Sending and receiving emails when my watch is connected to cellular, but my phone isn't with me.

Tegarding your link, if you go the the bit that seems to suggest you can use email...

then select either Send or Read it does not tell you how to do anything except reply and send messages. It says if you prefer to answer on the iphone...wake the iphone.

It does not tell you how to write and reply fully to emails.

Like I said, if they don't tell you how, you probably cannot.

Misleading or optimistic it may be, and that can be reported at https://apple.com/feedback.

None of the volunteers on here can justify Apple's policies, just tell fellow users about them.

Email still needs the iPhone nearby

Send/receive email with Apple Watch on ce… - Apple Community

In a similar vein, using the GPS watch on its own Wi-Fi and no iphone nearby also will not communicate with email either.

No I don't have a cellular watch - I dont see the need myself and I would have to move from an MVNO to a full contract big four operator at 3x the price. You can call and SMS text and stream music and that's it

Make sure that the network provider is aware that you have a watch ie they have provided the eSIM for the additional fee, and the plan includes data as well as calls

Try making a phone call and a text message to see what level of connectivity you have.

If necesssary unpair your old watch to saso remove data and activation lock 

 Unpair and erase your Apple Watch – Apple Support

(this will create a backup too) 

Then set up your new watch again

Set up your Apple Watch – Apple Support (UK) 

which includes this article how to set up cellular 

Set up cellular on Apple Watch - Apple Support

or in UK 

Set up mobile on Apple Watch – Apple Support (UK) 

I suggest you  reach out to Apple Support directly. You should be able to reach them here 

Click here > Contact - Official Apple Support  

or phone numbers 

Click here > Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support 

and or 

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

I have read some of the links in the linked thread and found nothing to support the view that an iPhone needs to be nearby to read and respond to email.

I then read more of the thread and my view is confirmed.

Perhaps you can refer to Apple documentation directly.

It does tell you how to read an email

Read mail on Apple Watch – Apple Support

“Read mail in the Mail app

1. Open the Mail app  on your Apple Watch.
2. Turn the Digital Crown to scroll the message list.
3. Tap a message to read it.
4. To jump to the top of a long message, turn the Digital Crown, or tap the top of the screen….”

Do you have a watch with cellular?

With Apple if it does not say you can, then you probably cannot.

Please read the OP’s Apple link in his/her post. It very specifically says eMail is possible, as the OP observed.

The user manual does, the KB doesn't.

Great, you've solved it. 👍