Watch Lingo Part 2: Learn to Talk Like a Watch Geek!
If you spend enough time looking at watches online or in person, you’re bound to run across some new terminology. Like any sufficiently developed field, the world of watches (aka, “horology”… there’s your first one!) has developed its own vocabulary. So the next time you’re watching that YouTube review or reading about the latest and greatest timepieces, use our handy guide to navigate some of the trickier terms and phrases! Let’s go!
Blue Watch Monday
One of the most popular holidays among watch fans on social media is Blue Watch Monday, when watch geeks worldwide post photos and videos of their favorite blue-dialed timepieces. Certain watches like the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Blue Angels break the mold thanks to a whole new use of the color throughout the entire case!
Wrist Check
Popular among YouTubers, this phrase refers to a quick display of what’s on your wrist and serves as a great setup for what you’re about to say. Watching a video about chronographs? There’s good odds the reviewer is sporting a chronograph to match the occasion. In-person, a wrist check can be a great conversation starter! Next time you’re at a Feldmar event, break the ice with a quick wrist check. Who knows, it could lead to a new friendship!
WIS
WIS is a self-effacing term embraced by the watch community. Short for “watch idiot savant”, watch geeks poke fun at their own compulsive watch obsessions when they call themselves a WIS. If you’ve ever gotten into an online argument about the nuances of depth ratings, you might be a WIS! Welcome to the team!
GTG
Shorthand for “get together”, you might see GTG also referred to as a “meetup”. If there’s one thing watch geeks love, it’s sharing their collection with other watch geeks and a local watch GTG is the perfect place to do that! In fact, Feldmar’s 6,000 square foot showroom has been the site of many meetups. Make sure you’re on our mailing list to be notified when the next one takes place!
Sexpile
“Hey honey! I just got back from the GTG where me and the other WIS had a big sexpile!” If you plan to ever utter these words (and not get immediately slapped) you better make it very clear that “sexpile” is just a term for when watch geeks pile up their watches for a photo. Depending on how many people are present, there could be several dozen watches in the group photo!
Patina
This refers to the distinctive “aged” look that dials and hands take on over time. In particular, the way that certain luminescent paints turn yellow is the main way a watch develops patina. Among collectors, certain vintage watches showing patina are very highly valued! Recently, watch brands have offered “fauxtina” – lume paint that is intentionally formulated to look old.
Bonus: Dinkster
Borne of the watch news website, Hodinkee, “‘dinkster” refers to any watch fan that knows more about watches than the average person. Dinksters are well-read on all things horology, and know the latest releases, current trends, and the value of all the hot watches.
Check out Part 1 of our lingo guide where we introduce you to terms like Hacking, Beater, and Wristroll!
About The Author: Tom Roth
Born in Washington state, Tom developed an interest in photography during college at University of San Diego. There, he got started in music journalism, interviewing artists and taking photos at concerts. A life-long tinkerer and collector, it wasn’t long before Tom became fascinated with fountain pens and watches.
Those interests collided in November 2020 when Tom started at Feldmar Watch Company where he lives out every watch geek’s dream: photographing and writing about timepieces. When he’s not tinkering with his watch collection, Tom can be found traveling, biting his nails while watching PNW sports teams, and taking flying lessons.
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