Watson, involved throughout in a trip that saw Australia arrive in Britain in May before their early Champions Trophy exit was followed by a 3-0 Ashes series loss, made 143 yesterday in a total of 298 all out.
Together with Australia captain Michael Clarke (75), he shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 163 on a ground where they'd both played for Hampshire after their side had slumped to 48 for three in this day/night clash.
Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes led England's attack with five wickets for 61 runs -- the 22-year-old paceman's maiden five-wicket haul in 10 ODI matches.
England debutant Chris Jordan, in for injured fast bowler Steven Finn, took three for 47 after his first ball in international cricket was hit for four by Finch, whose last visit to this ground saw him score a Twenty20 world record 156 against England on August 29.
But Australia had more than enough runs as they enjoyed a win over England ahead of the return Ashes 'Down Under' starting in November.
Carberry, on his Hampshire home ground, pressed on to 30 before he was lbw to left-arm seamer James Faulkner, who took three for 38.
And it wasn't long before 50 for two became 68 for four.
Joe Root (13) played on to Mitchell Johnson before Luke Wright, in for the injured Jonathan Trott, was run out for a duck following George Bailey's direct hit from cover.
Stand-in captain Eoin Morgan, leading a side missing five rested Ashes-winners including regular skipper Alastair Cook, fell for 30 when he was stumped by wicketkeeper Matthew Wade off left-arm spinner Adam Voges.
Buttler scored at better than a run-a-ball but Faulkner, cleverly changing to around the wicket, bowled him for 42 to end a stand of 92 with Bopara.
And when Bopara, who made 66, followed when well caught at extra-cover by Voges off Johnson to give the left-arm fast bowler his 200th ODI wicket, England were effectively beaten at 197 for seven.