too many passcode attempts error

After not using my apple watch for awhile, I re-charged it and got the error message, "too many passcode attempts, reset apple watch and pair again" Since I hadn't used the watch for quite some time, the message was annoying, but after I reset (hard reset) the watch, it will no longer boot, even after an all night charge. HELP! Seems like someone else had a similar problem and was told that the watch required service (after merely not being used?!??).