How do I remove the activation lock if I bought the watch at a pawn shop

You can’t. Only the original owner of the Apple device can remove it. Return it to the pawnshop.

It was definitely not . The pawnshop sold them something that can’t be used. They can try and request the pawnshop take it back for a refund.

you can try to submit your receipt if they don’t accept it than take it back

Only the receipt from when the device was bought brand new would work.

The point would be they might be able to get their money back, depending on the pawnshop's policies.

And maybe the pawnshop won't be so quick to take a locked device next time.

Whats the point of returning it to the pawn shop if anyone who decides to purchase it wont be able to unlock it anyway, your response was pointless