Miguel Britos strengthened his grip on the uncoveted title as the Premier League's most ill-disciplined player with a shocking red card tackle.
Disciplined and resolute with 10 men for 65 minutes, Watford were a credit to new coach Marco Silva's organisation.
But Brighton, still without a goal in the Premier League this season, didn't just miss the boat at Vicarage Road. They let a giant paddle steamer sail up the Grand Union canal without laying a foot on the gangplank.
Britos can have no complaints about his third red card in 20 Premier League games, an early contender for the most obvious sending-off this season.
Deputising at left-back for the suspended Jose Holebas, the Uruguayan central defender was struggling to keep up with Anthony Knockaert when his airborne lunge wiped out the French winger on the touchline.
Referee Graham Scott had no hesitation in expelling Britos – who was also sent off on his first appearance for Watford in a League Cup tie at Preston – from the premises, and on this occasion Watford supporters could not accuse Knockaert of milking it.
Four years ago, in a dramatic play-off semi-final climax at Vicarage Road, Knockaert's theatrical fall had won Leicester a penalty, and he was in tears after Manuel Almunia saved his spot-kick before Troy Deeney won the tie with a thrilling breakaway goal 17 seconds later.
Knockaert had already hit the post in Brighton's promising start, and Tomer Hemed struck the woodwork again after the reddest of red cards had forced Watford to settle for damage limitation yet again.
Under Walter Mazzarri, the Hornets finished bottom of the fair play league last season – and despite Silva's pledge to tackle their disciplinary problem when he took over, the scars remain unhealed.
Watford had their moments, notably when new England midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah went close twice in the first half, but their hard-earned point spoke volumes for Albion's desperate need of a cutting edge.
You can follow all the drama as it happened at Vicarage Road in our live blog below.
Plus, click here to keep track of the Premier League table as it stands.
Britos hot head
In hindsight, it wasn’t harsh at all.
Awful tackle.
Britos has form as well.
Likes a red card does Mr Britos.
Britos red card
Miguel Britos has seen his marching orders.
The defender went through Anthony Knockaert on the touch line.
Maybe a tad harsh, it was slightly reckless.
Welcome
Watford could hand a debut to new loan signing Andre Carrillo for Saturday’s visit of Premier League new boys Brighton.
The Benfica winger joined the Hornets on Thursday and could be involved for Marco Silva’s side at Vicarage Road.
Younes Kaboul, Daryl Janmaat and Roberto Pereyra all suffered muscular injuries against Liverpool and are sidelined, as is Mauro Zarate (knee), while Jose Holebas is banned.
Brighton boss Chris Hughton may give a debut to record-signing Jose Izquierdo during Saturday’s Premier League match at Watford.
The Colombia winger was granted international clearance for his move from Club Brugge on Thursday. Albion will not, however, be able to call on Ghana striker Raphael Dwamena at Vicarage Road as a work permit application is holding up his transfer from FC Zurich.
Seagulls striker Glenn Murray (ankle) and midfielder Steve Sidwell (back) should be fit to feature for Albion, but Izzy Brown (hamstring), Beram Kayal (broken leg) and Sam Baldock (knee) remain out.
Brighton squad: Ryan, Maenpaa, Bruno, Dunk, Duffy, Rosenior, Hunemeier, Suttner, Bong, Stephens, Gross, Propper, Knockaert, Sidwell, Skalak, March, Izquierdo, Gross, Murphy, Hemed, Murray.
Watford squad: Gomes, Pantilimon, Britos, Kabasele, Prodl, Mariappa, Mason, Femenia, Hoban, Capoue, Hughes, Amrabat, Chalobah, Doucoure, Watson, Carrillo, Deeney, Success, Richarlison, Sinclair, Okaka, Gray.