# US 8,787,120 B2 · Exterior element for a wristwatch > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,787,120 B2 - Document ID: US8787120B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/386,863 - Filed: 2010-08-02 - Published: 2012-05-17 - Granted: 2014-07-22 - Earliest claimed: 2010-08-02 - Assignees: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse - Applicants: Emmanuel Fleury; Martin Bisig - Inventors: Emmanuel Fleury; Martin Bisig - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8787120B2 ## CPC - G04B 47/00: Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece ({clockwork cases for special purposes G04B37/12; clocks with magnifying glass built in the face G04B39/00; time-pieces in which parts or cases produce special effects, e.g. aesthetic effects, G04B45/00, particularly with inscriptions or pictures moved by hand G04B45/003, with specially shaped cases or parts G04B45/0069; combination of} writing or drawing implements with devices for indicating time B43K29/087; combined with cameras, projectors, or photographic printing apparatus G03B29/00) - G04B 19/12: Selection of materials for dials or graduations {markings} - G04B 19/30: Illumination of dials or hands {(dials in general G04B19/06; moving indicating means with numbers or hands, in general G04B19/20; arrangements for indicating different local apparent times by means of a globe illuminated from inside G04B19/22; continuous indication of the time by non-electric light sources G04B25/00, e.g. by electric lamps G04C17/02; illumination by electric lamps which function at fixed times or periodically G04C19/02; illuminated panels G09F13/00)} - G04C 10/02: the power supply being a radioactive {or photovoltaic} source - G04G 17/02: Component assemblies - G04B: MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS (spring- or weight-driven mechanisms in general F03G; electromechanical clocks or watches G04C; electromechanical clocks with attached or built-in means operating any device at pre-selected times or after predetermined time intervals G04C23/00; clocks or watches with stop devices G04F7/08) - G04C: ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES - G04G: ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES ## Abstract An external element for a wristwatch, containing an electronic device and a power source for powering the electronic device with electric energy, wherein the electronic device and power source are integrated in the exterior element, to form an autonomous electronic module, which is completely independent of the wristwatch movement. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A wristwatch, comprising: a dial comprising a light source and a photovoltaic cell which powers the light source with electric energy, wherein the light source and the photovoltaic cell are housed within a thickness of the dial to form an autonomous electronic module which is completely independent of a wristwatch movement. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The wristwatch of claim 1, further comprising: a rechargeable battery, wherein the photovoltaic cell powers the light source via the rechargeable battery. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The wristwatch of claim 2, wherein the rechargeable battery is mounted underneath the dial. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The wristwatch of claim 1, further comprising: a micromotor mounted on the back surface of the dial; and a hand comprising a pipe, wherein the photovoltaic cell is provided with a hole for the passage the pipe, and micromotor drives the hand via the pipe. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The wristwatch of claim 1, further comprising: a crystal covering the dial; and a time hand comprising a layer comprising a fluorescent or phosphorescent pigment, wherein the time hand moves above the dial, and the light source emits an ultraviolet light which is reflected by the crystal and lights the time hand. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The wristwatch of claim 5, wherein a surface of the crystal facing the dial comprises a reflective layer, which reflects the ultraviolet light and allows the visible spectrum to pass through the crystal. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The wristwatch of claim 1, further comprising: an hour symbol comprising a solar cell; and a light emitting diode arranged in an extension of the solar cell, wherein the solar cell is flush with a front surface of the dial and powers the light emitting diode. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The wristwatch of claim 1, further comprising: a semi-transparent flange, wherein the photovoltaic cell is arranged in an annular fashion along an external periphery of the dial and concealed from a user's view by the flange. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The wristwatch of claim 8, wherein the flange has a cross-section in the form of a right angled triangle, and the light source is arranged in proximity to a base of the flange. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The wristwatch of claim 1, further comprising: an applique and a decorative design, wherein the photovoltaic cell forms the dial and the light source is housed in a cavity arranged in the photovoltaic cell, and the applique and decorative design are provided on a visible surface of the photovoltaic cell with a self-adhesive element or by silk screen printing. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The wristwatch of claim 1, further comprising: an electronic device; an electronic device control element; and an exterior element, wherein the control element is integrated in the exterior element. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The wristwatch of claim 11, wherein the control element is formed by a magnet and a reed contact, an electrode forming a touch sensitive button, a surface mounted device switch controlled by a push-button, or an automatic element. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The wristwatch of claim 12, further comprising: a flange; and a bezel, wherein the magnet is housed in the bezel and the reed contact is housed in the flange, or the electrode is structured on a surface of the flange.