iPhone Calendar Alerts / Apple Watch Conflict

Yes, that's the way it has worked since the Watch was released.

iPhone unlocked/watch unlocked - notifications sound on iPhone

iPhone locked/watch unlocked - notifications sound on watch

iPhone locked/watch locked - notifications sound on iPhone.

Notifications on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

You can let Apple know you'd like to see something different here:

Product Feedback - Apple

However, after all these years, they seem pretty set on this course of action.

Horst39 wrote:

Apple's idea may be acceptable, but the problem is that the vibration/sound of the iWatch is rather weak and in certain conditions (running or involved in an important conversation) may not be noticed.

Again, I'm not interested in debating whether or not this is good or in passing any judgment on people's reasons for wanting something different.

You should let Apple know how you feel here:

Product Feedback - Apple

Meanwhile, make sure, in the Watch app, under Sound & Haptics, that you have "Prominent" checked.

I was not commenting on whether or not it was "right or sensible". Though, based on Apple's original vision, it's logical. Apple sees the watch as a way to allow you to get notifications in a more discreet way. You're not required to agree that this is good. But, it is the way it is. Your choices right now are to turn off Wrist Detection, as you've done, thus significantly reducing the usability of the Watch, or stop using the Watch. There's nothing anyone can do to change that.

Submit your feedback to Apple.

Apple's idea may be acceptable, but the problem is that the vibration/sound of the iWatch is rather weak and in certain conditions (running or involved in an important conversation) may not be noticed.

just discovered this today after reading a lot of Apple support articles on how to fix the calendar alert sounds on the IPhone itself. Not a single one of them highlighted the impact of having an I-watch connected by Bluetooth. As soon as I turned off Bluetooth my calendar alert sounds were back. So now it seems I have to make a decision, continue using my watch via Bluetooth and give up calendar alert sounds or stop using my watch via Bluetooth and no longer miss important calendar alerts and the events themselves. Again, WtF was Apple thinking when they developed the watch here??