diff --git a/gdb/testsuite/gdb.base/watchpoint-reuse-slot.exp b/gdb/testsuite/gdb.base/watchpoint-reuse-slot.exp
index e2ea137424b..7ea6a7467c9 100644
--- a/gdb/testsuite/gdb.base/watchpoint-reuse-slot.exp
+++ b/gdb/testsuite/gdb.base/watchpoint-reuse-slot.exp
@@ -22,6 +22,16 @@
 # operation.  (Note that we don't have any of these watchpoints
 # trigger.)
 
+# The skip_hw_watchpoint_tests checks if watchpoints are supported by the
+# processor.  On PowerPC, the check runs a small test program under gdb
+# to determine if the Power processor supports HW watchpoints.  The check
+# must be done before starting the test so as to not disrupt the execution
+# of the actual test.
+
+set skip_hw_watchpoint_tests_p [skip_hw_watchpoint_tests]
+
+# starting the test.
+
 standard_testfile
 
 if {[prepare_for_testing "failed to prepare" $testfile $srcfile debug]} {
@@ -285,7 +295,7 @@ proc setup_and_run_watchpoints_tests { hw_wp_p } {
 
 # Run tests with hardware watchpoints disabled, then again with them
 # enabled (if this target supports hardware watchpoints).
-if { ![target_info exists gdb,no_hardware_watchpoints]} {
+if { !$skip_hw_watchpoint_tests_p } {
     # Run test with H/W enabled.
     setup_and_run_watchpoints_tests 1
 }