can you have more than one apple watch linked to your phone

Yes, but only have one Watch active at a time - ie you cannot have another person wear one or wear one on each arm.

You can pair one Watch for another person by setting up as a family watch.

Set up Apple Watch for a family member - Apple Support

Maybe try again following this advice...

You can pair another Apple Watch in the same way you paired your first one. Bring your iPhone near your Apple Watch, wait for the Apple Watch pairing screen to appear on your iPhone, then tap Pair. Or follow these steps:

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Tap My Watch, then tap All Watches at the top of the screen.
3. Tap Add Watch, then follow the onscreen instructions.

See the Apple Support article Use more than one Apple Watch with your iPhone.

Did you tap on All Watches?