The Watch confront the Wulfenbach visitors
The Watch is the name of the clank force constructed and commanded by the Tyrant of Beetleburg, Tarsus Beetle. Combined with the giant guardian of Transylvania Polygnostic University, Mr. Tock, they long formed a chronographically-punny and tireless, but ultimately technologically stagnant,[1] security force, patrolling the town and campus.
The Watch are (were?) closer-to-human-sized versions of Mr. Tock, who in turn had a strong mechanical resemblance to Dr. Beetle.
When the story proper begins, Beetle attempts to use some of the Watch to stop Klaus Wulfenbach and Co. when they arrive to take direct control of Beetleberg. Unfortunately, as noted, Beetle has fallen behind the times, and the cutting-edge Wulfenbach clanks accompanying Klaus effortlessly blast the Watch representatives to smithereens.
Following this, not to mention Silas Merlot's brief, ill-fated tenure as administrator ✣ , it is unknown if any of the Watch are still functioning.
The Novels[]
The first Girl Genius print novel discusses the Watch in more detail, more explicitly noting that as the narrative begins they are showing increasing signs of malfunctioning. TPU student Agatha has noticed this, but her attempts to improve the situation are thwarted both by Dr. Beetle's intransigence, and the Spark-crippling locket that she wears. It is also shown that following Dr. Beetle's death, the rest of the Watch is dispatched by the Wulfenbach clanks, though Mr. Tock at least is slated to be repaired.
The Works[]
The Watch cards in The Works are labeled Dependable and Machines.