This is a thread where the last post is two weeks old, but...

to answer your question, I think eBay shows viewers the number of watchers to try to encourage them to buy it now, or put in a high bid...the panic tactic.

oh no, there are five or nine or twelve other people watching this item!! I must get it before one of them grabs it!!!

that kind of thing.

so if there are at least a couple of watchers, it might encourage a sale or better bid...maybe 🙂