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Watches, say, adding seconds (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

observes

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'watches' is the definition.
(I know this)

'say adding seconds' is the wordplay.
'say' becomes 'observe' (observing is a kind of saying).
'adding seconds' becomes 's' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'observe'+'s'='OBSERVES'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for observes that I've seen before include "Notices or becomes conscious of" , "Acts as member of royal corps" , "Notices; comments" , "notes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.
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