OK sorry guys I was a bit premature with last post - I’d like to delete it, but can’t find a way.
Starting Xcode again - after it wanted to load/install new extensions, and re-boot the Mac.
I ran Xcode again and got the "Preparing Watch" message all over again- after around 15 minutes it installed.
I will sign off now, project running, problem unresolved, and maybe go to the gym and punch a bag for an hour
TasmanHoppers
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Yes my watch hadn't updated. Updated to watchOS 8.6, re-ran xCode project and after a short "Fetching debug symbols for iPhone" it worked straight away without the "Making Apple Watch ready" message. SO in my case, "user error"