PREAMBLE: Sure, you cannot be an adult watch-freak and say just a single negative word about the crown, the pinnacle, the best of the finest: Rolex. But maybe I am a childish watch-freak...

Do you know why Vacheron, Omega, Jaeger LeCoultre and many other top-brands had to use interesting but quite inefficient bumper-automatics until 1953? Because Rolex patented the more efficient 360°-rotor in 1933 and this prevented usage & progress for 20y.

Do you know why Rolex could use a ball-bearing for the automatic-rotor in its 2015-presented cal3255? Because the patent held by Eterna (EternaMatic) expired already in 1968 -- almost 50y ago.

And do you know why Rolex never ran into any patent-restrictions for the temperature-compensation (TC) in their loudly celebrated -- for being one of the first using TC amongst other "innovations" -- QysterQuartz cal5035 & cal5055?

However, I have written about Rolex' innovations here, already (*klikk) and a crown they wear, indeed. But is it possible it is another naked emperor and many are delighted by the beauty of his dresses?