Apple logo flashes, Apple says it’s a “hardware issue”

I sent an Apple Watch Series 3 A1858 gps, non cellular to Apple for repair. The Apple logo comes up when I do a hard reset but disappears when I let go. On the charger it shows an Apple. It was never paired with a phone, or on my Apple account. It was given to me by my friend. Apple wouldn’t tell me anything besides the screen and outer casing are great. That “Our technicians inspected your product. They noticed it shows signs of accidental damage or misuse, so they can't repair it. The repair wouldn't be covered by the warranty, an AppleCare product, or an Apple repair program. We'll send the product back to you right away. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Model: WATCH SERIES 3 (GPS) ALUM 38MM.” They wanted $159 plus tax to give me a refurbished one because Apple doesn’t repair them. They scrap them, oh yeh bet most people didn’t know that. The first guy slipped and said they found water damage, but the next guy said it just showed a hardware issue during the diagnostic test. I’m seriously at a loss. If I get told to push buttons one more time! Lol please help. We’re enlisted military and can’t afford to buy a new one if it’s a simple fix.