The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word SURVEY
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
U
R
V
E
Y
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Watch" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case watch = survey.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SURVEY mean?
SURVEY noun- The act of surveying; a general view.
- A particular view; an examination, especially an official examination, of a particular group of items, in order to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality.
- The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of any part of the Earth's surface.
- A measured plan and description of any portion of country.
- An examination of the opinions of a group of people.
- A questionnaire or similar instrument used for examining the opinions of a group of people.
- An auction at which a farm is let for three lives.
- A district for the collection of customs under a particular officer.
- To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook
- To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.
- To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of
- To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of linear and angular measurements, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry
- To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.
- To investigate the opinions, experiences, etc., of people by asking them questions; to conduct a survey; to administer a questionnaire.