Hybrid horological display using time modulation

Claim 1

In an electronic timepiece of the type having a time base, a countdown dividing circuit, and a decoder/driver actuating an electrooptic digit display for the hours, the improvement comprising a minutes display having 12 selectively actuatable marker radially disposed around the digits and located to indicate 5 minute time intervals when separately actuated, and a modulator/driver for selectively advancing and actuating first and second markers which alternate over timed intervals in varying timed relationship to one another, said modulator/driver having a first circuit for generating and successively advancing a first signal for one of the first markers, a second circuit for generating and successively advancing a second signal for one of the second markers, and means for alternately applying the first and second signals to said markers over changing periods of time during said interval so as to indicate the degree of passage of time during intervals, wherein a first marker is actuated during shorter and shorter periods during a portion of a five minute interval, and wherein a second marker is actuated at longer and longer periods over said portion of the interval.