steps described below.

[0395] 7A: A reference position of the displays is defined.

[0396] 7B: A watch 200 is used comprising a clutch mechanism 706 between a display train 705, 707, 708, and a finishing train 710, and comprising a hammer 701 movable between a cocked position where it is retained by a pawl and tensioned by a spring, and an active position where the hammer 701 is arranged to rest on the periphery of a first cam-heart of the hours 702 carried by an hour wheel 708 that comprises the watch 200, so constraining in rotation the first cam-heart of hours 702 to its smallest radius.

[0397] And a cycle comprising three phases is executed: 7C: a first phase during which, by a first displacement of an interface between the clock 100 and the watch 200, the clutch mechanism 706 is disengaged by the interface which actuates it towards its disengaged position, and, after disengaging the clutch 706, the interface releases the hammer 701, which moves via the first hours cam-heart 702 the hours display 4, and, via the timer, the minutes display 5 towards the position of reference, 7D: a second phase where the position of the displays 4, 5 is maintained, for setting the time, isolation or rearming of the hammer 701, 7E: and a third phase where, by a second displacement of the interface between the clock 100 and the watch 200, to reconnect the going train with the display train, the clutch mechanism 706 is engaged by the interface which actuates it towards its engaged position and during which third phase it is possible to reset the hammer 701 via the interface.

[0398] 7F: More particularly, at the end of the stroke of the hammer 701, the latter comes in cooperation with a second minute heart cam 703 in the shape of a truncated heart and integral with the minute display 5, to guarantee the position at the minute.

[0399] 7G: More specifically, a predetermined time-setting step value is determined, and, during the second phase, the position of the display is maintained in the reference position, by cooperation between a jumper 704 and a star, which the watch 200 includes, then in each subsequent position step by step, to authorize the resetting of the hammer 701 without losing the display.

[0400] 7H: More specifically, one chooses as star, carried by the minute display 5, either a thirty-tooth star cooperating with a simple one-tooth jumper 704, or a fifteen-tooth minutes road pinion cooperating with a single tooth at a time of a double jumper 7040 comprising two teeth.

[0401] 7I: More particularly, the roadway or the minute wheel of the watch 200 is precisely positioned by the combination of a star fixed to the roadway or the minute wheel, and a jumper with one or more teeth, the number of star teeth and the number of jumper teeth together defining the value of the predetermined pitch.

[0402] 7J: More specifically, the clutch mechanism 706 is equipped with a friction spring 709.

[0403] 7K: More specifically, the clutch mechanism 706 used is a chronograph clutch mechanism comprising a gripper 721 whose function is to engage and disengage, under the control of a wheel with columns 740 which controls the angular difference of the arms of the gripper 721, 722, for opening or closing the gripper, corresponding respectively to disengagement or engagement.

[0404] 7L: More specifically, a three-phase controller mechanism is used. More particularly, this controller mechanism comprises at least one column wheel 740.

[0405] As an alternative to this seventh variant, an eighth variant, referred to as reference time setting, illustrated by FIGS. 19 to 21, offers another solution for the return to reference position function, in particular 12:00, displays of the watch 200, function which is necessary for the implementation of the first, third and fifth variants above.

[0406] Here too, it is a question of allowing the execution of a cycle, for a first displacement of an interface between the watch 200 and the clock 100, a corrector for example, performing the following functions in the watch 200 at any time: disengaging the display gear train from the finishing gear train; bring the displays to a reference position, for example 12:00; maintain this position as precisely as possible; allow a time-setting function (which will be detailed later).

[0407] And, on a second movement of the interface between the watch and the clock, engage the display gear train on the finishing gear train.

A watch 200 comprising: a rack 823 meshed with an hour wheel 808 integral with the time display of watch 4, and carrying an hour cam 802 comprising a wolf's tooth notch, a pawl 801 which is held against the hour cam 802 by a pawl spring 8010, where the rake 823 is arranged to click clockwise from the hour wheel 808, and is driven by a return spring 825.

The watch 200 also includes a rake pinion 824 or hour pinion, which rake pinion 824 is arranged to drive and arm the rake 823, which clicks with each tooth, during normal operation of the watch 200 when watch 200 does not cooperate with clock 100.

[0410] The watch 200 further comprising a clutch mechanism 806 between a display train 805; 807; 808 and a finishing gear train 810.

And, at any time, the reference time of the watch 200 is set by a cycle comprising three phases, consisting of: a first phase during which the setting in the reference position is triggered, by a first movement of an interface between the clock 100 and the watch 200, the reference time of the displays 4, 5 is set, of the watch 200, and the clutch mechanism 806 is disengaged by the interface which actuates it towards its disengaged position which allows the rack 823 to drive in an anti-clockwise direction the gear train for displaying the hours and minutes display of the watch 200, over as many revolutions as necessary, until the pawl 801 encounters the wolf-tooth opening of the hour cam, this blocking corresponding to the display position reference, a second phase in which the position of the displays 4, 5 is maintained for setting the time, and in which the time-setting mechanism controlled by the clock 100 sets the time of the displays 4, 5, the watch 200 clockwise towards the exact time by rearming the rack 801, and a third phase where, by a second displacement of the interface between the clock 100 and the watch 200, to reconnect the going train with the display train, the clutch mechanism 806 is engaged by the interface which actuates towards its engaged position and during which third phase it is possible to rearm the rake 801 or to complete the rearming of the rake 801, started during the second phase, by the interface.

[0412] More particularly, a watch 200 is used comprising a time display of the watch 4 bearing an hour cam 802 comprising an opening 8020, a second minute cam 803 carried by the minute display of the watch 805, and comprising a wolf's tooth opening 8030 or a notch 831. And the clutch mechanism 806 is disengaged in its disengaged position, which allows the rake 823 to drive the gear train in an anticlockwise direction. display of the hours and display of the minutes of the watch 200, over as many revolutions as necessary, until the pawl 801 meets the opening 8020 of the first cam of the hours 802, corresponding to the minutes preceding the hour of reference, at a time at which the pawl 801 can press on the second minutes cam 803 for the rotation corresponding to the last minutes before reaching the reference time, and until the blocking in the toothed opening of wolf 8030 of the second ca me minutes 803, the blocking corresponding to the reference display position.

[0413] The watch 200 further includes a jumper 804 arranged to cooperate with a star, in particular a 30-tooth star integral with the minutes display mobile 805, in a manner analogous to the seventh variant, and includes a three-phase controller mechanism of the function

The cycle is thus carried out in three phases: triggering of the setting to the reference position, in particular 12:00, and disengagement by the interface; maintaining the position of the displays for setting the time; clutch, and if necessary rearming the pawl 801 via the interface.

[0415] During normal operation of the watch, with the sympathetic function off, the hour pinion 824 drives and arms the rack 823, which clicks with each tooth, as can be seen in Figures 19 and 20.

[0416] During the first phase, the interface actuates the clutch 806 towards its disengaged position, as shown in Figure 21.

[0417] The clutch releases the hour display train and the minute display, which is driven counter-clockwise by the rack 823.

[0418] The display train, driven in an anti-clockwise direction by the rake 823, can potentially make more than one turn of the hour wheel (hour display), and more than twelve turns of the road (minutes display) linked by the timer.

[0419] During the second phase, the time-setting mechanism can perform its function clockwise towards the exact time by resetting the rack 801. If the resetting is not complete by setting the time, it is completed by the normal rotation of the watch display clockwise.

[0420] During the third phase, the interface can release the clutch, and reconnect the finishing gear with the display gear.

In short, the method for setting the reference time comprises various steps described below.

[0422] 8A: A reference position of the displays is defined.

[0423] 8B: A watch 200 comprising: a rack 823 meshed with an hour wheel 808 integral with the time display of watch 4, and carrying an hour cam 802 comprising a wolf's tooth notch, a pawl 801 which is held against the hour cam 802 by a pawl spring 8010, where the rake 823 is arranged to click clockwise from the hour wheel 808, and is driven by a return spring 825.

The watch 200 also includes a rake pinion 824 or hour pinion, which rake pinion 824 is arranged to drive and arm the rake 823, which clicks with each tooth, during normal operation of the watch 200 when watch 200 does not cooperate with clock 100.

[0425] The watch 200 further comprising a clutch mechanism 806 between a display train 805; 807; 808 and a finishing gear train 810.

And, at any time, the reference time of the watch 200 is set by a cycle comprising three phases, consisting of: 8C: a first phase during which the setting in the reference position is triggered, by a first movement of an interface between the clock 100 and the watch 200, the reference time of the displays 4 is set, 5, of the watch 200, and the clutch mechanism 806 is disengaged by the interface which actuates it towards its disengaged position, which allows the rake 823 to drive the gear train in an anti-clockwise direction. display of the hours and display of the minutes of the watch 200, over as many revolutions as necessary, until the pawl 801 encounters the wolf-tooth opening of the hour cam, this blocking corresponding to the position of reference display, 8D: a second phase where phase where the position of the displays 4, 5 is maintained, for time setting, and where the time setting mechanism controlled by the clock 100 performs the time setting of the displays 4 , 5, from watch 200 clockwise to the exact time by rearming the rake 801, 8E: and a third phase where, by a second displacement of the interface between the clock 100 and the watch 200, to reconnect the going train with the display train, the clutch mechanism 806 is engaged by the interface which actuates it towards its engaged position and during which third phase it is possible to rearm the rake 801 or to complete the rearming of the rake 801, started during the second phase, by the interface.

[0427] 8F: More specifically, a predetermined time-setting step value is determined, and, during the second phase, the position of the display is maintained in the reference position, by cooperation between a jumper 804 and a star, which the watch 200 includes, then in each subsequent position step by step, to authorize the rearming of the rack 801, without losing the display.

[0428] 8G: More specifically, one chooses as star, carried by the minutes display 5, either a thirty-tooth star cooperating with a simple one-tooth jumper 804, or else a fifteen-tooth minutes road pinion cooperating with a single tooth at a time of a double jumper 8040 comprising two teeth.

[0429] 8H: More particularly, the roadway or the minute wheel of the watch 200 is precisely positioned by the combination of a star fixed to the roadway or the minute wheel, and a jumper with one or more teeth, the number of star teeth and the number of jumper teeth together defining the value of the predetermined pitch.

[0430] 8I: More specifically, the clutch mechanism 806 is equipped with a friction spring 809.

[0431] 8J: More particularly, the clutch mechanism 806 used is a chronograph clutch mechanism comprising a gripper 821 whose function is to engage and disengage, under the control of a wheel with columns 840 which controls the angular difference of the arms of the gripper 821, 822, for opening or closing the gripper, corresponding respectively to disengagement or engagement.

8K: More specifically, a three-phase controller mechanism is used.

[0433] 8L: More particularly, a controller mechanism is used which comprises at least one column wheel 840.

A ninth variant relates to a step-by-step method and mechanism for setting the time of the hour and minute displays. The invention proposes a solution for the function of setting the time of the displays, of the watch in steps of two minutes following a reset to the reference position, in particular 12:00, as described in the seventh and eighth variants. It is controlled by the interface of a sympathetic clock, whose data acquisition mechanism for setting the time is as described in the sixth variant above.

[0435] This is, again, to allow the execution of a cycle, for a first movement of an interface between the watch and the clock, a corrector for example, to perform the following functions in the watch at n' any time: bring the displays to a position corresponding to the current time, by a number of steps defined with respect to the original position, for example 12:00; bring the displays to a position corresponding to the current time increased by an offset allowing the wait for a top second freeing the resonator of the watch for precise time setting.

The present description relates to a non-limiting construction of a mechanism setting the time in two-minute steps. Steps of 1 minute, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10 minutes are also possible.

[0437] The watch includes: a corrector 932 coinciding with the interface of the clock or another element making it possible to transmit a to-and-fro movement; a rocker 931 comprising an arm 921 capable of driving the roadway of a tooth back and forth; a jumper 904 maintaining the position of the minute display in the interval of the training functions; a 30-tooth star carried by the minute display for two-minute steps, analogously to the seventh variant; a clutch mechanism 906 between the display gear train 905-907-908 and the finishing gear train 910 which is in the open position for setting the time and can be closed when the watch is in operation, analogously to the seventh or eighth variant.

In the particular embodiment illustrated by the figures, a roadway 905 of 15 teeth is advantageously used, which is moreover necessary to replace the spider of 30 teeth. This option is not restrictive and the star must be defined according to the desired number of steps per minute. Ze=60min/2min. therefore the roadway of 15 teeth has indeed 30 stable positions thanks to the double jumper 904 described in figure 25, and to the staggering of the two offset bearing surfaces 922 and 923 of the arm 921 of the rocker 931.

In the initial state, the first stable position therefore corresponds to the display obtained following the return to the reference position, ie 12:00 in the present example.

The clutch is in the open position with respect to the going train 910 as seen in FIG. 24. The display is therefore independent of the train of the watch. This cog is also stopped by the stop lever during the function.

As regards the time-setting function, the clock, according to the sixth variant, transmits via its interface a defined number of movements necessary to reach the current time, in steps of two minutes. It also transmits one or two additional steps to allow the waiting time until the top second.

The clock interface collaborates with the corrector 932 of the watch which drives the rocker 931. This rocker 931 is constructed in such a way as to drive the star of 30 by one step, or else, in the alternative embodiment, the pinion of 15 by half a pitch.

[0443] Rocker 931 drives the 15-tooth pinion over 80% of the pitch, and returns to its rest position, the jumper then ensures the remaining stroke, with the remaining 20% of the pitch in progress, and positions the pinion for the next half-step, as shown in Figure 25.

This execution responds to the desired time-setting functions, it allows the clock to move the displays in steps of two minutes up to the current time, and to add an offset.

In short, the step-by-step method for setting the time of the hour and minute displays comprises various steps described below.

[0446] 9A: A reference position of the displays is defined.

[0447] 9B: A watch 200 comprising a corrector 932 cooperating with an interface of the clock 100 for the transmission of a back and forth movement is used, a rocker 931 capable of driving the floor of the display of minutes 5 of a tooth back and forth, and a jumper 904 maintaining the position of the minute display in the interval of the drive functions, the watch 200 further comprising a clutch mechanism 906 between a cog display 905, 907, 908 and a going train 910. And, at any time, the clock 100 is capable of bringing the displays 4, 5, or else to a position corresponding to the current time read on the clock 100 by driving the teeth of the minute display 5 by the rocker 931, by a number of steps defined with respect to the reference position, or else to another position corresponding to the current time increased by an offset allowing waiting for a top second allowing the stop mechanism 20 to release the resonator r 10 of the watch 200 by the partial driving of the minute display 5 by the flip-flop 931 which performs only part of the stroke corresponding to each tooth, the rest of the stroke of each tooth to complete the rotation indexed of the minute display 5 then being carried out under the impetus of jumper 904.

[0448] 9C: A predetermined time-setting step value is determined.

[0449] 9D: The roadway or the minute wheel of the watch 200 is precisely positioned by the combination of a star fixed to the roadway or the minute wheel, and a jumper with one or more teeth, the number of teeth of the star and the number of jumper teeth together defining the value of the predetermined pitch.

[0450] 9E: More particularly, the roadway or the minute wheel of the watch 200 is driven by the combination, on the one hand, of a star fixed to the roadway or the minute wheel, and of a rocker or a trainer or a rake, the movement of which is controlled by the pendulum 100.

[0451] 9F: More particularly, in a first phase, the pendulum 100 controls the stop mechanism 20 to stop the resonator 10, brings the displays 4, 5 into the reference position, and positions the clutch mechanism 906 in open position with respect to the going train 910 which is then independent of the train of the watch 200.

[0452] 9G: More particularly, in a second phase, the clock 100 transmits via its interface a defined number of movements necessary to reach the current time, by an integer number of predetermined steps.

[0453] 9H: More particularly, in a second phase, the clock 100 transmits via its interface a defined number of movements necessary to reach the current time, by an integer number of predetermined steps, plus one or two movements corresponding to one or two additional predetermined steps to allow the waiting time until the top second allowing the stop mechanism 20 to release the resonator 10 of the watch 200.

[0454] 9I: More specifically, a watch 200 is used whose lever 931 is arranged to drive a star wheel with thirty teeth by one step, or a pinion with fifteen teeth by half a step.

[0455] 9J: More particularly, a watch 200 is used, the rocker 931 of which is arranged to drive a pinion with fifteen teeth by half a pitch, and, drives the pinion with fifteen teeth over 80% of the travel, and amounts to its rest position, the jumper 904 providing the remaining 20% of the current stroke, and positions the pinion by fifteen teeth for a next half-step.

[0456] 9K: More specifically, a watch 200 is used which includes a mechanism for setting the time in constant steps, and includes a corrector 932 coinciding with the interface of the clock 100 or another element making it possible to transmit a movement back and forth, a rocker 931 capable of driving the roadway of a tooth back and forth, a jumper 904 arranged to maintain the position of the minute display in the interval of the drive functions , a star carried by the minute display with a number of teeth according to the value of the step required, a clutch mechanism 906 between the display train 905, 907, 908, and the finishing train 910 and which is in open position for setting the time and can be closed when the watch 200 is in operation, the interface of the clock 100 being arranged to cooperate with the corrector 932 of the watch 200 which drives the rocker 931 which is arranged to drive the star of a step, or of a half step.

[0457] 9L: More particularly, a watch 200 is used, the star of which is formed by the minute track.

[0458] The seventh variant and the eighth variant implement a function controller, to ensure the running of the functions in the different phases: In the seventh variant, the function controller has three positions: – start of function: it controls the disengagement of the gear train, stops the balance, and releases the hammer; – time-setting function: winds the hammer; – end of function: it releases the clutch and the rocker arm.

In the eighth variant, the controller has two positions: start of function: it controls the disengagement of the going train, and stops the balance wheel; end of function: it releases the clutch and the rocker arm.

The invention proposes, without limitation, different embodiments, with either a specific controller integrated into the watch, similar to those used in chronographs, or else a controller external to the watch, integrated into the clock. For the controller built into the watch, you can use: a rotary controller, column wheel type, controlled by the interface (with two to five successive stable positions: 1-2-3-1-2-3-1 etc...); a reciprocating controller, shuttle type, controlled by the interface (two successive stable positions: 1-2-1-2-1 etc...).

[0461] When the controller is in the clock, the watch has only one reciprocating cam controlled by the interface and returning to rest by default (one stable rest position, and one to three controlled positions: 1 -2-3-2-1-2-3 etc...).

The execution with a column wheel is well suited to the seventh variant. One chooses for example a column wheel with three positions, which are chosen successively by the clock via the sympathetic interface. This column wheel drives three flip-flops like chronographs, these flip-flops control the clutch, the stop lever, and the hammer or hammers, or are part of these mechanisms. These rockers are built to rest on the columns of the column wheel so as to be activated as needed.

[0463] The different positions are: position 0: initial and final: clutch active, stop lever inactive, and hammer cocked; position 1: return to the reference position, in particular 12 o'clock: clutch inactive, stop lever active, and hammer released; position 2: time setting: clutch inactive, stop lever active, and hammer cocked; position 0: in return after complete rotation.

This execution can be applied to the eighth variant with a two-position column wheel.

The second execution with a simple shuttle is sufficient for the eighth variant where two positions suffice, and can replace the column wheel.

The execution in which the controller is in the clock is well suited to the seventh variant: the three-position column wheel, described above, is functionally replaced by a three-level spiral, which is located in the clock. This snail drives a reciprocating cam in the watch via a friendly interface. This cam controls the clutch, the stop lever, and the hammer or hammers, as needed.

[0467] The different positions are: position 0: initial and final: clutch active, stop lever inactive, and hammer cocked; position 1: return to the reference position, in particular 12 o'clock: clutch inactive, stop lever active, and hammer released; position 2: time setting: clutch inactive, stop lever active, and hammer cocked; position 0: cam return to zero.

[0468] This execution with a controller external to the watch is interesting, because it prevents the watch from remaining in position 1 or in position 2, when the watch is removed from the clock unexpectedly (during the execution of the function) .

[0469] The construction is adapted to prevent the hammer from falling when passing to position 1 when returning to position 0.

This execution in which the controller is in the pendulum can be applied to the eighth variant, with a snail and a two-position cam.

[0471] In short, such a controller responds to the desired time-setting functions, allows the disengagement of the display of the going train, and their clutch, allows the hammer to be controlled if necessary, and allows the stop lever to be controlled. .

Naturally, the use of such a controller is also applicable to the other variants described above.

[0473] Thus, these different variants make it possible to fulfill the following functions: starting the watch stopped when it is placed on the clock; ensure a minimum autonomy of twelve hours when the watch is removed from the clock to be worn; keeping the watch running when it is on the clock; set the time of the watch when it is placed on the clock or on demand, with an accuracy of the order of ±15s; keep the watch on time as long as it is on the clock; in a variant, the sympathetic assembly 1000 comprises an option with a disengagement mechanism, in order to be able to deactivate the function for storing the stopped watch on the clock.

[0474] More particularly, the first interface comprises a first external actuator in the clock, and a first internal actuator in the watch.

In the same way, the second interface comprises a second external actuator in the clock, and a second internal actuator in the watch.

In the same way, the third interface comprises a third external actuator in the clock, and a third internal actuator in the watch.

In the same way, if we generalize to a greater number of interfaces, the nth interface comprises an nth external actuator in the clock, and an nth internal actuator in the watch.

The sympathetic assembly, as well as the different methods, corresponding to as many different scenarios of use, described above, are based on clocks and watches that do not include a chime.

[0479] It is understood that it is possible to produce such a sympathetic assembly with a striking clock, and/or a striking watch.

[0480] Striking mechanisms have the advantage of providing precise references for the time settings, which one can imagine using for setting the time of sympathetic watches.

[0481] However, precautions must be taken.

[0482] The striking snails can be used for the time-setting mechanism, in an example of a time-setting performed in five-minute steps, the corresponding snail must have 144 five-minute steps, and not will not be used for ringing. In a chime, the hour cochlea is in principle jumping with the surprise mechanism, so a priori even the drive is special. The watch can be chiming, but this makes the system a bit more complex as one has to isolate the chimes during sympathetic operation where the sympathetic clock 100 and the sympathetic watch 200 cooperate, as the chimes would ring continuously while on. hour and could cause the mechanism to jam.

[0483] Under this condition of interposition of insulators, which makes the execution more complex, the production of such a mechanism for a striking watch is possible; the watch's striking snails would then be driven by the sympathetic time-setting.

[0484] Only the basic winding and time-setting functions have been described in this description, the transfer of other information concerning other quantities is of course possible by extrapolation: second time zone, day-night display, AM/PM, date, and more generally calendar elements, or others.

Claims (24)

1. Method for setting the time of a sympathetic watch (200) by a sympathetic support device (100), with which said watch (200) forms a sympathetic assembly (1000) comprising a link mechanism comprising at least two lines transmission between said support device (100) and said watch (200) when said watch (200) is placed in a receptacle (150) that said support device (100) comprises, in a transfer position, said watch (200) comprising at least one resonator (10), and a display gear train and a finishing gear train, and either a stop mechanism (20) arranged to stop the running of said resonator (10), or else a clutch making it possible to separate the display from the going train, or else both such a stop mechanism (20) and such a clutch mechanism, and said watch (200) comprising at least one hour display (4 ) and a minute display (5), of which a reference position is defined, because cterized in that the time setting is performed, either at the request of a user's action on a control means (300) comprising said support device (100) or said watch (200), or automatically from periodically controlled by said support device (100), and in that, to perform said relative time setting, said support device (100) drives said displays (4; 5) of the watch backwards, counter-clockwise, with a stroke large enough to guarantee passage of said displays (4; 5) through said reference position, and in that when at least one displays (4; 5) passes through the reference position, it is locked in position by a pawl with which the watch (200) is equipped. 2. Method for setting the time according to claim 1, characterized in that, for a said watch (200) carrying out a display over twelve hours, said course is chosen with a value greater than twelve hours. 3. Method for setting the time according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that an automatic periodic type time setting is triggered, controlled by said support device (100), either in a periodically by a mechanism linked to the rotation of the displays of said support device (100), or by the triggering of an additional mechanism set by the user, at a time defined by the user in an alarm-type mechanism. 4. Method for setting the time according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said time setting of the periodic type is triggered, either by an action of the user during a request time setting, or by a time setting command by said support device (100). 5. Method for setting the time according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, through an interface, said support device (100) drives said minute display of the watch (5), and by the latter drives said display of the hours of the watch (4), in the anti-clockwise direction, to block the display of the minute at the reference position, the drive by said support device ( 100) continuing on a friction system. 6. Method for setting the time according to claim 5, characterized in that then, by an appropriate interface, said support device (100) drives said display of the minutes of the watch (5) this time in the normal direction of the hands of a watch, and through it said hour display of the watch (4), until they reach the exact time. 7. Method for setting the time according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a first actuator of said support device (501) cooperates with a first actuator of the watch (901) to control the clutch or the disengagement of the display of said watch (200) with respect to said resonator (10), and that a second actuator of said support device (502) cooperates with a second actuator of the watch (902) to provide the setting movement position. 8. Method for setting the time according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that during setting the time, the inertial mass (15) of the resonator (10) is kept stationary by the stop mechanism (20) of the watch (200). 9. Winding method by implementing the time-setting method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the winding by setting the time is executed, or on demand by action of a user on a control means (300) comprised by said support device (100) or said watch (200), or automatically periodically controlled by said support device (100), and in that, to perform said relative time setting which allows said winding, said support device (100) drives said displays (4; 5) of the watch backwards, counterclockwise, with a stroke large enough to guarantee the passage of said displays (4; 5) through said reference position. 10. Winding method according to claim 9, characterized in that, during the rotation of the displays in the counter-clockwise direction, said interface winds a barrel, and in that, either said pawl is external to said finishing gear train and said interface drives, in addition to the displays, the manual winding gear train that said watch (200) comprises, or else said finishing gear train comprises a pawl wheel set which allows said barrel to be wound by the display gear train and the part of the finishing gear train located between the pawl mobile and the barrel during reverse rotation of the displays. 11. Winding method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the winding of said watch (200) is carried out by the rotation of its display towards said pre-determined reference position, and in that, to carry out said setting at the time which allows said winding, said support device (100) drives said displays (4; 5) of the watch backwards, counterclockwise, with a stroke large enough to guarantee winding of said barrel. 12. Winding method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that said support device (100) drives the train for displaying the hours and displaying the minutes of the watch (200) counterclockwise, by a transmission line of the watch (200), over as many turns as necessary, until a pawl (801) held in contact with an hour cam (802) comprising a wolf's tooth opening by a spring pawl (8010), encounters said wolf-tooth opening, said locking corresponding to said reference display position. 13. Winding method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, through an interface, said support device (100) drives said display of the minutes of the watch (5), and by the latter drives said display of the hours of the watch (4), counter-clockwise, to block the display of the minute at the reference position, the driving by the said support device (100) continuing on a system friction. 14. Winding method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that said sympathetic assembly (1000) is fitted with a first said transmission line which comprises a first actuator of said support device (501), which is arranged to cooperate with a first watch actuator (901) for controlling the engagement or disengagement of the display of said watch (200) with respect to said resonator (10) without stopping the latter, and a second said transmission line which comprises a second actuator of said support device (502) which is arranged to cooperate with a second actuator of the watch (902), which provides the positioning movement. 15. Winding method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, during the rotation of the displays in the counter-clockwise direction, said interface winds said barrel, and in that , either said pawl is external to said finishing gear train and said interface drives, in addition to the displays, the manual winding gear train that said watch (200) comprises, or else said finishing gear train comprises a pawl wheel set which allows the winding of said barrel by the display gear train and the part of the going train situated between the pawl mobile and the barrel during the reverse rotation of the displays. 16. Winding method according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the winding is performed only on demand during an action by a user on a control means (300), which comprises said support device (100) or said watch (200), during said time setting which allows said winding. 17. Winding method according to one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that, for said support device (100) performing an automatic function of winding and relative time setting with a periodicity of twelve hours, said race has a value corresponding to this period increased by a security. 18. Sympathetic watch assembly (1000) for implementing the winding method according to one of claims 9 to 17, comprising at least one sympathetic watch (200), and a sympathetic support device (100) with a receptacle (150) for receiving a said sympathetic watch (200) in a single transfer position, for the execution of an energy recharging and/or display adjustment and/or march controlled by said support device (100) or by said watch (200), through a link mechanism comprising at least two separate transmission lines between said support device (100) and a said watch (200) in said position transfer, said watch (200) comprising at least one energy storage barrel, for powering at least one resonator (10), said watch (200) comprising at least one resonator (10), and a gear train display and a going train, and, or else a stop mechanism (20) ag inserted to stop the operation of said resonator (10), or else a clutch mechanism making it possible to separate the display from the going train, or else both such a stop mechanism (20) and such a clutch mechanism , and said watch (200) comprising at least one hour display (4) and a minute display (5), characterized in that said watch (200) comprises at least one receiver capable of receiving a series of pulses or a mechanical torque originating from an actuator of said support device (100), and characterized in that said watch (200) comprises a said transmission line capable of driving the display in an anti-clockwise direction, a pawl (801) which is held in support on at least one hour cam (802) by a pawl spring (8010), said hour cam (802) being carried by said hour wheel (808), and comprising a wolf tooth opening (8030) or a notch (831) corresponding to a reference position of the display. 19. sympathetic assembly (1000) according to claim 18, characterized in that said watch (200) comprises a first hour cam (802) carried by said hour wheel (808), and comprising an opening (8020), and a second minute cam (803) carried by a minute display mobile (805), and comprising the wolf's tooth opening (8030) or the notch (831), a jumper (804) arranged to cooperate with a star carried by a minute display mobile (805) for maintaining each display position according to a pre-determined regular pitch. 20. sympathetic assembly (1000) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that said watch (200) comprises an interface arranged to drive at least one said display (4; 5) in a rotation in the direction counter-clockwise. a watch, and for winding said barrel during said counter-clockwise rotation and in that said watch (200) comprises a going train which comprises a ratchet mobile, arranged to allow winding of at least one said barrel during said counterclockwise rotation. 21. sympathetic assembly (1000) according to claim 20, characterized in that said interface is arranged to drive, in addition to the rotation of at least one said display (4; 5) in the counterclockwise direction, a manual winding gear train of said at least one barrel, by a ratchet mechanism external to the finishing gear train that said watch (200) comprises. 22. sympathetic assembly (1000) according to claim 20, characterized in that said watch (200) comprises a time-setting friction able to allow the transfer of torque from the winding, or else comprises a clutch mechanism instead of time-setting friction. 23. Sympathetic assembly according to one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the support device (100) is a sympathetic pendulum (100). 24. Sympathetic assembly according to one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the support device (100) is a case.