WATCH GLASS WITH A DECORATIVE ELEMENT

Abstract

A watch glass includes a first glass, second glass and a decorative element, in particular a gemstone. Here, the first glass and the second glass are connected to one another via a connecting intermediate layer. The first glass comprises a continuous recess. The decorative element comprises a base region, which is arranged settingless in the recess of the first glass and in direct contact with the connecting intermediate layer. Further, the invention relates to a watch with such a watch glass.

Claims

1. A watch glass, comprising: a first glass, a second glass, and a decorative element, in particular a gemstone, wherein the first glass and the second glass are connected to one another via a connecting intermediate layer, wherein the first glass comprises a continuous recess having the same cross-section over its entire length, and wherein the decorative element comprises a base region, which is arranged in the recess settingless and in direct contact with the connecting intermediate layer.

2. The watch glass according to claim 1, wherein an end face of the base region and/or a circumferential surface of the base region of the decorative element is/are at least partially, in particular completely, in direct contact with the connecting intermediate layer.

3. The watch glass according to claim 1, wherein the base region of the decorative element is completely arranged in the recess of the first glass.

4. The watch glass according to claim 1, wherein the base region is formed in the shape of a pin.

5. The watch glass according to claim 1, wherein the base region is arranged flush with a surface of the first glass facing the second glass or wherein the base region ends in the recess of the first glass.

6. The watch glass according to claim 1, wherein the base region of the decorative element has an, in particular circumferential, recess, in particular in the circumferential surface of the base region.

7. The watch glass according to claim 1, wherein the decorative element comprises an additional region, which extends beyond the first glass, wherein the additional region is arranged in particular on the first glass.

8. The watch glass according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a length of the base region of the decorative element in the thickness direction of the glasses to a length of an overhang of the additional region in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction is selected such that reflectable light from the base region is totally reflectable at an inner surface of an upper surface of the first glass, and/or that at least a part of the light which enters the first glass does not reach the base region, wherein in particular the ratio is maximally “2:1”.

9-11. (canceled)

12. The watch glass according to claim 1, wherein the second glass comprises a recess, which forms together with the continuous recess of the first glass a watch glass recess, wherein the decorative element is arranged in the watch glass recess and a space of the watch glass recess, which is defined by the first glass, the second glass and a decorative element, is filled with connecting material of the connecting intermediate layer, so that the decorative element is connected via the connecting material with the first glass and the second glass.

13. The watch glass according to claim 12, wherein the basis region comprises a first sub-region and a second sub-region, wherein the space of the watch glass recess is defined by the first glass, the second glass, the first sub-region and the second sub-region, wherein in particular the first sub-region and/or the second sub-region is/are inclined to an axis being vertical to the glasses.

14. A watch, comprising a watch glass according to claim 1.

Description

[0135] Further details, advantages and features of the present invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing, in which identical, or functionally identical, elements are each provided with the same reference signs.

[0136] FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of a watch according to the invention, which has a watch glass according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

[0137] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the watch glass of FIG. 1,

[0138] FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the watch glass according to the section A-A indicated in FIG. 1,

[0139] FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a part of the watch glass according to section A-A,

[0140] FIG. 5 shows a further schematic sectional view of a part of the watch glass according to section A-A,

[0141] FIG. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of a part of a watch glass according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

[0142] FIG. 7 shows a schematic sectional view of a part of a watch glass according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

[0143] FIG. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of a part of a watch glass according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and

[0144] FIG. 9 shows a schematic sectional view of a part of a watch glass according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] In the following, a watch 100 with a watch glass 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0146] As can be seen from FIG. 1, the watch 100 has a housing 11, in which the watch glass 10 is arranged. In particular, the watch glass 10 is glued to the housing 11 over its circumference. The housing 11 and the watch glass 10 are formed circularly, but can have any other shape such as of a rectangle, a polygon, etc.

[0147] According to FIGS. 1 and 2, twelve decorative elements 3 are provided in the watch glass 10 in the circumferential direction with the same distance from one another. The position as well as the number of the decorative elements 3 can, however, be chosen arbitrarily depending on the watch design. For example, it is also possible to provide the watch glass 10 with only one decorative element 3 or two or four decorative elements 3. The watch 100 also has furthermore a dial 12, which is formed, for example, as a gold plate, three hands 13 for displaying the hours, minutes and seconds and two connectors for connecting the housing 11 to a wristband 14.

[0148] In this exemplary embodiment, the decorative elements are 3 gemstones with a cabochon cut. Gemstones with other types of cuts as well as other types of decorative elements such as e.g. metal inlays can however also be used as the decorative elements 3 of the present invention.

[0149] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of the watch glass 10 along section A-A in FIG. 1.

[0150] It arises therefrom that the watch glass 10 has a first glass 1 and a second glass 2, which are formed in particular as flat glass plates. However, it is also possible to form the glasses 1, 2 to be curved with the same curvature on their contact surfaces.

[0151] The first glass 1 and the second glass 2 lie on top of one another and are flatly connected to one another via a connecting intermediate layer 5. Owing to the material connection by means of the intermediate layer 5, an air-tight and water-tight junction between the glasses 1, 2 is formed.

[0152] The first glass 1 faces away from an interior 15 of the housing 11 and the second glass 2 faces the interior 15 of the housing 12 respectively. Thus, the first glass 1 is the glass that the light hits first. Within the context of the invention, the first glass 1 can also be referred to as upper glass or outer glass and the second glass as lower glass or inner glass.

[0153] In an advantageous manner, the first glass 1 is made from sapphire glass, which has a high scratch resistance. The second glass 2 is formed from mineral glass. Other materials, such as other types of glass or plastic, are, however, also possible for both the first glass 1 and the second glass 2.

[0154] For each decorative element 3, a continuous recess 4 is formed in the first glass 1. All the recesses 4 of the first glass 1 as well as all the decorative elements 3 are advantageously formed the same, respectively. Therefore, in the following description, reference is made only to a decorative element 3 and the recess 4 of the first glass 1 attributed thereto.

[0155] In contrast to the first glass 1, the second glass 2 is formed continuously. That is, the second glass 2 has no recess.

[0156] The decorative element 3, which is formed in one piece, has a base region 31 and an additional region 32. The base region 31 is arranged settingless in the continuous recess 4 of the first glass 1 and is in direct contact with the connecting intermediate layer 5. “Settingless” means that no setting for receiving and holding the decorative element is provided in the watch glass 10 or rather in the recess 4 of the first glass 1. Rather, the decorative element 3 is held in the recess 4 by the contact of the base region 31 with the connecting intermediate layer 5.

[0157] In particular, an end face 33 of the base region 31 is completely in direct contact with the connecting intermediate layer 5. The end face 33 of the base region 31 is the face of the decorative element 3 that faces the second glass 2 and is perpendicular to a thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2.

[0158] It can be seen from FIGS. 3 to 5 that, in addition to the end face 33, also a circumferential surface 34 of the base region 31 is partially in direct contact with the connecting intermediate layer 5. In other words, the end face 33 of the base region 31 of the decorative element 3 is embedded in the connecting intermediate layer 5.

[0159] This means that the connecting intermediate layer 5 comprises both connecting material, which is located between opposite surfaces 19, 29 of the first glass 1 and the second glass 2, and connecting material, which is located between the circumferential surface 34 of the base region 31 of the decorative element 3 and the first glass 1 or rather the recess 4 of the first glass 1.

[0160] The end face 33 and the part of the circumferential surface 34 of the decorative element 3, which is in direct contact with the connecting intermediate layer 5, are within the context of the invention also referred to as holding areas, since, due to their contact with the connecting intermediate layer 5, the decorative element 3 is held in the watch glass 10.

[0161] In an advantageous manner, the connecting intermediate layer 5 is formed from a transparent laminating film (composite film).

[0162] As can be seen from FIG. 3, the connecting intermediate layer 5 has a first thickness 501 at every point between the opposite surfaces 19, 29 of the glasses 1, 2, in particular at the end face 33 of the decorative element 3, according to the defined values from the general part of the description. At the circumferential surface 34 of the base region 31 of the decorative element 3, the connecting intermediate layer 5 has a second thickness 502 that is smaller than the first thickness 501. In particular, the second thickness 502 of the connecting intermediate layer 5 between the circumferential surface 34 of the base region 31 of the decorative element 3 and the recess 4 of the first glass 1 or the first glass 1 perpendicular to the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2 preferably is between 0.1 mm (inclusive) and 0.6 mm (inclusive), in particular between 0.2 mm (inclusive) and 0.5 mm (inclusive).

[0163] The recess 4 has the same cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area over its entire length. In particular, the recess 4 is formed in the shape of a cylinder. The length of the recess 4 corresponds due to the continuous design of the recess 4 to the thickness 504 of the first glass 1. Accordingly, the base region 31 of the decorative element 3 is formed in the shape of a cylinder. Thus, the connecting intermediate layer 5 at the part of the circumferential surface 34 of the base region 31 that is in direct contact with the intermediate layer 5 is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder.

[0164] The complete base region 31 of the decorative element 3 is arranged only in the recess 4 of the first glass 1.

[0165] In particular, the base region 31 of the decorative element 3 is arranged flush with the surface 19 of the first glass 1 facing the second glass 2 (also: lower surface). Alternatively, the base region 31 of the decorative element 3 may end in the recess 4, i.e. have a length that is smaller than the depth of the recess 4.

[0166] The additional region 32 of the decorative element 3 protrudes beyond the first glass 1 in the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2 and in each direction 505 perpendicular to the thickness direction 500. In other words, the additional region 32 projects completely circumferentially, i.e. over 360 degrees, beyond the recess 4. Thus, the additional region 32 is located above the first glass 1. In particular, the additional region 32 lies on the first glass 1. There is preferably no material connection between the additional region 32 and the first glass 1.

[0167] Preferably, a cross-sectional area of the additional region 32 of the decorative element 3 at the recess 4, i.e. the area of the lower surface 36 of the additional region 32, is preferably larger than a cross-sectional area of the recess 4 on the plane of the upper surface 18 of the first glass 1.

[0168] As already described, the decorative element 3 is in this exemplary embodiment a gemstone with a cabochon cut. Here, the additional region 32 corresponds to that area of the gemstone that is cut in the cabochon cut.

[0169] In particular, the decorative element 3 is formed in such a way that a ratio of the length 300 of the base region 31 of the decorative element 3 in the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2 to a length 301 of an overhang of the additional region 32 in each direction 505 perpendicular to the thickness direction 500 is maximally “two to one”. In particular, the overhang is the part of the additional region 32 that protrudes beyond the base region 31. In an advantageous manner, the length 301 of the overhang is measured at the location of the recess 4, i.e. on the plane of the lower surface 36 of the additional region 32. In the decorative element 3, the length 301 of the overhang is maximum at this point.

[0170] Since due to this ratio the base region 31 is not very long, the base region 31 is on one hand covered by the additional region 32. On the other hand, this ratio has the effect that the base region 31 disappears optically and is therefore no longer realised by a viewer. This is explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0171] In FIG. 4, a light beam 601 that hits the first glass 1 at an angle is shown. Due to the different optical densities of air and the first glass 1, the light beam 601 is refracted at the upper surface 18 of the first glass 1. In particular, due to the greater optical density of the first glass 1 compared to air, is refracted towards the perpendicular 600. Since the base region 31 is not too long, the refracted light beam 601 does not reach the base region 31, but rather passes through the connecting intermediate layer 5 and the second glass 2. The fact that the first glass 1 is made of sapphire glass, which has a relatively high optical density or rather a relatively high refractive index (of approx. 1.77), what leads to a relatively strong refraction of the light beam 601 towards the perpendicular 600, contributes thereto.

[0172] It is, however, possible, depending on the angle of incidence of the light beams on the first glass 1, that a part of the light beams reach the base region 31 of the decorative element 3 and are reflected outward by this. Such a light beam 602 reflected outwards by the base region 31 is drawn in FIG. 5. Due to the described design of the additional region 32 in relation to the base region 31, the reflected light beam 602 is reflected at an angle 603, which is greater than the total reflection angle 604 of the first glass 1. Thus, the light beam 602 is totally reflected at the inner surface of the upper surface 18 of the first glass 1 and passes through the connecting intermediate layer 5 and the second glass 2. This results in that light, which hits the base region 31 and is reflected at it, does not fall into the eye of the viewer.

[0173] Thus, the base region 31 remains invisible and at the same time provides for a stable arrangement of the decorative element, in particular its additional region 32.

[0174] For manufacturing the watch glass 10, the first glass 1 and the second glass 2 are initially provided. In particular, the continuous recesses 4 are formed in the first glass 1. For this purpose, a laser process or a mechanical drilling process can be used.

[0175] After the shaping of the recesses 4, the upper surface 18 and lower surface 19 of the first glass 1 are ground in order to remove potential breakouts in the first glass 1 caused by the shaping of the recesses 4.

[0176] For connecting the glasses 1, 2, a starting intermediate layer, in particular a laminating film, is placed on the second glass 2.

[0177] The decorative elements 3 are placed in the corresponding recesses 4 of the first glass 1 and the first glass 1 is arranged on the second glass 2.

[0178] Subsequently, air is removed from the intermediate area between the first glass 1 and the second glass 2. This is done by building up a vacuum, which encompasses the entire arrangement of the first glass 1, the second glass 2, the starting intermediate layer that lies in between and the decorative elements 3. The vacuum is preferably maintained during the entire joining process (also: lamination process). The arrangement of the first glass 1, the second glass 2, the starting intermediate layer arranged in between and the decorative elements 3 is heated at a temperature between 110 degrees Celsius and 150 degrees Celsius, in particular between 130 degrees Celsius to 145 degrees Celsius, so that the starting intermediate layer becomes doughy or runny. Furthermore, a pressure of 1 bar is exerted on the arrangement, so that the first glass 1 is connected to the second glass 2 in the end. Thus, the material of the starting intermediate layer can easily get into a part of the space of the recess 4 between the first glass 1 and the base region 31. The capillary effect, which occurs because of the almost identical diameters of the cylindrical recess 4 and the cylindrical base region 31, also contributes to filling this space with material from the starting intermediate layer.

[0179] In an extended lamination process, in addition to the normal air pressure of 1 bar, which presses on the above-described arrangement, an additional pressure of up to 8 bar can preferably also be built up.

[0180] After the end of the described joining process, which takes place in particular in an autoclave, the connecting intermediate layer 5, which connects the first glass 1 to the second glass 2 in the finished watch glass 10 and provides for the stable arrangement of the decorative element 3 in the watch glass 10, is formed out of the starting intermediate layer. In particular, a partially, hollow-cylindrical casing of the base region 31 of the decorative element 3 made of connecting material of the intermediate layer 5 is thus formed.

[0181] By the casing of the base region 31 of the decorative element 3, the adhesive surface via which the decorative element 3 is held on the watch glass 10 increases many times over, and thus also the security of a long-lasting arrangement of the decorative element 3 on the watch glass 10.

[0182] What portion of the circumferential surface 34 of the base region 31 will be in direct contact with the connecting intermediate layer 5 in the finished watch glass 10 can in particular be controlled by the starting intermediate layer, in particular its thickness.

[0183] The present invention enables the attachment of the decorative elements 3 to a watch glass 10, in particular decorative elements 3 each with a base region 31 arranged in a recess 4 of the first glass 1 and an additional region 32 protruding beyond the recess 4 of the first glass 1, without the use of a setting. Thus, in the proposed watch glass 10, its appearance is determined only or basically by the decorative elements 3, wherein the breaking strength of the watch glass 10 and the stability of the connection between the decorative elements 3 and the first glass 1 is ensured.

[0184] In FIG. 6, a sectional view of a watch glass 10 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0185] The watch glass 10 according to the second exemplary embodiment differs from that according to the first exemplary embodiment basically in that in the watch glass 10 of the second exemplary embodiment the complete circumferential surface 34 of the base region 31 of the decorative element 3 is in direct contact with the connecting intermediate layer 5. Thus, in the the watch glass 10, a hollow cylindrical casing (also: hollow cylindrical region) made of connecting material is provided around the complete base region 31 of the decorative element 3. The hollow cylindrical casing is part of the connecting intermediate layer 5.

[0186] The formulation “complete circumferential surface” means that the base region 31 is in contact with the connecting intermediate layer 5 over its entire length and over 360 degrees.

[0187] Because of this, and because the additional region 32 lies on the upper surface 18 of the first glass 1, the lower surface 36 of the additional region 32 partially contacts the connecting intermediate layer 5.

[0188] Here, the end face 33 and the complete circumferential surface 34 of the base region 31 of the decorative element 3 serve as holding regions via which the decorative element 3 is attached to the watch glass 10.

[0189] FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of a watch glass 10 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0190] The difference between the watch glass 10 according to the third exemplary embodiment and the watch glass 10 of the second exemplary embodiment is that the base region 31 of the decorative element 3 of the third exemplary embodiment has a completely circumferential recess 35 in its circumferential surface 34.

[0191] The recess 35, which is formed ring-shaped, is in direct contact with the connecting intermediate layer 5. That is, the recess 35 is filled with connecting material of the connecting intermediate layer 5. The base region 31 of the decorative element 3 is thus anchored in the recess 4 by means of the connecting intermediate layer 5. In other words, the connecting material in the recess 35 serves as an undercut of the connecting intermediate layer 5, by which it is even more prevented that the decorative element 3 is removed from the recess 4.

[0192] The connecting intermediate layer 5 has a first thickness 501 between the first glass 1 and the second glass 2 and a second thickness 502 between the first glass 1 and the base region 31 over its entire length up to the point of the recess 35 where the connecting Intermediate layer 5 has a third thickness 503. The third thickness 503 is larger than the second thickness 502. The values indicated in the general part of the description for the thickness of the connecting intermediate layer 5 between the first glass 1 and the base region 31 apply in particular also to the first thickness 501 and/or the second thickness 502 and/or the third thickness 503.

[0193] Due to the recess 35, an even more stable connection between the decorative element 3 and the first glass 1 is achieved.

[0194] In FIG. 8, a section of a watch glass 10 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment is shown. The watch glass 10 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment has a stepped recess 4.

[0195] In particular, the recess 4 comprises a first recess area 41 with a first cross-sectional region 410 and a second recess region 42 with a second cross-sectional area 420.

[0196] The second recess region 42 is arranged closer to the second glass 2 than the first recess region 41, wherein the second cross-sectional area 420 is larger than the first cross-sectional area 410.

[0197] As far as the cross-sectional shapes of the recess regions 41, 42 are concerned, the first recess region 41 and the second recess region 42 have the same cross-sectional shapes. In particular, both recess regions 41, 42 are cylindrical.

[0198] As in the case of the watch glass 10 of the third exemplary embodiment, the base region 31 of the decorative element 3 also in the case of the watch glass 10 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment has a completely circumferential recess 35 in its circumferential surface 34.

[0199] The recess 35 is arranged opposite the second recess region 42 and is connected to the second recess region 42 via the connecting intermediate layer 5. Here, a space between the second recess region 42 and the base area 31 of the decorative element 3, including the recess 35, is filled with connecting material of the connecting intermediate layer 5.

[0200] Thus, a particularly strong connection of the base region 31 of the decorative element 3 to the first glass 1 is achieved. Since the recess 35 is formed at the lower end, i.e. at the end of the base region 31 of the decorative element 3 facing the second glass, and the second recess region 42 with the second cross-sectional area 420, which is enlarged compared to the first recess region 41, is located closer to the second glass 2, the base region 31 can also withstand a torque caused by the impact of the additional region 32.

[0201] In this exemplary embodiment, the first recess region 41 is not in contact with the connecting intermediate layer 5. In other words, there is no connecting material of the connecting intermediate layer 5 in the space between the first recess region 41 and the circumferential surface 34 of the base region 31. However, a design in which the connecting material of the connecting intermediate layer 5 is provided in the space between the first recess region 41 and the circumferential surface 34 of the base region 31 is also possible.

[0202] FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of a watch glass 10 according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which can be inserted into the watch 100 of FIG. 1.

[0203] As can be seen from FIG. 9, the watch glass 10 comprises here also a first glass 1 and a second glass 2, which are connected to one another via a connecting intermediate layer 5.

[0204] Here, the first glass 1 has a continuous recess 4, wherein the second glass 2 also has a continuous recess 6. The continuous recess 4 of the first glass 1 and the continuous recess 6 of the second glass 2 together form a watch glass recess 7. The recess 4 of the first glass 1 can also be referred to as first recess 4 and the recess 6 of the second glass 2 as second recess 6.

[0205] Furthermore, the watch glass 10 comprises a decorative element 3 designed as a gemstone, which has a base region 31 and an additional region 32.

[0206] The base region 31 is arranged settingless in the watch glass recess 7. In other words, the base region 31 is arranged without a setting both in the first recess 4 and in the second recess 6.

[0207] In addition, in this exemplary embodiment, the base region 31 further protrudes beyond a lower surface 28 of the second glass 2. However, it is also possible that the base region 31 is completely received in the watch glass recess 7.

[0208] The additional region 32 protrudes beyond the upper surface 18 of the first glass 1. In other words, the additional region 32 is the region of the decorative element 3, which is located above the upper surface 18 of the first glass 1.

[0209] In particular, the additional region 32 extends in the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2 and in the direction 505 perpendicular to the thickness direction, in particular in each direction 505 perpendicular to the thickness direction.

[0210] In this exemplary embodiment, the additional region 32 of the decorative element 3 comprises a table 37, crown facets 38 and parts of pavilion facets 39 of the gemstone. Here, the table 37, the crown facets 38 and the parts of the pavilion facets 39 of the decorative element 3 are in direct contact with air. Thus, light can directly hit the decorative element 3.

[0211] Other shapes for the decorative element 3 or other types of cuts for the gemstone are, however, also conceivable. Thus, the additional region 32 of the decorative element 3 can instead of the table 37 and the crown facets 38 have a region with a cabochon cut or be formed as such. In particular, the additional region 32 can be formed as that region of the gemstone that is cut in the cabochon cut.

[0212] Furthermore, the decorative element 3 is formed in such a way that the base region 31 faces in comparison to the additional region 32 the housing 11 and the dial 12 of the watch 100. Accordingly, the additional region 32 faces in comparison to the base region 31 away from the interior 15 and the dial 12.

[0213] The base region 31 has, in particular, a first sub-region 311 and a second sub-region 312. The first sub-region 311 and the second sub-region 312 are each inclined to an axis 102 perpendicular to the glasses 1, 2. The axis 102 perpendicular to the glasses 1, 2 is parallel to the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2.

[0214] The second sub-region 312 has a greater inclination than the first sub-region 311. In other words, the second sub-region 312 is more inclined to the axis 102 perpendicular to the glasses 1, 2 than the first sub-region 311.

[0215] In particular, an angle 513 between the first sub-region 311 and the second sub-region 312 is less than 90 degrees, preferably between 10 degrees and 50 degrees, particularly preferably between 20 degrees and 40 degrees.

[0216] In particular, the first sub-region 311 and the second sub-region 312 are conically shaped. Other shapes for the first sub-region 311 and/or the second sub-region 312 are, however, also possible.

[0217] The base region 31, in particular its circumferential surface 34, is partially in direct contact with the connecting intermediate layer 5.

[0218] Here, a space 70 of the watch glass recess 7, which is defined by the first glass 1, the second glass 2 and the base region 3, in particular its first sub-region 311 and its second sub-region 312, is completely filled with connecting material 50 of the connecting intermediate layer 5, so that the decorative element 3 is connected to the first glass 1 and the second glass 2 via the connecting material 50.

[0219] Here, the connecting intermediate layer 5 advantageously comprises both connecting material 51, which is located between the opposite surfaces 19, 29 of the glasses 1, 2, and connecting material 50, which is located in the space 70 of the watch glass recess 7 between the first glass 1, the second glass 2, the first sub-region 311 and the second sub-region 312. In other words, the connecting material 50 in the space 70 forms together with the connecting material 51 between the opposing surfaces 19, 29 of the glasses 1, 2 the connecting intermediate layer 5. The connecting intermediate layer 5 is formed continuously between the space 70 and the space between the opposing surfaces 19, 29.

[0220] Thus, the connecting intermediate layer 5 serves to connect the first glass 1 to the second glass 2 and the decorative element 3 to both glasses 1, 2.

[0221] The first sub-region 311 and the second sub-region 32 define an intermediate space 310, which, in the mounted state of the decorative element 3 in the watch glass 10, is filled with the connecting material 50 of the connecting intermediate layer 5. The intermediate space 310 can also be referred to as a recess in the decorative element 3. In particular, in the mounted state of the decorative element 3 in the watch glass 10, the space 310 coincides with the space 70 of the watch glass recess 7.

[0222] It can also be seen from FIG. 9 that a maximum thickness 507 of the connecting intermediate layer 5 between the first glass 1 and the second glass 2 in the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2 is less than a maximum thickness 506 of the connecting material 50 of the connecting intermediate layer 5 in the space 70 between the first glass 1, the second glass 2, the first sub-area 311 and the second sub-area 312 in the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2.

[0223] Furthermore, the maximum thickness 507 of the connecting intermediate layer 5 between the first glass 1 and the second glass 2 in the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2 is smaller than a maximum thickness 508 of the connecting material 50 of the connecting intermediate layer 5 in the space 70 between the first glass 1, the second glass 2, the first sub-region 311 and the second sub-region 312 in a direction 505 perpendicular to the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2.

[0224] For example, the maximum thickness 507 can be up to 0.4 mm, preferably up to 0.5 mm. The maximum thickness 508 may for example amount to 2 mm.

[0225] Furthermore, the connecting material 50 of the connecting intermediate layer 5 in the space 70 has a triangular cross-section on a section plane perpendicular to the upper surface 18 of the watch glass 10. Here, the section plane is defined by the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2 and a direction 505 perpendicular to the thickness direction 500.

[0226] In this exemplary embodiment, the second sub-region 312 of the decorative element 3 protrudes beyond the lower surface 28 of the second glass 2, in particular by a maximum of 20%, preferably a maximum of 10%, particularly preferably a maximum of 5%, of a thickness 512 of the watch glass 10. Here, the thickness 512 of the watch glass 10 corresponds to the sum of a thickness 510 of the first glass 1, a thickness 511 of the second glass 2 and a thickness 509 of the connecting intermediate layer 5 in the area between the first glass 1 and the second glass 2, wherein all thicknesses 509, 510 and 511 are measured at the same point.

[0227] However, it is also possible that the second sub-region 312 of the base region 31 ends in the watch glass recess 7, in particular in the second recess 6. Alternatively, an end region of the second sub-region 312 can be flush with the lower surface 28 of the second glass 2.

[0228] As can also be seen from FIG. 9, the first recess 4 has a first recess region 41 and a second recess region 42. The first recess region 41 has a larger cross-sectional area than the second recess region 42. In particular, the first recess region 41 is conically shaped, wherein the second recess region 42 is cylindrical.

[0229] Correspondingly, the second recess 6 has according to FIG. 9 a first recess region 61 and a second recess region 62. Here, the first recess region 61 has a larger cross-sectional area than the second recess region 62. In particular, the first recess region 61 is conically shaped, wherein the second recess region 62 is cylindrical.

[0230] Other shapes for the first recess 4 and/or the second recess 6, in particular for the recess regions 41, 42, 61, 62, are, however, also possible.

[0231] The first (conical) recess region 41 of the first recess 4 is arranged at the upper surface 18 of the first glass 1, wherein the first (conical) recess region 61 of the second recess 6 is arranged at the upper surface 29 of the second glass 2. Accordingly, the second (cylindrical) recess region 42 is arranged at the lower surface 19 of the first glass 1, wherein the second (cylindrical) recess region 62 is arranged at the lower surface 29 of the second glass 2.

[0232] In particular, the first recess region 41 of the first recess 4 extends over the upper half of the depth of the first recess 1, wherein the second recess region 42 of the first recess 4 extends over the lower half of the depth of the first recess 4. The same applies to the first recess region 61 and the second recess region 62 of the second recess 6.

[0233] For shaping the conical recess regions 41, 61, the first recess 4 and the second recess 6 are beveled at the upper surfaces 18, 28 of the glasses 1, 2 completely in the circumferential direction, i.e. over 360 degrees.

[0234] As can also be seen from FIG. 9, the first sub-region 311 of the base region 31 abuts on the first recess region 41 of the first recess 4 and has a conical shape at the contact point like the first recess region 41. In particular, the first sub-region 311 can be glued to the first recess region 41 of the first recess 4.

[0235] Furthermore, the second sub-region 312 of the base region 31 contacts the second recess region 62 of the second recess 6 and has a cylindrical shape at the contact point like the second recess region 62. In particular, the second sub-region 312 and the second recess region 62 of the second recess 6 are not glued to one another.

[0236] Thus, the space 70 of the watch glass recess 7 is defined in particular by the first recess region 41 of the first recess 4, the first sub-region 311, the second sub-region 312 and the second recess region 62 of the second recess 6.

[0237] As already described, the decorative element 3 protrudes beyond the upper surface 18 of the watch glass 10 and is partially arranged in the watch glass recess 4. In particular, the decorative element 3 has a dimension 302 parallel to the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2, which is over 100% of the thickness 512 of the watch glass 10.

[0238] The decorative element 3 can, however, have a dimension 302 parallel to the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2, which is smaller than the thickness 512 of the watch glass 10. Here, the decorative element 3 can be arranged in such a way that it still protrudes over the upper surface 18 of the watch glass 10.

[0239] Furthermore, the decorative element 3 has a maximum cross-sectional area 303 in the direction 505 perpendicular to the thickness direction 500. The maximum cross-sectional area 303 can be at least 1/20, preferably at least 1/16, particularly preferably at least 1/10, of the area of the upper surface 18 of the first glass 1. In an advantageous manner, the cross section of the decorative element 3 with the maximum cross-sectional area 303 is located above the first glass 1, that is, in the additional region 32 of the decorative element 3. Thus, the decorative element 3 can in particular appear as floating.

[0240] For providing the decorative element 3 designed as a gemstone, a raw gemstone is cut in such a way that the base region 31 with the first sub-region 311 and the second sub-region 312 and the additional region 32 are formed in the decorative element 3. Due to the described shape of the decorative element 3 and its settingless arrangement in the watch glass recess 7, the decorative element 3 appears to be floatingly arranged. Furthermore, the connecting material 50 in the space 70 of the watch glass recess 7 represents an undercut of the connecting intermediate layer 5, which, in addition to the connecting properties of the connecting material 50, makes sure that the decorative element 3 cannot be removed from the watch glass recess 7.

[0241] In addition to the above written description of the invention, reference is hereby explicitly made to the diagrammatic illustration of the invention in FIGS. 1 to 9 for additional disclosure thereof.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0242] 1 first glass [0243] 2 second glass [0244] 3 decorative element [0245] 4 recess [0246] 5 intermediate layer [0247] 6 recess [0248] 7 watch glass recess [0249] 10 watch glass [0250] 11 housing [0251] 12 dial [0252] 13 hand [0253] 14 connector for a wristband [0254] 15 interior [0255] 18 upper surface [0256] 19 surface [0257] 28 lower surface [0258] 29 surface [0259] 31 base region [0260] 32 additional region [0261] 33 end face [0262] 34 circumferential surface [0263] 35 recess [0264] 36 lower surface [0265] 37 table [0266] 38 crown facet [0267] 41 first recess region [0268] 42 second recess region [0269] 50 connecting material [0270] 51 connecting material [0271] 61 first recess region [0272] 62 second recess region [0273] 70 space [0274] 100 watch [0275] 102 axis [0276] 300 length [0277] 301 length [0278] 302 dimension [0279] 303 cross-sectional area [0280] 310 intermediate space [0281] 311 first sub-region [0282] 312 second sub-region [0283] 410 first cross-sectional area [0284] 420 second cross-sectional area [0285] 500 thickness direction [0286] 501 first thickness [0287] 502 second thickness [0288] 503 third thickness [0289] 504 thickness [0290] 505 direction perpendicular to the thickness direction [0291] 506 thickness [0292] 507 thickness [0293] 508 thickness [0294] 509 thickness [0295] 510 thickness [0296] 511 thickness [0297] 512 thickness [0298] 513 angle [0299] 600 perpendicular [0300] 601 light beam [0301] 602 light beam [0302] 603 angle [0303] 604 total reflection angle