Bose Bluetooth - Spotify - loss of buttons

I’m running 8.40, but this issue has plagued me back to v6 firmware. While on AT, and even today, randomly my PLAY button on my Bose Soundsport Free and the Spotify (START on F5XP) app just quit working. The FORWARD button also fails to work.  The only way to get working is to reboot the watch. 

Ive tried disconnecting and reconnecting. I’ve tried unpairing and repairing the Bose, I’ve tried switching the connection to phone (and buttons work again) and back to watch, but nothing reenables the buttons.

I have not tried another music app. But that’s the next step. 

Anyone experience a similar issue with Bluetooth earbuds?