In a timepiece having an electronically designed read out, an improved means which makes it possible to manually operate and set at least part of the digital readout elements. The setting means comprise a preselector capable of being set in different positions and a driving mechanism. Both the preselector and driving mechanism are arranged in such a manner that the position occupied by the preselector at the time that the driving mechanism is manipulated determines the element or elements of the digital read-out to be affected by the manipulation as well as the function accorded by the manipulation.
1. An electronically operated timepiece having a plurality of digital read-out elements, and comprising means to selectively manually operate at least some of the digital read-out elements, said means comprising a preselector capable of being placed in different rotational positions and a driving mechanism, said preselector comprising a rotatable element mounted on the side of the timepiece opposite the face and accessible externally to be rotated to different angular positions corresponding to various settings of the preselector, and said driving mechanism comprising a rod which penetrates into the time piece, said rod being arranged to be manipulated to change its depth of penetration into the timepiece, both said preselector and driving mechanism being arranged in such a manner that the position ocCupied by the preselector at the time that the driving mechanism is manipulated determines which digital read-out element is to be affected by the manipulation of the driving mechanism, as well as the function actuation imparted to this element, said timepiece further comprising an arrangement of said preselector such that said rotatable element works together with said driving mechanism in such a way that in the various setting positions of the preselector the driving mechanism can be at least partially depressed into the timepiece, whereas when said preselector is located between two of said setting positions said driving mechanism can only occupy its most retracted position, said preselector being prevented from turning from one setting position to another unless said driving mechanism occupies this most retracted position.
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