Dude do some research.

I posted a new question because I couldn’t find a lot of relevant details for my question (i.e. temporarily using a watch until I get a phone).

You absolutely cannot use an Apple watch independent of the iPhone

I just hoped that some workarounds might exist which I would get to know about here.

Have you looked into any non Apple smartwatches at all?

Yes, I did look into non Apple smartwatches. I looked into Pixel, Garmin and Samsung already.

Even doing a quick Google search would show you

Another quick Google search also shows that Apple dominates the watch market and hence the reason for asking this.

if you’re hell bent on using the company perk get one of those.

Obviously, why would I want to leave a perk?

If you have to think of reasons or an excuse for one just wear a normal watch which is totally fine.

I realise that. And if it were upto me, I would’ve gone for a normal watch.