A replica Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time cannot match the genuine reference 5164A in movement, finishing, or legal standing. The real watch runs Patek Philippe's in-house caliber 324 S C FUS and uses two pushers on the left case flank to jump local time in one-hour steps. Counterfeit copies are illegal to import or sell in the United States, no matter how closely they imitate the case shape.

What Is the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time?

Reference 5164A-001 arrived in 2011 as the first Aquanaut with a travel complication. It uses a 40.8 mm stainless steel case, a 120 m water resistance rating, and the rounded octagonal bezel paired with a tropical-textured dial. That mix of sport-watch toughness and a second time zone made it one of the most requested steel Patek Philippe models.

How Does the Travel Time Complication Work?

The caliber 324 S C FUS drives two hour hands: a solid hand for home time and a skeletonized hand for local time. Two rectangular pushers at 8 and 10 o'clock move the local hour hand forward or backward in one-hour increments without stopping the watch. The date stays tied to local time, so it remains correct when you cross time zones.

Why Can't a Replica Match the Travel Time Function?

Building a dual time zone module that jumps cleanly while the balance keeps running takes real watchmaking, not a decorative add-on. Most counterfeit Aquanaut Travel Time watches hide a generic movement under a printed rotor and lose the pusher function altogether. Common differences include:

  • Dial texture that looks stamped or flat instead of raised and matte.
  • Pushers that feel loose, grind, or never change the hour hand.
  • Case finishing with rounded edges and shallow bevels.
  • Weight and thickness that do not match the 40.8 mm steel original.

Is a Replica Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time Legal in the US?

Trafficking in counterfeit goods violates 18 U.S.C. § 2320, a federal criminal statute that carries fines and possible imprisonment. U.S. Customs and Border Protection seizes counterfeit watches at the border and can destroy them, and buyers often lose their money with no recourse. Trademark law also lets Patek Philippe pursue sellers, and buyers who resell counterfeits can face claims too.

What Are the Real Alternatives?

Buyers who want the travel-time function can look at pre-owned genuine 5164A watches from authorized dealers or established auction houses with papers and service history. Lower-cost mechanical GMT watches from mainstream Swiss and Japanese brands deliver a second time zone honestly for a fraction of the price. Either path gives you a watch you can service, insure, and legally resell.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a genuine Aquanaut Travel Time cost?

Steel 5164A references trade above retail on the secondary market, often in the low to mid six figures in US dollars depending on condition and completeness. Prices shift with demand, so check current auction results before you budget.

Does the Aquanaut Travel Time have a date?

Yes. The date aperture at 3 o'clock follows local time, which is a core part of how the travel function works.

Can a replica be serviced by Patek Philippe?

No. Patek Philippe services only genuine watches and will not authenticate, repair, or supply parts for counterfeits.