I doubt these get used in place of ratcheting wrenches or pass throughs. In theory, this is a zero degree ratchet. I chucked it up on a piece of square stock, and it's pretty close.
This wrench came out of the JR Reynolds machine/maintenance shop. I know they're aimed at heavy equipment techs or machinists, I just don't know anything beyond that (and the samstag blurb).
Gedores Brazilian Website has the helpful description "This system rationalizes the work method, diminishing the tightening/loosening time for atachment."
And I presume you read the description on the Samstag website next to the Water version that says "The Free Wheel type ratchet will stand extremely high loads, much higher than a regular ratchet with teeth. Due to the design there is practically no wear and tear. Useful in very tight spaces due to the friction design."
This type of design likely has some advantages in industrial settings. There are no teeth to chip so an abusive worker in less likely to damage the wrench. The inserts aren't common so there is less likely hood it would be stolen. I don't know how far back the design goes, but the description sounds like it was used to replace non ratcheting wrenches.
Another thing that strikes me about the design is how easy it might be to make inserts for special security fasteners, such as the ones used for fire hydrants. Broaching or cutting a shape all the way thru a premade round insert would likely be far easier than milling into the single opening in a socket.
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