Open the My Watch app on your phone then click on "All Watches" in the upper left corner of the screen.
Is that watch showing on the next page?
If so, it hasn't been unpaired. Tap on the "i" then click on "Unpair Apple Watch" at the bottom.
If it's not showing on that page, then you're correct, it's been unpaired.
You might need to do a factory reset from within the watch and then I'm certain that the process would get started.
You're going to need your credentials after resetting the watch, it'll be activation locked after the reset!
Did you follow the steps found here?
If you can't pair an Apple Watch with your iPhone - Apple Support
Another page with more pairing information is here:
Set up and pair your Apple Watch with iPhone - Apple Support