When exporting a watchonly wallet using the GUI the .dat extension is not automatically added to the file.
The GUI then is not able to restore a wallet without the explicit .dat extension.
Note: I did not check if this also happens using RPC, will update the issue when tested.
Edit: The RPC is unaffected by this, it does allow non .dat files.
With .dat works:
Without .dat does not see it:

When exporting a watchonly wallet using the GUI the .dat extension is not automatically added to the file.
The GUI then is not able to restore a wallet without the explicit .dat extension.
Note: I did not check if this also happens using RPC, will update the issue when tested.Edit: The RPC is unaffected by this, it does allow non
.datfiles.With .dat works:
Without .dat does not see it: