Of course, all opinions are subject to change. But even on old-timey mechanical watches, the crown is there because of a need not because it is the ideal input mechanism. I think we can do better now.

I don't buy the false input argument. Smartphones already handle that pretty well but in the case of a watch I can additionally see people using their thumb on the base or the other side of the watch as an anchor to steady their hand before committing to swipe or a press gesture.

As I said before, though: all my opinions are subject to change.