Apple Watch 8 Passcode

I just purchased this watch. I followed the setup procedure using a 4 digit passcode. When I entered the passcode after putting it back on my wrist, the watch message stated that it was the wrong passcode. I tried several times, but it wouldn’t take. I reset the watch and did it again. The same thing happened. I did it a third time, but still the passcode I programmed in would not be accepted after removing the watch and putting it back on again. Resetting the watch doesn’t work. Does this indicate the watch is defective or is there a workaround?