Apple Watch unread message count does not sync with iPhone

Apple Watch does not update unread message count. My IPhones shows zero unread messages. The Apple Watch constantly shows unread messages. Lately it is saying 5 (for a month now.) This has been ongoing for a couple of years. I’ve tried reset sync data in the watch app. I’ve tried turning everything on and off. I’ve asked the watch to read unread messages. I don’t feel I should have to do anything to force the watch to sync with my iphone. If it’s unread spam or something like that- if the iPhone can figure it out, why can’t the Apple Watch? I got the watch to check if there’s anything I have missed. If I have to pull out the phone anyway, what’s the point of the watch? I’m just using the Apple Watch to tell the time at this point. I have much nicer watches. I don’t have to worry about charging them or special cables.