What does 'compressor' case actually mean?

[Rhino-Ranch]

I've been trying to find a definition of "compressor" regarding dive watches. In music, a compressor balances sound levels by making weaker notes louder and louder notes lower in volume. Searched a few horological dictionaries and no results. JLC Compressor w/ internal bezel comes up with google search. Several companies make a watch with internal bezel -- Ocean7 comes to mind -- yet I don't see them marketing the watch as "compressor." ZIXEN new to be released DSR line of watches shows a 1000 meter watch sytled like Favre Leuba and a 500 meter watch referred to as "compressor." While it appears that "compressor" = internal rotating bezel, here's the questions:

What is the origin and accepted definition of "compressor" watch?

I apologize in advance, if this has already been asked and answered in a separate thread or post.

I will be out chopping wood, and check back later.

Thanks,
Jim

[workaholic_ro]

It means nothing. Or, translated into English, marketing. Period.

[Denizen]

the compressor case was a patented case design by Ervin Piquerez, a swiss casemaker (EPSA) who sold his cases to a number of different brands.

the compressor case had a unique seal construction which ensured water resistance through pressure on the gaskets; the crowns on compressor cases were not of the screw-down type.

[lysanderxiii]

Those watches that used patented "Compressor" cases made by EPSA.

[workaholic_ro]

Seems that became a habit long time ago that everything borrowed from other industries to be REpatented when "landing" in the watch making field.
I wonder if the use of Allen screws in watch making was patented by anyone or not...
Here is Exakta "compressor", released in 1936 ! And the original name of the "compressor" is bayonet mount.

[lysanderxiii]

The case closure system of the "Compressor" cases was not a bayonet-type.

There were three patented designs, the first two were snap-type, the third was a screw-type.

All shared the same basice idea that water pressure on the case back would increase the compression of the sealing gasket.

Piquerez's patent are not related to those used by Exakta. And, both companies trademarked the term "Compressor," the applications were so different, it was allowed.

[workaholic_ro]

I was only joking, the name of the camera is Kine Exakta and not Compressor.

What I wanted to point out is that is a common practice to take an invention (sometimes even a hundred years old), to apply it on a different thing and to patent it only to stop the others to use it, at least for another 20 years.
So what if was only applied to a bus, using it in a car does it mean that it's new ?
It may be legal, but not moral.

The case closure system of the "Compressor" cases was not a bayonet-type.

There were three patented designs, the first two were snap-type, the third was a screw-type.

All shared the same basice idea that water pressure on the case back would increase the compression of the sealing gasket.

Piquerez's patent are not related to those used by Exakta. And, both companies trademarked the term "Compressor," the applications were so different, it was allowed.

[drspaceman]

For the record, and I apologize if everyone already knows this. An internal rotaing bezel is called a reflector. The Ocean7 LM-2 uses a reflector design.

I have been asked about it before so I thought I would chime in.

Great question about the Compressor. Kinda lame its little more then marketing or a name to put on a dial.

-JS

[lysanderxiii]

I was only joking, the name of the camera is Kine Exakta and not Compressor.

What I wanted to point out is that is a common practice to take an invention (sometimes even a hundred years old), to apply it on a different thing and to patent it only to stop the others to use it, at least for another 20 years.
So what if was only applied to a bus, using it in a car does it mean that it's new ?
It may be legal, but not moral.

Application does not matter in a patent. If I patent a case closure system for watch backs, you cannot use the same design for a DSRV electronics case, or patented as a submarine hatch system.

After the protection period has expired, all patents become public domain. Before a new patent is granted, a search of all old patents is done to prevent re-patenting. This is fairly exhaustive and is a large part of the cost of patenting something.

Most of what you see as re-patenting is not really that but a similar design, but different in concept. You would have to show me an example of a blatant re-patent.

[craniotes]

Great question about the Compressor. Kinda lame its little more then marketing or a name to put on a dial.

-JS

As Denizen and lysanderxiii explained -- quite clearly, I felt -- it's a lot more than simple marketing. The "compressor" system workaholic_ro was referring to was markedly different in its application; the system patented by Ervin Piquerez stands on its own.

Regards,
Adam