Crossword Genius

Observe item on strap (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

watch

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'observe' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'item on strap' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'on' could be 'at' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'at' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for watch that I've seen before include "Observe - guard" , "Vigil" , "See 21" , "Observe - timepiece" , "View" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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