Crossword Genius

Veteran's antique watch, for example (3-5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

old-timer

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

'veteran's' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'antique watch for example' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'antique' could be 'old' (similar in meaning) and 'old' is found in the answer.
'watch' could be 'timer' (a watch might be used to time something) and 'timer' is found in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for old-timer that I've seen before include "Man of long experience" , "Veteran, elderly person" , "Male with long experience, maybe a prospector" , "Very long-serving person" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app