"I never worried about us scoring. We had the players who can do that and they did so today," said Watford boss Ray Lewington.
"My concern is about the defence because we never looked solid at all. We were lucky on several occasions when Gillingham could have scored before they finally equalised."
Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler was delighted with his side's character as they twice came from behind to take a point.
"We have also scored two goals which is pleasing and we seem to be doing better away from home," he said.
"We need to rectify the fact that we appear to be a bit nervous at home. I am sure if we can win our first home game we will be back on track."
Watford ended their famine through last season's leading goalscorer Heidar Helguson who returned to a striking role for the first time this season after playing wide left.
The Icelandic international powered in a 15-yard header from Paul Robinson's cross after six minutes.
Twice Robinson had to make last-ditch tackles to thwart the visitors when they looked certain to equalise.
Early in the second half Gillingham were back on terms. Watford won a corner but were caught by a counter-attack which saw Paul Shaw dispossess Gavin Mahon, round keeper Alec Chamberlain and then hit home from ten yards.
Watford were quick to respond. They mounted a sustained attack which saw Neal Ardley slip the ball through for the busy Lee Cook whose cross was stabbed home by Danny Webber.
"I was pleased for Danny because obviously he has been a bit down since Jimmy Davies' accident before the start of the season," said Lewington.
The Watford boss' concern for defensive shortcomings was justified after 62 minutes when the normally reliable Chamberlain came and missed a cross allowing Danny Spiller to score the second equaliser.