Born in Halifax, Watts entered the Royal Navy in 1797 and served on the Halifax and West Indies stations until 1806, rising, by that date to the rank of Senior Lieutenant. In 1807, after being cited for gallantry in action at Copenhagen, he was promoted to Commander. Thereafter he served in the Baltic and North Sea until 1813 when he was given command of the Jaseur. In this ship, during the later part of the War of 1812, he capture more than thirty ships, including an American privateer. He was advanced to Captain in 1814, to Rear-Admiral in 1849 and to Vice-Admiral in 1856. He died at Malvern, England.