see vs watch

To see means to be aware of what is around you by using your eyes.

For example: "I can see the smoke from here."

To watch means to deliberately look at something for a period of time, especially something that is changing or moving.

For example: "I watched the cricket."

!Note - We watch things that move, such as TV, a film, sport. We look at static things, such as a photograph, a painting, the stars.

look at vs watch

When you look at someone or something you are interested in appearance.

Generally we look at things that are static.

For example:

Look at these photos, they're really good.
I went to the art gallery to look at the exhibition of paintings.

Watch is a verb.

When you watch someone or something you are interested in what happens.

Generally we watch things that move or change state.

For example:

I watch TV every night.
The security guard watched the shoplifter steal the clock.

!If I say to you "Look at him!" I mean for you to check out his appearance. But, if I say to you "Watch him!" I mean it as a warning.