Controlled freefall is a critical part of productive drilling. The freefall rate of speed is adjustable to meet the needs of the operator and demands of the auger and bar arrangement. Combined with 2-speed raise, unparalleled cycle times are achieved.

Swinging big tools is not just about clearing the auger.  Watson rigs are designed with the pull needed for large diameters, the clearance to swing big tools around the tracks, and most importantly, the balance to remain safe at maximum drill radius and off the side.

Manufactured: 100% of machining, welding, painting is done in the USA.

Assembled: 100% of our assembly is done by Watson employees in Fort Worth, Texas.  

Designed: 100% of our design, production & admin payroll goes to American workers. 

Established: Watson has been built on the backs of four generations of hard working Americans and is still managed and owned today by the Watson family. 

Time tested pilot controls provide superior control and feel, easier diagnostics and with fewer headaches and obsolescence than electronics.  Manual levels on all hydraulic models allow for even easier diagnostics or override.

Watson kelly bars have long been known for their longevity and with the heavy duty design of round locking bars, the maintenance intervals will be in years rather than months.

Watson has long been known for its direct approach to the market.  The relationships built directly with customers allow for quicker response times, better support and better understanding of the challenges faced.

The larger the rotary, the bigger the Kelly bars, the bigger the bearings, the less wear and tear. Larger diameter also means more kelly bars for greater depth without trading off kelly strength, tube thickness and drive lug area.

Heavy duty Kelly bars made from high strength alloy steel are standard on Watson rigs. All hydraulic models have quickly interchangeable inserts that allow for either square friction or round locking to suit your drilling needs.  

Watson has always built the heaviest duty round locking kellys in the business. The latest generation incorporates patented features designed to eliminate the hassle of finding locks while vastly extending the time between servicing. With 4x the torque surface and 12x the crowd surface, customers are able to go years between refurbishing bars. Additionally, open bottom design allows easy drainage for slurry drilling. Call for details.

From paint schemes, to water tanks, to mast heights, to Kelly bar stubs, to entirely custom mounts, WATSON manufactures customized rigs, welcoming the opportunity to tailor your drill to suit your specific needs.

Fitted with grooved winch drum big enough to keep all of wire rope on one layer, speed and maximum pull are achieved along with excellent rope management. 

Short mast options are available for every rig model.  Excadrills as short as 10' and truck rigs as short as 23' allow Watson rigs to go where others cannot.

From our huge domestic inventory of parts usually available next day, to highly skilled technicians working directly for the factory, to open architecture rig designs that allow for easy access to components, serviceability is of primary concern to Watson.