How many smartwatches did you see announced before the rumors of the Apple Watch emerged?
Did they invent the smart watch? No. Did they innovate and start a new chapter of the category? I think so.
Also, I disagree on the bajillion number, for reasons other than the obvious. There were quite a few viable smartwatches on the market and many in the pipeline before Apple's. Plus, the watches not counting after the rumor of an Apple watch is a silly claim as well. There are numerous rumors of Apple working on a new product; for instance, that logic dictates Apple created the smart TV category.
Why isn't it good enough that Apple entered the market with a nice product? Why do people have to give more credit than what is due?