Which apple watch is compatible with iphone 8 (iOS16)?

I am still using an iphone 8 because it is convenient and small and atill works pretty well for what i need it.

I would like to buy an apple watch but had 2 unsuccessful attempts with iwatch 9 and SE - it seems that these are new generation devises that cannot pair with my old iphone 8 that cannot be upgraded to iOS 17.

Which iwatch - an older one, i guess - can pair with my phone?

i read here that iwatch SE is ok to use with iphone 8 and ordered it but could not pair because of the iOS issue.

many thanks!