A replaceable register ring for a diver's watch and method therefor

Abstract

 A watch (10), particularly a diver's watch, by which a register ring (15) can be replaced comprises a turning ring (7) rotatably mounted on, operatively connected with, and positioned above a watch case (5). A plurality of pins (17) extend downwardly from the body (16) of a register ring (15) and are insertable in a corresponding socket that is accessible via an upper surface of the turning ring (7), to releasably couple the register ring (15) with the turning ring (7). The turning ring (7) is rotatable in solely a first rotational direction (R) in order to set an initial indication of the register ring (15).
The pins (17) are disengaged from the turning ring (7) upon rotation of an element of the turning ring (7) in a second rotational direction (T) opposite from the first direction (R), thereby allowing a first register ring (15) to be replaced by a second register ring (15).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of diving watches. More particularly, the invention relates to a diver's watch having a replaceable register ring.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Most diver's watches are provided with an outer rotatable ring (hereinafter "register ring"), for indicating information of importance to a diver, or alternatively, for providing a fashionable appearance. The register ring generally has sixty evenly spaced graduations, corresponding to sixty minutes of indications, to allow the diver to set a time within which he must return to the water surface.

[0003] Many divers, or other users, are also interested in referring to other register rings, such as a tachymeter in order to measure speed. In order to refer to another register ring, the diver will have to remove a first watch provided with a first register ring and replace it with a second watch provided with a second register ring. Alternatively, two watches will have to be worn, each of which provided with a different register ring.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a diver's watch with a replaceable register ring. Some prior art diver's watches are provided with a replaceable register ring; however, the prior art replaceable register rings are releasably connected to their watch case by means of screws. The underwater replacement of a register ring with a screwdriver is therefore a cumbersome, and at times, an unfeasible operation.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a diver's watch with a register ring that can be easily replaced, such as underwater.

[0006] It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a replaceable and rotatable register ring that is connected to a watch case without use of screws or any other attachment elements that can be easily lost underwater.

[0007] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention is directed to a watch, particularly a diver's watch, by which a register ring can be replaced, comprising:

a) a watch case in which are housed at least one compartment for driving each time indicator, and a transparent element through which the time indication is visible;

b) a turning ring rotatably mounted on, operatively connected with, and positioned above said case, a plurality of sockets being accessible via an upper surface of said turning ring; and

c) a register ring having a body and a plurality of pins extending downwardly from said body, said pins being insertable in a corresponding socket and being thereby releasably coupled with said turning ring.

[0009] Said turning ring is rotatable in solely a first rotational direction in order to set an initial indication of said register ring. Said pins are disengaged from said turning ring upon rotation of an element of said turning ring in a second rotational direction opposite from said first direction, thereby allowing a first register ring to be replaced by a second register ring.

[0010] As referred to herein, the recitation of positional terms including "horizontal", "above", "upper", "lower", "upwardly", "downwardly", and "vertical" is with respect to a disposition of the watch for which the planar central surface of the transparent element, through which the time indication is visible, is located above the watch case and is parallel to an underlying horizontal surface. It will be appreciated, however, that the watch may be disposed at any other disposition, particularly when a user is performing a diving operation. The terms "outer" and "inner" relate to the relative location within an annular element, whether away or towards a center of the annular element.

[0011] Preferably, each register ring pin is releasably coupled with the turning ring by means of a corresponding spring assembly.

[0012] In one aspect, the turning ring comprises a first member in which are confined a plurality of spring assemblies, said first member being ratchetly connected with the case, and a second member to which are connected the plurality of spring assemblies, said second member being positioned above said first member. Advantageously, a spring assembly is secured to a pin introduced to a corresponding socket while the turning ring is rotated in the first direction and is separated from said pin when the second member is rotated in the second direction.

[0013] Advantageously, the first member is a channeled member configured with an inner annular horizontal surface; an outer horizontal surface surrounding, and located below, said inner surface; and a plurality of equally spaced and circumferentially extending channels in each of which is confined a corresponding spring assembly.

[0014] Advantageously, the second member is configured with an outer circular wall from which radially protrude a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth for rotating the second member in the second direction; an annular horizontal guide plate extending radially inwardly from, and located below, the upper edge of said outer wall, said guide plate being adapted to contact the outer surface of the first member and to cover a majority of each channel; a plurality of equally and circumferentially spaced U-shaped cutouts formed in said guide plate, each of said cutouts overlying an end of a corresponding channel and defining a socket through which a register ring pin is insertable; and a plurality of apertures bored in said guide plate, to each of said apertures is connected a corresponding spring assembly.

[0015] In one aspect, the spring assembly comprises a spring support having an arcuate body, a sloped head element extending downwardly from an upper surface of said spring support body, and a rear cylindrical projection extending away from said head element; a connector passing through a corresponding guide plate aperture and engaging an aperture formed in said spring support body, for connecting the spring assembly and second member; and a spring secured at one end to said projection and having a length greater than said projection so as to be in abutting relation with a first channel end.

[0016] In one aspect, each register ring pin is configured with an upper tubular element, an intermediate tubular portion located below, and having a significantly smaller diameter than, said upper element, and a lower element having a tapered surface which decreases in diameter vertically downwardly.

[0017] In one aspect, the maximum diameter of the lower element is substantially equal to that of the upper element.

[0018] Advantageously, the head element of the spring support engages the upper element, intermediate portion, and lower element of the corresponding pin following introduction of the corresponding pin into the channel, causing the pin to be fixated between the head element and a second channel end.

[0019] Advantageously, contact between the tapered surface of the lower pin element and the sloped head element during introduction of the pin into the channel causes the second member together with the spring assembly connected thereto to slightly rotate in the second direction, thereby allowing the socket to be temporarily unobstructed, whereupon the second member rotates in the first direction by means of spring power and fixates the introduced pin.

[0020] Advantageously, rotation in the second direction of the second member by means of a torque applied to one or more of the teeth thereof causes the head element to be separated from the introduced pin and allows the register ring to be removed from the turning ring, whereupon the second member rotates in the first direction by means of spring power so as to position the head element below the socket.

[0021] In one aspect, the first member further comprises a plurality of equally spaced spring biased posts extending upwardly from the outer surface of the first member, an outer bottom surface of the register ring compressing said plurality of posts when the pins are coupled to corresponding spring assemblies so that said plurality of posts will propel the register ring upwardly by means of spring power when the pins are separated from the corresponding spring assemblies.

[0022] In one aspect, the guide plate of the second member is further formed with additional U-shaped cutouts such that the number of cutouts is equal to twice the number of register ring pins, all of the cutouts being equally circumferentially spaced and arranged such that each of said additional cutouts is adapted to receive a corresponding spring biased post and is interposed between two cutouts that overlie an end of a corresponding channel. The rotation of the second member in the second direction is limited by means of contact between an edge of an additional cutout and a corresponding post.

[0023] In one aspect, the watch further comprises a first engagement element for retaining the first member in rotatable yet inseparable relation with the case and a second engagement element for retaining the second member in rotatable yet inseparable relation with the first member.

[0024] The present invention is also directed to a method for replacing a register ring of a watch, particularly a diver's watch, comprising the steps of:

a) providing a watch with a turning ring comprising first and second members, said first member being operatively connected with a watch case such that said turning ring is rotatable in solely a first rotational direction;

b) introducing pins of a first register ring within corresponding sockets formed in said turning ring while coupling said pins to said turning ring;

c) rotating said turning ring in said first direction in order to set an initial indication of said first register ring;

d) rotating said second member in a second rotation direction opposite from said first rotational direction while said first member remains stationary, causing said pins to be disengaged from said turning ring; and

e) replacing said first register ring with a second register ring by coupling pins of said second register ring with said turning ring.

[0025] In one aspect, the pins of the first register ring are coupled to the turning ring by performing the following steps:

a) providing the first member with a plurality of circumferentially extending and equally spaced recessed channels, the number of said channels being equal to the number of pins;

b) inserting a spring assembly into each of said channels, said spring assembly comprising:

i. a spring support having an arcuate body, a head element extending downwardly from an upper surface of said spring support body, and a rear cylindrical projection extending away from said head element, and

ii. a spring secured at one end to said projection and having a length greater than said projection so as to be in abutting relation with a first channel end;

c) connecting each of said spring supports to a corresponding aperture formed in the second member;

d) introducing a pin through a cutout formed in the second member into the corresponding channel, thereby contacting said head element and causing said spring support and second member connected thereto to rotate in the second direction until the pin is fully introduced into the channel; and

e) allowing the second member to rotate in the first direction by spring power until said head element contacts and fixates said fully introduced pin.

[0026] In one aspect, the second member is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth radially extending from an outer wall of the second member, and the fully introduced pin is disengaged from the head element by applying a torque to one or more of said teeth, thereby causing the second member and the head element connected thereto to rotate in the second direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] In the drawings:

• Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a diver's watch, according to one embodiment of the invention;
• Figs. 2 and 3 are a perspective view of the watch of Fig. 1, illustrating the disengagement of a register ring from the watch;
• Figs. 4A-C are a top view of three different register rings, respectively;
• Fig. 5 is vertical cross sectional view of a portion of a register ring, cut about plane A-A of Fig. 4B;
• Fig. 6 is a vertical cross sectional view of a portion of a watch, cut about plane B-B of Fig. 1;
• Fig. 7 is a top view of a channeled member, showing a spring assembly being confined in one of its channels;
• Fig. 8A is a side view of a portion of the channeled member, taken along view C of Fig. 7;
• Fig. 8B is a vertical cross sectional view of a portion of the channeled member, cut about plane D-D of Fig. 7;
• Fig. 9A is a top view of a toothed member;
• Fig. 9B is a vertical cross sectional view of a portion of the toothed member, cut about plane E-E of Fig. 9A;
• Fig. 10 is a top view of a turning ring comprised of the channeled member of Fig. 7 and the toothed member of Fig. 9A;
• Figs. 11A and 11B are side and top views, respectively, of a spring support;
• Fig. 12A is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a channel, cut along circumferential section F-F of Fig. 10, illustrating the insertion of a register ring pin through a cutout and the subsequent rotation of the toothed member in the second rotational direction;
• Fig. 12B is an enlargement of Detail G of Fig. 12A, showing a connector connecting the spring support to the toothed member;
• Fig. 12C is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a channel, cut along circumferential section F-F of Fig. 10, illustrating the fixation of a register ring pin;
• Fig. 13 is a top view of the turning ring of Fig. 10, showing the rotation of the toothed member being limited by means of a plurality of posts; and
• Fig. 14 is a top view of an exemplary engagement element for retaining the toothed member in rotatable yet inseparable relation with the channeled member.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0028] Fig. 1 illustrates a diver's watch, which is generally indicated by numeral 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Watch 10 is shown to be supported by a holder 1, but it will be appreciated that the watch can be supported it in any other desired fashion, and particularly on a wrist of a diver or of any other user. Watch 10 has a case 5, on top of which is operatively connected a turning ring 7 provided with circumferentially spaced teeth 8. A replaceable register ring 15 is releasably connected to turning ring 7, so that when turning ring 7 is rotated in direction R, an initial indication may be set.

[0029] Register ring 15 is adapted to contact transparent element 4 through which the various hands or time indicating indicia of watch 10 are visible. Thus when the hands of watch 10 are rotating in the clockwise direction, turning ring 7 may be rotated only in the counterclockwise direction, and is prevented from rotating in the clockwise direction, so that an initial indication may be set and to provide an accurate reading thereafter.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 2, an element of the turning ring may be rotated in rotational direction T opposite to rotational direction R by means of a fingernail 11 inserted in an interspace between two adjacent teeth 8. When the element is sufficiently rotated in direction T, pins 17 of register ring 15 become disengaged from the turning ring, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0031] A register ring 15A shown in Fig. 4A may be designed in the form of sixty evenly spaced graduations, or a register ring 15B shown in Fig. 4B may be designed in the form of a tachymeter having a logarithmic scale. Other register rings, such as the register ring 15C shown in Fig. 4C which is provided without any markings, may be configured by a register ring of one or more different colors with or without any markings, or with the addition of one or more ornamental elements, to increase visibility, or to improve the esthetic appearance of the watch. Register ring 15C may therefore also be coupled with a watch worn by a land located user, as opposed to underwater. One example of a fashionable register ring is one in which are set a plurality of diamonds to be worn by a female user at a social function.

[0032] A vertical cross section of register ring 15 is shown in Fig. 5. Register ring 15 has a ring body 16 configured with a tapered annular upper surface 18 that decreases in thickness in a radially outward direction. A plurality of pins 17, e.g. three pins, extend downwardly from body 16 at a uniform radial location. The bottom surface of register ring 15 is stepped, configured with a horizontal inner bottom surface 21 that is higher than the horizontal outer bottom surface 23 that extends radially outwardly from the pins 17.

[0033] Each pin 17 has a non-uniform thickness, with an upper tubular element 26 located below surface 23, intermediate tubular portion 27 having a significantly smaller diameter than element 26 and located therebelow, and a lower element 28 having a tapered surface 29 which decreases in diameter vertically downwardly. The maximum diameter of lower element 28 is substantially equal to that of upper element 26.

[0034] A vertical cross section of watch 10 is shown in Fig. 6. In watch case 5 are housed compartments 12 and 13 for driving the time indicators, and transparent element 4 through which the time indication is visible. Compartments 12 and 13 may be provided with a sealing element to ensure operability underwater. Turning ring 7, which is positioned above case 5, comprises two members: a channeled member 30 in which are received a plurality of spring assemblies, as will be described hereinafter, and a toothed member 40 having a larger diameter than channeled member 30 and provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth 8. A plurality of channels 32 for receiving a corresponding pin 17 of register ring 15 are formed in channeled member 30. Turning ring 7 is placed in rotatable yet inseparable relation with case 5 by means of a springlike engagement element 41 surrounding case 5. Toothed member 40 is placed in rotatable yet inseparable relation with channeled member 30 by means of a springlike engagement element 43 surrounding channeled member 30.

[0035] Referring to Figs. 7 and 8A-B, channeled member 30 is configured with an inner annular horizontal surface 34 and an outer horizontal surface 36, which surrounds inner surface 34 and is located therebelow. A chamfered surface 24 extends downwardly from outer horizontal surface 36 to outer vertical wall 37, which is in abutting relation, or slightly spaced from, an adjacent movable surface of the toothed member. A circumferential groove 31, e.g. a C-shaped groove, in which engagement element 43 (Fig. 6) can be seated, is formed in, and recessed from, wall 37. A lower wall 38 recessed and extending downwardly from outer wall 37 is formed at the bottom with a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth 39, e.g. sawtooth serrations, which are operatively connected to a ratchet element associated with the watch case. When the turning ring is rotated, the ratchet element engages a complementary tooth 39. The serrations of teeth 39 are configured such that rotation of the turning ring, and particularly channeled member 30, is possible in only one rotational direction, as well known to those skilled in the art.

[0036] A plurality of equally spaced and circumferentially extending channels 32 equal to the number of pins extending downwardly from the register ring, e.g. three elliptically shaped channels having rounded ends 33, are provided, being downwardly recessed with respect to outer horizontal surface 36. Each channel 32 is defined by a bottom horizontal surface 52 located below outer surface 36 and slightly above lower wall 38, a wall 48 extending downwardly from inner surface 34 to bottom surface 52, a wall 49 extending downwardly from outer surface 36 to bottom surface 52, and the two ends 33. A plurality of circumferentially spaced spring biased posts 35 equal in number to the number of pins extending downwardly from the register ring, e.g. three, extend upwardly from outer surface 36.

[0037] Toothed member 40 is illustrated in Figs. 9A and 9B. Toothed member 40 has an outer circular vertical wall 42 from which radially protrude a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth 8. A horizontal guide plate 44 extends radially inwardly from, and is located below, the upper edge 58 of wall 42. A plurality of circumferentially spaced U-shaped cutouts 46 equal to twice the number of pins extending downwardly from the register ring, e.g. six, are formed in guide plate 44. A plurality of apertures 47, to the walls of each of which are connected a corresponding spring assembly, are bored in guide plate 44. An inner vertical wall 71 substantially parallel to outer wall 42 extends downwardly from guide plate 44. A bottom wall 74 substantially parallel to guide plate 44 extends between the bottom edge of wall 42 and the bottom edge of wall 71. A circumferential groove 76, e.g. a C-shaped groove, in which engagement element 43 (Fig. 6) can be seated, is formed in, and recessed from, wall 71.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 10, which illustrates turning ring 7, and particularly the placement of toothed member 40 on top of channeled member 30, guide plate 44 is configured to cover substantially all of the channels, and the cutouts 46 are configured such that some are adapted to receive a corresponding post 35 and some are adapted to expose a channel end 33 and a head element 54 of the spring assembly. Although guide plate 44 is positioned above, and in abutting relation with, outer surface 36 of channeled member 30 (Fig. 7), upward separation of toothed member 40 from channeled member 30 is prevented by means of engagement element 43 (Fig. 6), which is seated in groove 31 of channeled member 30 (Fig. 8B) and in groove 76 of toothed member 40 (Fig. 9B).

[0039] An exemplary engagement element 43A is illustrated in Fig. 14. Engagement element 43A is configured with a plurality of adjacent angled sides 69 that are formed so as to be shaped similarly as an arcuate element having spaced ends 77 and 78. By virtue of the spaced ends 77 and 78, engagement element 43A is able to be mounted about, and cling to, channeled member 30 (Fig. 8B) after being received in its groove 31 and in groove 76 of toothed member 40 (Fig. 9B). If toothed member 40 is attempted to be upwardly separated from channeled member 30, the walls of groove 76 contact engagement element 43A, thereby retaining toothed member 40 in rotatable yet inseparable relation with channeled member 30. Engagement element 41 (Fig. 6) may be similarly configured and similarly mounted in grooves formed in case 5 and in channeled member 30, respectively.

[0040] Figs. 11A-B illustrate a spring support 55. Spring support 55 has a slightly arcuate body 51 bored with a threaded aperture 53, by which spring support 55 is connected to the toothed member, a sloped head element 54 extending downwardly from upper surface 56 of body 51, and a rear cylindrical projection 59 extending away from head element 54.

[0041] Referring to Figs. 7, 9A, 10, and 11B, a spring assembly 60 is retained in a channel 32. A spring 62, e.g. a helical spring, is secured at one end to rear projection 59 of spring support 55. A threaded connector 67 passing through an aperture 47 formed in toothed member 40 is connected with aperture 53 of a corresponding spring support 55.

[0042] Since it can be rotated in only a first rotational direction, the channeled member provides a reaction force when a torque is applied to the turning ring in a second rotational direction T opposite to the first rotational direction R (Figs. 1-2). As spring assembly 60 is connected to the toothed member, a force applied to the spring assembly will cause the toothed member to rotate.

[0043] Fig. 12A-C illustrate a register ring 15 being coupled to turning ring 7.

[0044] In Fig. 12A each pin 17 of register ring 15 is inserted in a cutout 46 while tapered surface 29 of pin lower element 28 contacts sloped head element 54 of spring support 55. Due to the contact between pin 17 and spring support 55, toothed member 40 connected to spring support 55 by means of connector 67, which is countersunk with respect to guide plate 44 of toothed member 40 as shown in Fig. 12B, is slightly rotated in direction T, causing head element 54 to be sufficiently displaced such that it renders cutout 46 unobstructed and thereby allowing pin 17 to be fully introduced into channel 32, as shown in Fig. 12C. After spring 62 is slightly compressed by channel end 33, toothed member 40 and spring support 55 are rotated in direction R, returning to their original position after the potential energy of the spring is released. Thus, as shown in Fig. 12C, sloped head element 54 of spring support 55 presses on intermediate tubular portion 27 of pin 17, while engaging both upper element 26 and lower element 28 of pin 17. Pin 17 is therefore caused to be fixated between spring support 55 and channel end 33.

[0045] While the plurality of pins 17 are being fixated within corresponding channels, the regions of outer bottom surface 23 (Fig. 5) of register ring 15 without pins concurrently press on the plurality of spring actuated posts 35 (Fig. 10). The posts 35 are therefore compressed.

[0046] In order to disengage the plurality of pins from the pressing action caused by the corresponding spring supports 55, toothed member 40 is rotated in direction T by a fingernail, or by a suitable implement, inserted between adjacent teeth 8, so that head element 54 will be displaced and cutout 46 will be unobstructed. After a sufficient torque is generated, the rotation of toothed member 40 with respect to channeled member 30 is limited by means of the plurality of posts 35, as shown in Fig. 13. Further rotation of toothed member 40 in direction T is prevented when an edge 63 of a cutout 46 abuts a corresponding post 35. While toothed member 40 is rotated in direction T, spring support 55 is dislodged from pin 17 and is displaced beyond the outer edge of upper element 26. The relative displacement of head element 54 within channel 32 can be appreciated by referring to Fig. 13, which shows the increased spacing relative to the disposition of Fig. 10 between head element 54 and channel end 33 while the latter is concealed by the guide plate of toothed member 40 and indicated by dashed lines. Since pin 17 is no longer fixated and outer bottom surface 23 of register ring 15 ceases to compress the plurality of posts 35, the potential energy of the latter is released, increasing in length and upwardly propelling register ring 15 with respect to the turning ring. After a register ring 15 has been removed from the turning ring, it may be easily replaced with a differently configured or differently colored register ring. Each of the register rings may be retained on dedicated holders or within a compartment, to facilitate replacement at any time, including underwater.

[0047] While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be carried out with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A watch (10), particularly a diver's watch, by which a register ring (15) can be replaced, characterized in that said watch (10) comprises:

a) a watch case (5) in which are housed at least one compartment for driving each time indicator, and a transparent element (4) through which the time indication is visible;

b) a turning ring (7) rotatably mounted on, operatively connected with, and positioned above said case (5), a plurality of sockets being accessible via an upper surface of said turning ring (7); and

c) a register ring (15) having a body (16) and a plurality of pins (17) extending downwardly from said body (16), said pins (17) being insertable in a corresponding socket and being thereby releasably coupled with said turning ring (7),
wherein said turning ring (7) is rotatable in solely a first rotational direction (R) in order to set an initial indication of said register ring (15),
wherein said pins (17) are disengaged from said turning ring (7) upon rotation of an element of said turning ring (7) in a second rotational direction (T) opposite from said first direction (R), thereby allowing a first register ring (15) to be replaced by a second register ring (15).

2. The watch (10) according to claim 1, wherein the turning ring (7) comprises a first member (30) being ratchetly connected with the case (5) and in which are confined a plurality of spring assemblies (60), and a second member (40) to which are connected the plurality of spring assemblies (60), said second member (40) being positioned above said first member (30) and each register ring pin (17) being releasably coupled with the turning ring (7) by means of a corresponding spring assembly (60).

3. The watch (10) according to claim 2, wherein a spring assembly (60) is secured to a pin (17) introduced to a corresponding socket while the turning ring (7) is rotated in the first direction (R) and is separated from said pin (17) when the second member (40) is rotated in the second direction (T).

4. The watch (10) according to claim 3, wherein the first member (30) is a channeled member configured with:

a) an inner annular horizontal surface (34);

b) an outer horizontal surface (36) surrounding, and located below, said inner surface (34); and

c) a plurality of equally spaced and circumferentially extending channels (32) in each of which is confined a corresponding spring assembly (60).

5. The watch (10) according to claim 4, wherein the second member (40) is configured with:

a) an outer circular wall (42) from which radially protrude a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth (8) for rotating the second member (40) in the second direction (T);

b) an annular horizontal guide plate (44) extending radially inwardly from, and located below, the upper edge (58) of said outer wall (42), said guide plate (44) being adapted to contact the outer surface (36) of the first member (30) and to cover a majority of each channel (32);

c) a plurality of equally and circumferentially spaced U-shaped cutouts (46) formed in said guide plate (44), each of said cutouts (46) overlying an end of a corresponding channel (32) and defining a socket through which a register ring pin (17) is insertable ; and

d) a plurality of apertures (47) bored in said guide plate (44), to each of said apertures (47) is connected a corresponding spring assembly (60).

6. The watch (10) according to claim 5, wherein the spring assembly (60) comprises:

a) a spring support (55) having an arcuate body (51), a sloped head element (54) extending downwardly from an upper surface (56) of said spring support body (51), and a rear cylindrical projection (59) extending away from said head element (54);

b) a connector (67) passing through a corresponding guide plate aperture (47) and engaging an aperture (53) formed in said spring support body (51), for connecting the spring assembly (60) and second member (40); and

c) a spring (62) secured at one end to said projection (59) and having a length greater than said projection (59) so as to be in abutting relation with a first channel end.

7. The watch (10) according to claim 6, wherein each register ring pin (17) is configured with an upper tubular element (26), an intermediate tubular portion (27) located below, and having a significantly smaller diameter than, said upper element (26), and a lower element (28) having a tapered surface (29) which decreases in diameter vertically downwardly,
wherein the head element (54) of the spring support (55) engages said upper element (26), intermediate portion (27), and lower element (28) of the corresponding pin (17) following introduction of the corresponding pin (17) into the channel (32), causing the pin (17) to be fixated between the head element (54) and a second channel end.

8. The watch (10) according to claim 7, wherein the maximum diameter of the lower element (28) is substantially equal to that of the upper element (26).

9. The watch (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein contact between the tapered surface (29) of the lower pin element (28) and the sloped head element (54) during introduction of the pin (17) into the channel (32) causes the second member (40) together with the spring assembly (60) connected thereto to slightly rotate in the second direction (T), thereby allowing the socket to be temporarily unobstructed, whereupon the second member (40) rotates in the first direction (R) by means of spring power and fixates the introduced pin (17).

10. The watch (10) according to claim 9, wherein rotation in the second direction (T) of the second member (40) by means of a torque applied to one or more of the teeth (8) thereof causes the head element (54) to be separated from the introduced pin (17) and allows the register ring (15) to be removed from the turning ring (7), whereupon the second member (40) rotates in the first direction (R) by means of spring power so as to position the head element (54) below the socket.

11. The watch (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the first member (30) further comprises a plurality of equally spaced spring biased posts (35) extending upwardly from the outer surface (36) of the first member (30), an outer bottom surface (23) of the register ring (15) compressing said plurality of posts (35) when the pins (17) are coupled to corresponding spring assemblies (60) so that said plurality of posts (35) will propel the register ring (15) upwardly by means of spring power when the pins (17) are separated from the corresponding spring assemblies (60).

12. The watch (10) according to claims 5 and 11, wherein the guide plate (44) of the second member (40) is further formed with additional U-shaped cutouts (46) such that the number of cutouts (46) is equal to twice the number of register ring pins (17), all of the cutouts (46) being equally circumferentially spaced and arranged such that each of said additional cutouts (46) is adapted to receive a corresponding spring biased post (35) and is interposed between two cutouts (46) that overlie an end of a corresponding channel (32),
wherein the rotation of the second member (40) in the second direction (T) is limited by means of contact between an edge (63) of an additional cutout (46) and a corresponding post (35).

13. The watch (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 12, further comprising a first engagement element (41) for retaining the first member (30) in rotatable yet inseparable relation with the case (5) and a second engagement element (43) for retaining the second member (40) in rotatable yet inseparable relation with the first member (30).

14. A method for replacing a register ring (15) of a watch (10), particularly a diver's watch, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of:

a) providing a watch (10) with a turning ring (7) comprising first and second members (30, 40), said first member (30) being operatively connected with a watch case (5) such that said turning ring (7) is rotatable in solely a first rotational direction (R);

b) introducing pins (17) of a first register ring (15) within corresponding sockets formed in said turning ring (7) while coupling said pins (17) to said turning ring (7);

c) rotating said turning ring (7) in said first direction (R) in order to set an initial indication of said first register ring (15);

d) rotating said second member (40) in a second rotation direction (T) opposite from said first rotational direction (R) while said first member (30) remains stationary, causing said pins (17) to be disengaged from said turning ring (7); and

e) replacing said first register ring (15) with a second register ring (15) by coupling pins (17) of said second register ring (15) with said turning ring (7).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the pins (17) of the first register ring (15) are coupled to the turning ring (7) by performing the following steps:

a) providing the first member (30) with a plurality of circumferentially extending and equally spaced recessed channels (32), the number of said channels (32) being equal to the number of pins (17);

b) inserting a spring assembly (60) into each of said channels (32), said spring assembly (60) comprising:

i. a spring support (55) having an arcuate body (51), a head element (54) extending downwardly from an upper surface (56) of said spring support body (51), and a rear cylindrical projection (59) extending away from said head element (54), and

ii. a spring (62) secured at one end to said projection (59) and having a length greater than said projection (59) so as to be in abutting relation with a first channel end;

c) connecting each of said spring supports (55) to a corresponding aperture (47) formed in the second member (40);

d) introducing a pin (17) through a cutout (46) formed in the second member (40) into the corresponding channel (32), thereby contacting said head element (54) and causing said spring support (55) and second member (40) connected thereto to rotate in the second direction (T) until the pin (17) is fully introduced into the channel (32); and

e) allowing the second member (40) to rotate in the first direction (R) by spring power until said head element (54) contacts and fixates said fully introduced pin (17),
wherein the second member (40) is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth (8) radially extending from an outer wall (42) of the second member (40), and the fully introduced pin (17) is disengaged from the head element (54) by applying a torque to one or more of said teeth (8), thereby causing the second member (40) and the head element (54) connected thereto to rotate in the second direction (T).

Drawing