How to STOP requiring me to press bezel crown to see Apple watch face

If your Apple Watch requires you to press the Digital Crown (bezel crown) to view the watch face, it means that you have the "Wake Screen on Crown Up" feature enabled. This feature is designed to prevent accidental screen activations and extend battery life. To disable this feature and allow the watch face to automatically appear when you raise your wrist, follow these steps:

1. On your Apple Watch, go to the home screen by pressing the Digital Crown.
2. Open the "Settings" app by tapping on its icon (gear icon).
3. Scroll down and tap on "Display & Brightness."
4. Look for the "Wake Screen" option and tap on it.
5. Within the Wake Screen settings, you'll find the "Wake Screen on Crown Up" option. Toggle off the switch next to it.
6. Exit the settings by pressing the Digital Crown to return to the watch face.

Once you've disabled the "Wake Screen on Crown Up" feature, your Apple Watch will automatically wake and display the watch face when you raise your wrist. You will no longer need to press the Digital Crown to view the watch face.

Note that the availability of certain settings may vary depending on the Apple Watch model and the version of watchOS you are using.

It sounds as if you may have Theatre mode enabled. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center. Is the icon with the two masks highlighted? If it is, tap on it.

Use Control Center on your Apple Watch - Apple Support