I have had my Apple Watch for a year and am just noticing today after going for a run that the display turns off after 5 seconds even if I am in the middle of doing something, including with a finger on the face moving.
Apple Watch
Hi Mike
When waking the screen by raising your wrist (with that setting enabled), the screen should stay awake for around 6 seconds without further interaction.
The display can also be set to stay awake without ongoing interaction for up to either 15 or 70 seconds. This applies when the screen is tapped on to wake it or when it is tapped on after being woken by raising your wrist.
To set your preferred wake duration when tapping the screen:
On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch (tab) > General > Wake Screen - under On Tap, select Wake for 15 or 70 Seconds.
Regardless of the setting and how the screen is woken, it is normal for the screen to sleep if you lower your wrist before it is due to sleep automatically.
If the display is not remaining awake for as long as it should do, the following steps may help:
If you have not yet done so, update your iPhone and Apple Watch to the latest software, starting with your iPhone:
Restart both your iPhone and your watch:
Unpair and re-pair your watch:
Make sure your iPhone and Apple Watch are up to date > Update the software on your Apple Watch - Apple Support
apple watch display turning off after 5 sec even when I am using an app
