1873 - George Watson founds G.L. Watson and Co. Reputed to be one of the world's first yacht design studios. G.L. Watson & Co. designed several 'America's Cup' challenger yachts, including 'Valkyrie II', 'Valkyrie III' and 'Shamrock II'.

Amongst his work in yacht designs Watson designed extensively for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) with his boats becoming renowned for their seaworthiness and durable qualities. In 1887 Watson became chief consulting Naval Architect to the RNLI, a position which G.L. Watson & Co. Directors would fulfil through to the late 1960s.

As sole partner at the time of his death IN 1904, Watson entrusted the company to the hands of his Chief Draughstman James Rennie Barnett, who went on to design the firm's largest and most famous luxury steam yachts for the social elite. Barnett also furthered Watson's lifeboat work successfully developing the world's first self-righting lifeboat.