Apple Watch 3 too many attempts to log in - can't unlock it now

I bought a new iPhone 11, factory reset my old 6s and sent to Mom. Now my Apple Watch3 won't erase all data and my wife forgot her passcode, so I have "too many attempts" error. How do I recover it? When I press hold side buttons I get to "erase data" and it shows circle dots like it is working, then comes up with charging symbol and I'm back to powered on and no way to see text (meaning words) on screen. All I see is date\time in large font follow3ed by "Too many passcode attempts. Reset Apple Watch and pair again." Holding and resetting with side button or buttons repeats the cycle.

How do I get to serial number screen if I can't get anything but the time to show?

Thanks so much! Rick