100 can enhance the fit and comfort of a variety of wristwatches by creating additional intermediate positions for fine-tuning the wrist strap length and enabling the user to make quick, intuitive, and precise adjustments.

4. Buckle-Closure Wrist Strap

In one implementation, a buckle-closure wristwatch may include a buckle-closure wrist strap (hereinafter referred to as a “wrist strap”), the wrist strap including: a first discrete strap segment (i.e., the buckle-side strap segment) including a wrist strap buckle 110, arranged at a distal end of the first discrete strap segment (or interchangeably “strap segment”), configured to transiently secure the wrist strap; and a second discrete strap segment (i.e., the tail-side strap segment) including a set of holes, wherein each hole is arranged at a predefined size and separated from an adjacent hole by a standard pitch distance.

In this implementation, the wrist strap buckle 110 can include: a buckle frame 120 defining an opening configured to receive and guide the second strap segment; a buckle bar 122, arranged at a distal end of the buckle frame 120, configured to secure the distal end of the first strap segment to the wrist strap buckle 110; and a tang 112, configured to pivot about the buckle bar 122 and transiently engage the holes in the second strap segment to secure the wrist strap. In particular, the tang 112 can include: a base configured to pivot about the buckle bar 122; and a tongue 116 extending from the base and configured to insert into the set of holes in the second strap segment. The buckle frame 120 can include: a center section 124; a first lobe 126 extending from a first side of the center section 124; and a second lobe 126 extending from a second side of the center section 124. In one variation, the center section 124 defines a tang seat 125 configured to receive the tongue 116. In another variation, the center section 124 defines a continuous surface devoid of a tang seat 125, such that the tongue 116 seats against the center section 124.

The buckle frame 120 is configured to engage the buckle bar 122, such that the buckle bar 122 traverses the opening and extends perpendicularly between the first lobe 126 and the second lobe 126. More specifically, the first lobe 126 of the buckle frame 120 is configured to receive a first end 123 of the buckle bar 122, and the second lobe 126 of the buckle frame 120 is configured to receive a second end 123, opposite the first end 123, of the buckle bar 122. Furthermore, the buckle frame 120 includes an interior surface 127 (e.g., an underside surface) configured to seat against the wrist of the user when the watch is worn; and an exterior surface 128 (e.g., a top surface), opposite the interior surface 127, oriented to face outwardly when the watch is worn.

5. Adjustable Component Integrated Into Wrist Strap Buckle

In one implementation, the adjustable component 100 can be integrated into the wrist strap buckle 110 to enable incremental adjustments of the wrist strap length between predefined sizes. In particular, in this implementation, the buckle frame 120 can include: a first lobe 126 extending from the first side of the center section 124 and defining a first aperture 130 configured to receive the first end 123 of the buckle bar 122; and a second lobe 126 extending from the second side of the center section 124 and defining a second aperture 130 configured to receive the second end 123 of the buckle bar 122.

Each aperture 130 can include: a proximal bore 134 configured to receive the respective end 123 of the buckle bar 122 in the lengthened wrist strap configuration; a distal bore 144 configured to receive the respective end 123 of the buckle bar 122 in the shortened wrist strap configuration; and a slot 132 extending between the proximal bore 134 and the distal bore 144. In particular, the distal bore 144 can be longitudinally offset from the proximal bore 134 to enable the respective end 123 of the buckle bar 122 to slide from the proximal bore 134 toward the distal bore 144 during transition of the wrist strap buckle 110 from the lengthened wrist strap configuration to the shortened wrist strap configuration. For example, the distal bore 144 can be longitudinally offset from the proximal bore 134 by an offset distance between 2.5 millimeters and 3.5 millimeters. Furthermore, the distal bore 144 can be longitudinally offset from the proximal bore 134 by less than the standard pitch distance to enable incremental adjustments smaller than the pitch distance to create intermediate wrist strap sizes between predefined sizes.

In one example, a strap segment may include a set of holes, wherein each hole is arranged at a predefined size and separated from the adjacent hole(s) by a standard pitch distance of 5 millimeters. In this example, the distal bore 144 can be longitudinally offset from the proximal bore 134 by an offset distance of 2.5 millimeters. Thus, in this example, transitioning the wrist strap buckle 110 between the lengthened and shortened wrist strap configurations enables the user to adjust the fit of the wrist strap in 2.5 millimeter increments, rather than the standard 5 millimeter increments.

In this implementation, the proximal bore 134 and the distal bore 144 can define a diameter approximating a diameter of the respective end 123 of the buckle bar 122, such that the proximal and distal bores 144 can securely retain the end 123 of the buckle bar 122. Furthermore, the slot 132 can define a slot diameter less than the diameter of the proximal bore 134 and/or distal bore 144, such that the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 experiences resistance from the slot 132 during transition of the wrist strap buckle 110 from the lengthened wrist strap configuration to the shortened wrist strap configuration. More specifically, the narrowed slot diameter prevents the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 from inadvertently slipping between the proximal bore 134 and/or distal bore 144, unless intentionally repositioned by the user. In one example, the slot 132 can define a slot diameter between approximately 80% and approximately 90% of the diameter of the proximal bore 134 and/or distal bore 144.

In one variation, the slot 132 can define a tapered geometry such that the slot 132 narrows from the proximal bore 134 toward the distal bore 144, as shown in FIG. 1B. For example, the slot 132 can define a slot diameter that tapers from approximately 90% of the diameter at the proximal bore 134 to approximately 80% of the diameter at the distal bore 144.

Furthermore, in this implementation, each lobe 126 can further define a flexure slit 138 configured to enable localized deflection of the lobe 126 to accommodate bending during the transition of the buckle bar 122. In particular, the flexure slit 138 can extend from a face of the respective lobe 126 and intersect the respective proximal bore 134. For example, the flexure slit 138 can extend from the interior surface 127 of the lobe 126 to the proximal bore 134 such that the flexure slit 138 is not visible on the exterior, outwardly-facing surface of the buckle frame 120 (i.e., when the watch is worn). Alternatively, the flexure slit 138 can extend from the exterior surface 128 of the lobe 126 to the proximal bore 134 such that the flexure slit 138 is visible on the exterior, outwardly-facing surface of the buckle frame 120 (i.e., when the watch is worn).

In this implementation, each lobe 126 can define a spring extending from the proximal bore 134 to the distal bore 144 and terminating at the flexure slit 138. In particular, each spring is configured to deflect to accommodate the respective end 123 of the buckle bar 122 sliding from the proximal bore 134 toward the distal bore 144 during transition of the wrist strap buckle 110 from the lengthened wrist strap configuration to the shortened wrist strap configuration.

In this implementation, the flexure slit 138 defines a discontinuity in the lobe 126, thereby dividing the lobe 126 into segments. More specifically, the flexure slit 138 divides the lobe 126 into: an upper segment arranged above the slot 132; and a lower segment arranged below the slot 132 and configured to deflect responsive to the buckle bar 122 sliding from the proximal bore 134 toward the distal bore 144. During the transition of the wrist strap buckle 110 from the lengthened wrist strap configuration to the shortened wrist strap configuration, the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 exerts a force on the lower segment of the lobe 126, thereby causing the lower segment of the lobe 126 to deflect away from the slot 132. Thus, the flexure slit 138 introduces a discontinuity in the lobe 126 to enable the lower segment to move independently of the upper segment to accommodate the deflection required for transitioning the wrist strap buckle 110 between configurations.

In one variation, the flexure slit 138 can define an acute angle relative to the slot 132, as shown in FIG. 1B. In particular, the slot 132 can define a longitudinal slot axis extending between the proximal bore 134 and the distal bore 144. The flexure slit 138 can define a flexure slit axis extending through the flexure slit 138 and intersecting the longitudinal slot axis at an acute angle. For example, the flexure slit axis can intersect the longitudinal slot axis at an acute angle between 40° and 60°.

The flexure slit 138 can define the acute angle relative to the slot 132 to prevent the end of buckle bar 122 from inadvertently slipping from the aperture 130. More specifically, responsive to the force exerted by the buckle bar 122 during transition, the lower segment of the lobe 126 deflects away from the slot 132 to create a pathway for the buckle bar 122 to transition between configurations. The acute angle between the flexure slit axis and the longitudinal slot axis ensures that, as the lower segment deflects, the lower segment comes into mechanical contact with the upper segment of the lobe 126, thereby maintaining a closed structure around the buckle bar 122 during transition between configurations. Thus, the acute angle introduces a mechanical constraint that restricts the degree of deflection of the lower segment relative to the upper segment, thereby preventing accidental disengagement of the buckle bar 122 from the aperture 130.

6. Variation: Distal Slit

In one variation, each lobe 126 can further define a distal slit 148 configured to enhance the flexibility and deflection of the lower segment under applied force, as shown in FIG. 1B. In particular, the distal slit 148 can extend from the distal bore 144, opposite the proximal bore 134. For example, the distal slit 148 can extend from the distal bore 144, adjacent the interior surface 127 of the lobe 126, along the longitudinal slot axis.

In this variation, each lobe 126 can define the spring extending from the proximal bore 134 to the distal bore 144, further extending along the distal slit 148, and terminating at the flexure slit 138. In particular, the distal slit 148 extends along the lobe 126 from the distal bore 144 toward the center section 124 of the buckle frame 120, further dividing the lobe 126 into the upper segment and the lower segment. The distal slit 148 introduces an additional degree of localized flexibility to the lower segment of the lobe 126. More specifically, the distal slit 148 enables the lower segment to effectively deflect without compromising the integrity of the lobe 126 or the spring function. By extending adjacent to the interior surface 127 and along the longitudinal slot axis, the slit reduces material stress concentration points, thereby enabling controlled and predictable deflection of the lower segment under applied force. Thus, the distal slit 148 enhances the ability of the lower segment to accommodate the sliding motion of the buckle bar 122 while maintaining structural stability and preventing undesirable displacement of the buckle bar 122.

7. Variation: Retaining Shelf

In one variation, the proximal bore 134 can define a shelf 136: interposed between a proximal end of the slot 132 and the flexure slit 138; and configured to transiently retain the end 123 of the buckle bar 122, as shown in FIG. 1B. In particular, the shelf 136 prevents the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 from inadvertently slipping between the proximal bore 134 and/or distal bore 144 unless intentionally repositioned by the user. More specifically, the shelf 136 forms a retaining wall that generates resistance against unintended axial movement of the buckle bar 122, thereby maintaining engagement between the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 and the proximal bore 134 during wear.

The shelf 136 thus requires the application of a pulling or pushing force (i.e., to the buckle bar 122)—exceeding a threshold force—for the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 to overcome resistance applied to the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 by the shelf 136. More specifically, the buckle bar 122 must be intentionally pushed or pulled for the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 to clear the shelf 136 and slide out of the proximal bore 134. Thus, the shelf 136 facilitates secure retention of the buckle bar 122 within the proximal bore 134 by preventing undesired displacement of the buckle bar 122, such as responsive to accidental forces (e.g., external tension, vibrations, or impacts) applied to the buckle bar 122.

8. Variation: Adjustable Component Integrated Into Deployant-Closure Wristwatch

In one variation, the adjustable component 100 can be integrated into a deployant 160 of a deployant-closure wristwatch, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In this variation, the deployant 160 can include a deployant frame 162 (i.e., a clasp) including: a center section