Neither side were able to find the crucial breakthrough, meaning the Hornets' first Premier League clean sheet in almost two years was enough to help them climb a place in the table.
The visitors had gone 31 games and parted company with six managers since their last shut-out at this level, but the Clarets struggled to find a way past Ben Foster in what was Roy Hodgson's first game in charge.
The ex-Manchester United goalkeeper denied Maxwel Cornet in each half following the Ivorian's return from AFCON while a fine block from Hassane Kamara denied Dutchman Wout Weghorst a debut goal as the ball looped on to the crossbar.
Captain Ben Mee almost steered the ball into his own net when defending a couple of Watford corners as Aaron Lennon cleared off the line in the first instance while the second, a headed clearance, flashed past the post.
Former Rovers man Josh King also threatened with a tremendous last-ditch intervention from James Tarkowski preventing the striker from pulling the trigger before Nick Pope made a save with his legs.
Here are the ratings.
The ex-Manchester United goalkeeper denied Maxwel Cornet in each half following the Ivorian's return from AFCON while a fine block from Hassane Kamara denied Dutchman Wout Weghorst a debut goal as the ball looped on to the crossbar.