Perry Ellis is one of those names most people recognise from clothing stores and department store racks. What fewer people know is that the brand has been making watches for decades, and in 2024 relaunched its entire watch collection through a new manufacturing partnership set to run through 2029. The range now covers everything from solar-powered everyday watches to a genuine dive watch rated to 200 metres, with most models sitting comfortably between $50 and $120. For a brand better known for shirts and suits, the watch collection is more considered and more capable than most people expect.
The History of Perry Ellis: From Fashion Designer to Global Brand
Perry Ellis grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia, as an only child in a middle-class family. He studied business at the College of William and Mary, graduating in 1961, then earned a master’s degree in retailing from New York University in 1963. His plan was never to design clothes. He wanted to understand how fashion moved through stores and into people’s hands.
After graduating, he went to work as a sportswear buyer at Miller & Rhoads, a department store in Richmond, Virginia. He stayed there until 1967, building a sharp eye for what customers actually wanted. That year, John Meyer of Norwich, a sportswear company whose clothes Ellis had been buying in huge quantities, hired him away to work as a merchandiser in New York. When John Meyer died of cancer in 1974, Ellis moved to Vera Companies, where he worked in sportswear merchandising.
It was at Vera Companies that things changed. In 1975, the company asked Ellis to design a sportswear line of his own. He said no at first. When he finally agreed, the result was the Portfolio collection, shown in the fall of 1976. He designed 33 pieces that left retailers and fashion critics genuinely surprised. The look was relaxed and built around natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool at a time when American fashion leaned toward stiff, formal silhouettes. People called it the “Slouch Look.”
In 1978, he launched Perry Ellis Sportswear Inc. with his own showroom on Seventh Avenue in New York. At the same time he set up Perry Ellis International as a separate company to manage licensing deals under his name. That licensing structure is the direct reason Perry Ellis watches exist today. By the early 1980s, his company had a wholesale turnover of $60 million. By 1986 that figure had grown to $260 million.
The awards came quickly. He won eight Coty Awards between 1979 and 1984, took the CFDA Designer of the Year title in 1982, and became president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1984.
His final years were difficult. His partner Laughlin Barker, who also served as president of Perry Ellis International, died on January 2, 1986. Ellis’s own health declined sharply after that. On May 8, 1986, he appeared at his fall runway show in New York but was too weak to walk the runway alone and had to be supported by two assistants. The audience gave him a standing ovation. He was hospitalised shortly after and died on May 30, 1986, aged 46, from viral encephalitis.
The brand kept going. Perry Ellis International expanded its licensing into watches, luggage, and home goods, reaching around $900 million in annual retail sales across 39 categories in 60 countries by the late 1990s. In April 1999, Supreme International, a Miami-based apparel company led by George Feldenkreis, completed the acquisition of Perry Ellis International for approximately $74.6 million and took on the Perry Ellis International name. The watches you see on the market today sit within that same licensing model, carrying the relaxed American style that Ellis built from scratch.
Perry Ellis Watches: What Makes Them Different?
Perry Ellis watches sit in a specific spot in the market. They are not Swiss luxury timepieces, and they make no claim to be. What they are is affordable, well-designed fashion watches that carry a recognised American brand name and are built to be worn every day without worry.
The Company Behind Perry Ellis Watch Manufacturing
Like many fashion brand watches, Perry Ellis watches are produced through licensing agreements rather than by Perry Ellis itself. The brand partners with specialist watch manufacturers who handle design and production under the Perry Ellis name. From 2017, that partner was Optimo Group. In August 2023, Perry Ellis announced a new partnership with Concepts In Time, one of the largest watch manufacturers in the United States. That collection launched on Father’s Day 2024 and the partnership is set to run through 2029. Knowing this matters because it tells you who is actually building the watch and what level of quality to expect.
Perry Ellis Watches at an Affordable Price Point
Most Perry Ellis watches sell new for somewhere between $50 and $150, with a handful of models sitting above or below that range. That puts them firmly in the affordable fashion watch category, competing with brands like Fossil, Armani Exchange, and similar names. You can regularly find them at Macy’s, Belk, and Boscov’s, as well as travel retail outlets and cruise ship shops. On secondary markets like eBay, used Perry Ellis watches can be found for as little as $10 to $25.
Perry Ellis Watch Movements and Technology
All Perry Ellis watches run on quartz movements. Quartz is battery or solar-powered and keeps time more accurately than most entry-level mechanical movements. It also requires far less maintenance. Some of the newer models in the current Concepts In Time collection are solar-powered, meaning they charge from any light source and do not need regular battery changes.
Perry Ellis Watch Water Resistance Ratings
Water resistance varies quite a bit depending on the model you choose. Basic dress models typically carry 3ATM (30 metres) of water resistance, which is enough for everyday splashes but not for swimming. Sportier models go up to 10ATM (100 metres). The Deep Diver model offers 200 metres of water resistance, a screw-down crown, and a unidirectional rotating bezel, making it a genuine option for swimming and snorkelling.
The Range of Designs Perry Ellis Offers
Perry Ellis has built its watch range around several named collections rather than putting out one generic line. Each collection has its own look, purpose, and set of specs, so the watch you choose really depends on what you need it to do and how you plan to wear it. Here is a breakdown of what each one actually is:
- GT Chronograph is the sportiest looking option in the lineup. It runs a 44mm stainless steel case with a leather strap and includes chronograph sub-dials, meaning you get a built-in stopwatch function alongside the time. It comes in several dial colours including black, blue, and green. It is the most feature-heavy watch Perry Ellis makes at this price level.
- Deep Diver is the water-focused model with a 45mm case, 200 metres of water resistance, a screw-down crown, and a unidirectional rotating bezel with 20-minute countdown markings. The case is only 9mm thick despite the serious water resistance spec. The strap is silicone, which is the right material for a watch that is actually going near water.
- Decagon takes its name from its ten-sided case shape, which gives it a more distinctive look than a standard round watch. It comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes, runs Japanese quartz movement, and has a date window. Water resistance is 100 metres. Available in both men’s and unisex sizing.
- Memphis was inspired by the Memphis design movement of the 1980s, known for bold colours and unconventional shapes. The case is 44mm with a warm, organic shape rather than the sharp angles you find on most watches. It uses a surgical-grade stainless steel case with a high-grade aluminium ring and features embedded crown protection. Water resistance is 100 metres and it comes with interchangeable leather straps.
- Slimline is the clean, minimal option built for wearing under a shirt cuff or with more formal clothes. The profile is low and the design is stripped back with no extra complications. It is the least attention-grabbing watch in the range, which is exactly the point.
- Solar-powered models from the current Concepts In Time lineup feature a 42mm case, a sunray dial, and can run for up to four months on a single charge from any light source. Water resistance on these is 3ATM, keeping them in everyday wear territory rather than sport use.
- Ultra Slim Diamond adds a genuine diamond set at the 12 o’clock position. The case is slim, the design is simple, and it is aimed at someone who wants a little extra detail without anything flashy.
The strap choice across the range is broader than most watches at this price. Genuine leather is the most common option and appears across the Slimline, Decagon, Memphis, and GT collections. Silicone is used on the Deep Diver where water contact is expected. The newer solar-powered models from Concepts In Time come in both vegan leather and stainless steel alloy bracelets, giving you a metal bracelet option if you prefer that look. Some models in the range also feature stainless steel mesh bands. Several collections, including the Memphis, are built with interchangeable straps, so you can swap between leather and other materials without tools or a watchmaker.
Perry Ellis Watch Quality Relative to Price
At this price point, you are paying for the look and the name, not for fine watchmaking. The cases are mostly stainless steel or alloy, the dials are clean and well-finished, and the overall build quality is solid for the money. If you want something that looks sharp, fits the brand’s relaxed American style, and does not cost much, Perry Ellis watches deliver on that. If you want a watch as a long-term investment or a mechanical heirloom, this is not the category for you.
Top 10 Best Perry Ellis Watches
Perry Ellis has released watches across multiple licensing partnerships over the years, which means the market includes both the current 2024 Concepts In Time models and older pieces that still circulate widely on Amazon and eBay. Some of the strongest options are not the newest ones, so both generations are worth knowing about before making a decision.
1. Perry Ellis Deep Diver
The Deep Diver is the most capable watch Perry Ellis has ever put out. It has a 42mm stainless steel case with 200 metres of water resistance, a screw-down crown, and a unidirectional rotating bezel with a 20-minute countdown scale. Those are genuine dive watch features at a price that often lands between $80 and $120. The case is only about 9mm thick despite the serious water resistance rating, which keeps it from feeling bulky on the wrist. It comes with interchangeable straps including silicone, leather, and stainless steel, which adds useful versatility. If you want a Perry Ellis watch that can actually handle water and looks the part doing it, this is the one.
2. Perry Ellis Deep Diver 46mm
The larger sibling of the standard Deep Diver, this version steps up to a 46mm case while keeping the same 200 metres of water resistance and screw-down crown. It also runs on a quartz movement and comes on a stainless steel bracelet. The bigger case makes it a more statement-forward watch, better suited to people who prefer a larger presence on the wrist. It has been one of the more consistently available Perry Ellis models and regularly shows up new on secondary markets for around $80 to $125.
3. Perry Ellis Solar Stainless Steel Mesh
Part of the current Concepts In Time collection launched in 2024, the PES0011 is the standout solar model in the lineup. It has a 43mm case paired with a stainless steel mesh bracelet and comes in silver, gold, and gunmetal finishes. The solar movement charges from any light source and the dial is clean with a sunray finish. Water resistance is rated to 30 metres, which covers everyday use but not swimming. An aluminum tachymeter bezel adds a sporty edge without making the watch feel too casual for office wear. It is one of the better-looking models in the current range and sits at a very accessible price point.
4. Perry Ellis Solar Alloy Bracelet
The PES0004 takes the same solar-powered approach but pairs a 42mm case with an alloy metal bracelet rather than mesh. It comes in gold and gunmetal colour options, both with sunray dials. This is a slightly dressier option than the tachymeter models and suits people who want the no-battery convenience of solar without the sporty look. Priced at around $60, it is one of the most affordable new Perry Ellis watches currently available through authorised retailers.
5. Perry Ellis Solar Vegan Leather
The PES0009 is aimed at buyers who want a cleaner, more traditional-looking watch that still has the solar power advantage. A 42mm case sits on a vegan leather strap, available in navy and other colour options. The dial has a sunray finish and the overall look is more classic than sporty. It charges under any light source and, according to the manufacturer, can run up to four months without any light exposure once fully charged. At around $50, it is among the most affordable options in the current lineup.
6. Perry Ellis Solar with Tachymeter Bezel
The PES0003 adds an aluminum tachymeter bezel to the solar vegan leather formula, giving it a more purposeful, slightly sporty appearance. The 42mm case and vegan leather strap keep it comfortable for all-day wear. The tachymeter markings on the bezel can theoretically be used to calculate speed over distance, though at this price level most buyers will simply appreciate the visual detail it adds. It is a good choice for someone who wants a sports-leaning watch without going full dive watch.
7. Perry Ellis Slim Diamond Mesh
This is one of the dressiest options Perry Ellis currently offers. The 41mm case is notably slimmer than the dive and sport models, which makes it sit flat against the wrist and slide easily under a shirt cuff. It comes on a stainless steel mesh bracelet and features a genuine diamond set at the 12 o’clock position. It is available in both silver and gunmetal finishes. The retail price is $59.99 through the Concepts In Time website. For a watch that looks polished enough for formal occasions and carries a real diamond, that is a compelling value proposition.
8. Perry Ellis Slim Line
The Slim Line is one of the older models in the Perry Ellis catalogue that has remained consistently available on the secondary market. It comes in a 44mm stainless steel case with 10ATM (100 metres) of water resistance, which puts it above the basic dress-watch category. The black stainless steel version is particularly popular and can regularly be found for around $40 to $55 on eBay and Amazon. Quartz movement, luminous hands, and a 12-hour dial make it a straightforward everyday watch.
9. Perry Ellis Memphis
The Memphis is a mid-sized dress-leaning sport model with a 44mm stainless steel case paired with a black leather strap. Water resistance sits at 10ATM, making it suitable for swimming. It is a clean, versatile watch that works equally well with a suit or casual wear and represents one of the better value propositions among the older Perry Ellis models. New examples regularly appear on secondary markets in the $40 to $60 range.
10. Perry Ellis Decagon
The Decagon is Perry Ellis’s most distinctive dress watch. Its ten-sided case shape sets it apart from the round and standard sport models across the rest of the range, making it the go-to option for someone who wants something a bit more unusual. It comes in a 46mm size on a leather strap. It is a pure dress watch with no diving ambitions and is suited to formal or business wear. It can be found on secondary markets typically between $35 and $70 depending on condition and colour option.
What to Know Before Buying a Perry Ellis Watch

Perry Ellis watches are not complicated to buy, but a few things are worth thinking through before you pick one. Getting these right means you end up with a watch that actually suits how you live, rather than one that sits in a drawer after a month.
Matching Perry Ellis Watch Style to Your Daily Life
Perry Ellis makes watches across several distinct styles and they are not interchangeable. The Deep Diver models are built for people who want something sporty with real water credentials. The Slim Diamond and Decagon are dress watches, better suited to formal or office wear. The solar models sit somewhere in the middle, comfortable enough for work but casual enough for weekends.
Think about where you will wear the watch most. If the answer is mostly the office or smart occasions, a slim dress model makes more sense than a 46mm dive watch. If you are outdoors a lot or near water regularly, the opposite is true. Perry Ellis has options across all of these, so you are not forced to compromise, but you do need to know which category fits your life before you start looking at specific models.
The Truth Behind Perry Ellis Watch Water Resistance Ratings
This is one of the most misunderstood things in watch buying. A watch marked as 30m or 3ATM does not mean you can take it 30 metres underwater. That rating is measured under static lab conditions, not real-world movement. In practice, 3ATM means the watch can handle splashes, rain, and hand washing. Nothing more than that.
If you want to swim with your Perry Ellis watch, you need a model rated to at least 10ATM or 100m. Several Perry Ellis models hit that mark, including the Slim Line and Memphis. If you want to snorkel or go beyond that, you need the Deep Diver series which is rated to 200m and has a screw-down crown to properly seal the case. The solar collection models are all rated to 3ATM, so they are everyday watches only.
Perry Ellis Watch Case Sizes and Wrist Fit
Perry Ellis cases run on the larger side. Most models sit between 41mm and 46mm, which is standard for modern men’s watches but can feel large on smaller wrists. The Slim Diamond at 41mm is the most wearable option for people with narrower wrists. The Deep Diver at 46mm is a statement piece that will look oversized on a slim wrist.
A simple rule of thumb: if your wrist is under 6.5 inches around, models above 42mm may look too big. If your wrist is 7 inches or more, the larger cases will sit proportionally. No hard rule, but worth checking before you buy.
Choosing Between Solar and Battery Perry Ellis Models
Both run accurately and neither requires significant maintenance beyond the occasional check. The difference is practical. A battery quartz watch will need a new battery every one to three years, which costs a few dollars at most watch repair shops or jewellers. A solar watch eliminates that entirely. The current Perry Ellis solar models can reportedly hold a charge for up to four months without any light exposure once fully charged.
If you wear the watch every day, solar is a genuine convenience. If it is going to sit in a drawer for months at a time, it is less relevant since the battery would drain in storage anyway.
New vs Pre-Owned Perry Ellis Watches
Perry Ellis watches are widely available second-hand on resale platforms, often at a significant discount. A model that retails new for $100 can be found used in good condition for $25 to $50. This is a reasonable route if you are comfortable buying second-hand watches, but there are a few things to check: make sure the crown operates properly, the crystal is not cracked or badly scratched, and the water resistance gaskets have not degraded. On an older Perry Ellis watch, water resistance ratings should be treated as unreliable unless the watch has been recently serviced.
Authorised vs Unofficial Perry Ellis Watch Sources
Buying new from an authorised retailer gives you the manufacturer’s warranty. Buying from unofficial resellers does not always come with that protection. If warranty coverage matters to you, stick to authorised sources for new purchases.
The Best Places to Buy a Perry Ellis Watch
Perry Ellis watches are genuinely easy to find, which is one of the practical advantages of buying into a brand at this price level. You are not hunting down specialist retailers or joining waitlists.
The Official Perry Ellis Store
The most direct route is official store, where the brand sells watches alongside its clothing and accessories. Buying here gives you the clearest product information, the current collection, and access to their loyalty programme which offers points on purchases and a discount on your first order. Returns are handled directly by the brand, which removes complications if something is not right.
Perry Ellis Watches in Major Department Stores
Perry Ellis has long-standing distribution through major American department stores. Macy’s, Belk, Boscov’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Kohl’s, and Nordstrom have all carried the brand across clothing and accessories. The current watch collection from the Concepts In Time partnership was specifically launched into department store retail, so these are reliable places to find new models in person. Being able to see and try a watch before buying is a genuine advantage, especially if you are unsure about case size or strap fit.
Perry Ellis Watches in Airport and Travel Retail Outlets
The current Perry Ellis watch collection was also rolled out across travel retail outlets and cruise ships as part of the 2024 launch. If you frequently travel through airports or spend time on cruises, you may well come across Perry Ellis watches in those retail environments, often at competitive prices.
The Manufacturer Website as an Authorised Perry Ellis Source
The current licensed manufacturer, Concepts In Time, sells the full current Perry Ellis watch range directly through their own website. This is a useful option if specific models are out of stock elsewhere, and the pricing matches what you would find at authorised retailers.
Perry Ellis Watches on the Second-Hand Market
Older Perry Ellis models, particularly the Deep Diver series and the Slim Line, are widely available on watch resale platforms and second-hand marketplaces. Prices on used models can be significantly lower than retail, sometimes by 50 to 70 percent. This is a good route for buyers who want a specific discontinued model or simply want to spend as little as possible. Just check the condition of the crown, crystal, and strap carefully before buying, and treat the water resistance rating as unverified on any older watch unless it has been recently serviced.
Perry Ellis Watch Availability Outside the United States
Perry Ellis as a brand operates in over 50 countries. Watch availability internationally depends on local distribution agreements, but department stores and online retailers in many markets carry the range. If you cannot find a local stockist, the official website ships internationally.
Are Perry Ellis Watches Worth Anything on the Resale Market?
Perry Ellis watches are not investment pieces. If you buy one hoping to sell it later for more than you paid, that is almost certainly not going to happen. That is not a criticism of the brand, it is just the honest reality of where these watches sit in the market, and it is worth knowing before you spend any money.
Why Fashion Watches Depreciate Quickly After Purchase
Watches that appreciate in value share a few common traits. They come from brands with long histories of serious watchmaking, they have mechanical movements, they are produced in limited numbers, and they carry collector demand that keeps prices high on the secondary market. Perry Ellis watches have none of these things working in their favour.
They run on quartz movements, which collectors consistently value lower than mechanical ones. They are mass-produced fashion accessories sold through department stores. The brand name, while well known in clothing, carries no particular prestige in the watch world. And because they are available new at accessible prices, there is no real scarcity driving second-hand demand upward.
Studies on watch depreciation have found that the average watch loses around 33% of its retail value within the first year of ownership. For fashion watches at the lower end of the market, that drop tends to be steeper. A Perry Ellis watch that retails for $100 new is realistically worth $15 to $50 on the second-hand market depending on condition, model, and how much someone actively wants that specific piece.
Perry Ellis Watch Resale Prices in the Real Market
If you browse watch resale platforms, you will find Perry Ellis watches listed anywhere from around $10 for older worn examples up to $125 for boxed, unworn Deep Diver models in good condition. The Deep Diver tends to hold its secondary value better than the dress models, partly because it has more practical features that justify the price to a second buyer. The solar and slim models from the current Concepts In Time collection are too new to have established a clear resale pattern, but based on how similar fashion watches perform, expect significant depreciation from retail.
Perry Ellis Watches as a Wear and Enjoy Purchase
None of this means Perry Ellis watches are a bad buy. It just means you are buying something to wear and enjoy, not something to store as an asset. At $50 to $120 new, the value you get from actually wearing the watch almost certainly outweighs any resale loss. The same is true in reverse: buying pre-owned is a genuinely smart move at this price level. Someone else has already absorbed that initial depreciation, and you can pick up a perfectly good watch for a fraction of what it cost new.
If watch investment is something you are seriously interested in, that is an entirely different conversation involving Swiss mechanical pieces from established luxury houses. Perry Ellis is not part of that conversation, and it does not pretend to be.
How to Clean and Maintain a Perry Ellis Watch
Perry Ellis watches are not high-maintenance timepieces, but a small amount of regular attention will keep them looking good and running accurately for years. The steps are simple and most of them cost nothing.
When to Replace a Perry Ellis Watch Battery
The most important maintenance task for any battery-powered quartz watch is replacing the battery before it dies completely. Most quartz batteries last between one and three years depending on the specific movement and how many functions the watch has. A useful sign that the battery is getting low is the end-of-life indicator: instead of ticking once per second, the second hand begins jumping in four-second intervals. When you see this, get the battery replaced as soon as possible.
A dead battery left inside the watch can leak and cause corrosion that damages the movement internally. At that point what would have been a simple $5 to $10 battery swap can become a much more expensive repair. Most jewellers, watch shops, and phone repair stores can replace a standard quartz watch battery quickly and cheaply.
How to Maintain a Perry Ellis Solar Powered Watch
The solar-powered models in the current Perry Ellis lineup do not need battery replacements. However, they do need regular light exposure to stay charged. Wearing the watch daily is usually enough. If the watch is going to be stored for an extended period, give it a few hours of light exposure before putting it away. Keep the dial clean so the solar cells beneath the crystal can absorb light efficiently. A smudged or grimy dial reduces charging effectiveness over time.
How Water Resistance Degrades on Perry Ellis Watches
Water resistance ratings on any watch degrade over time. The rubber gaskets and seals that keep water out dry out and lose elasticity with age, meaning a watch rated to 100m new may offer considerably less protection five years later if it has never been serviced. If you regularly use your Perry Ellis watch near or in water, having the gaskets checked and the watch pressure tested every two to three years is a sensible precaution. Many watch shops do this at the same time as a battery replacement.
Avoid exposing the watch to water at temperatures the rating was not designed for. Hot showers, saunas, and hot tubs create steam pressure that can penetrate seals even on watches rated for swimming. The 3ATM solar models should not be used near water beyond everyday splashes regardless of their rating.
How to Clean a Perry Ellis Watch Case and Crystal Properly
Wipe the watch case and crystal down regularly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. Sweat, skin oils, and everyday grime build up on the case and between bracelet links over time and can cause discolouration or dull the finish if left unchecked. For a more thorough clean on metal cases and stainless steel bracelets, warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush work well. Scrub gently between the links, rinse with clean water, and dry thoroughly with a cloth before wearing or storing.
Avoid using harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive cloths on the case or crystal. These can strip finishes and scratch the glass.
How to Clean and Maintain Perry Ellis Leather Watch Straps
Leather straps require a bit more attention than metal bracelets. Sweat and moisture are absorbed into the leather over time, which weakens the material and causes it to deteriorate faster. After wearing a leather strap watch in warm conditions, wipe it down with a dry cloth. For a proper clean, use a slightly damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap, clean gently in small circular motions, then let it air dry completely away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Once dry, applying a small amount of leather conditioner helps keep the strap supple and prevents cracking.
Never soak a leather or vegan leather strap in water and avoid wearing it for swimming or any prolonged water exposure even if the watch case itself is rated for it. The strap will degrade quickly and can develop an unpleasant smell.
Perry Ellis Silicone Strap Cleaning and Maintenance
Silicone straps found on the Deep Diver models are the easiest to maintain. They can be washed with soap and water, rinsed clean, and left to air dry. They do not absorb sweat the way leather does and are far more resistant to moisture damage.
How to Store a Perry Ellis Watch Safely When Not in Use
When you are not wearing the watch, store it in a dry environment away from direct sunlight. A padded watch box or even a soft pouch protects the crystal and case from scratches. Keep the watch away from strong magnets such as those found in speakers and some phone cases, as magnetic fields can affect the accuracy of the quartz movement over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Perry Ellis Watches
Before buying a watch from a brand you have not owned before, it is natural to have questions. Here are the most common ones about Perry Ellis watches answered honestly and without the fluff.
Are Perry Ellis watches good quality?
For the price, yes. They are well-built everyday fashion watches with accurate quartz movements and solid cases. You are not getting Swiss watchmaking, but at $50 to $120 you are getting a reliable watch that looks sharp and holds up to daily wear.
Where are Perry Ellis watches made?
The current collection is manufactured in China, which is standard practice for fashion watches in this price range. Some older models from earlier decades used Japanese movements, which you will occasionally see noted on vintage examples.
Are Perry Ellis watches Swiss made?
No. Perry Ellis is an American fashion brand and its watches are made through licensing agreements with manufacturers. There is no Swiss connection.
What movement do Perry Ellis watches use?
All current models run on quartz movements, either battery-powered or solar-powered. Quartz is accurate, low maintenance, and perfectly suited to everyday watches at this price level.
How long does the battery last?
Most battery-powered Perry Ellis watches last between one and three years on a single battery depending on the model and its functions. A useful sign that the battery is running low is the second hand jumping in four-second intervals rather than ticking once per second. Replace it promptly when you see this, as a dead battery left inside can leak and damage the movement.
Do solar models ever need a battery replacement?
No. Solar Perry Ellis watches charge from any light source and can keep running for up to four months in complete darkness once fully charged. Just make sure the dial stays clean so the solar cells beneath the crystal can absorb light properly.
Can I swim with a Perry Ellis watch?
It depends on the model. The solar collection is rated to 3ATM, which covers rain and splashes but not swimming. The Slim Line and Memphis models are rated to 10ATM and are fine for swimming. The Deep Diver is rated to 200m with a screw-down crown, making it suitable for swimming and snorkelling.
Can I get a Perry Ellis watch repaired?
Yes, and it is straightforward. Most local jewellers and watch repair shops can handle battery replacements, strap swaps, and crystal repairs without any trouble. For more involved work, specialist watch repair services that cover fashion watch brands can take care of Perry Ellis models as well.
Do Perry Ellis watches come with a warranty?
Yes, when bought new through authorised retailers. The warranty covers manufacturing defects but does not cover normal wear and tear, accidental damage, or water damage caused by using the watch beyond its rated water resistance.
Is Perry Ellis an American brand?
Yes. The brand was founded in New York in the late 1970s and is currently headquartered in Miami, Florida. The watches carry that American heritage even though they are produced overseas.
How do I resize a Perry Ellis metal bracelet?
Most Perry Ellis metal bracelets use standard link pins that can be pushed out with a basic watch link removal tool, available cheaply online or at most watch shops. Alternatively, any jeweller can resize it for you, usually for free or a minimal charge.
Conclusion
Perry Ellis watches occupy a very specific and honest spot in the market. They are affordable, well-designed everyday fashion watches backed by one of America’s most recognised clothing brands. The current collection, relaunched in 2024 through the Concepts In Time partnership, gives buyers real options across dress, sport, solar, and dive styles at prices that rarely exceed $120. For someone who wants a sharp-looking watch without spending serious money, Perry Ellis delivers exactly what it promises.
Where Perry Ellis falls short is equally clear. These are not investment pieces, they are not mechanically interesting, and they are not built to the standard of dedicated watch brands. The movements are Chinese quartz, the cases are alloy or stainless steel, and the water resistance on most models is limited to everyday use only. If you are a watch enthusiast looking for something with depth beyond the dial, this is not the category for you. But if you are someone who simply wants a good-looking watch that works every day and does not cost a fortune, Perry Ellis is a perfectly sensible choice.
The brand Perry Ellis built from scratch in New York in the 1970s was always about making quality accessible without making it feel cheap. That philosophy carried through his clothing for over a decade, and at its best it carries through the watches too. Buy one to wear, take care of it, and it will serve you well.


