diff --git a/datasette/cli.py b/datasette/cli.py
index 5b8a05c5..77ab3542 100644
--- a/datasette/cli.py
+++ b/datasette/cli.py
@@ -341,7 +341,8 @@ def serve(
         import hupper
 
         reloader = hupper.start_reloader("datasette.cli.serve")
-        reloader.watch_files(files)
+        if immutable:
+            reloader.watch_files(immutable)
         if metadata:
             reloader.watch_files([metadata.name])