Preston Watson's achievements have been clouded by erroneous claims of powered flight before the Wright brothers. This originated from his younger brother James Watson, who brought to the public's greater attention in an article published in the Manchester Guardian newspaper in December 1953. There was an article in The Scots magazine in October 1953 released by one J.D. Leslie, but it is dismissed owing to inaccuracies. Since then, Preston's name has been associated with this false claim and his actual work in promoting aviation is often overlooked.