Historical clue formulations

• Watches intently — 2016-06-07
• Views through a periscope, say — 2013-06-29
• Tries to make out — 2010-08-13
• Examines closely — 2010-06-19
• Eyes — 2005-11-04
• Views, as through binoculars — 2004-04-12
• Eyes, in a way — 1999-10-23