Wis ?

[GradyPhilpott]

WISism is a syndrome, so the condition is manifested by a constellation of symptoms, all of which may or may not be present in all those afflicted at any given time and may develop fully over a period of time.

Essential characteristics may include but are not limited to:

1. Membership in a watch discussion group or frequently visiting such sites.

2. Owning more watches than can be worn on the upper extremities at one time.

3. The price of one's watch collection is in the vicinity of the price of one's automobile or higher.

4. Frequently checking the time without actually noting the time.

5. Asking about or complimenting complete strangers on their watches.

6. Eyestrain caused by trying to identify watches worn by others without being noticed.

7. Accumulation of knowledge regarding watches that exceeds one's ability to remember the names of one's spouse, children, and close friends.

8. Trying on watches at an AD causes an increase in blood pressure, flushing of the cheeks and face, vertigo, fine motor tremors, etc.

9. Not being able to remember the title or plot of a moving picture, but can easily cite every watch worn by every character in the film in question.

10. When discussing watches with non-WIS persons, one is often asked what language one is speaking.

The presence of any one of these features is sufficient to make a diagnosis of WISism.

There is no known cure, but symptoms listed in number 8 can be diminished by the purchase of a watch costing $7,000 USD or more.