The fake Patek Philippe Aviator Travel Time 5390 is a replica of a pilot-style watch with a second time zone. Quality ranges from cheap quartz copies to high-grade automatic builds with decorated clone movements. Check case size, dial print, GMT setting, and movement type before you pay.

What the 5390 reference is known for

The 5390 sits in Patek Philippe's pilot family. It pairs a large case and a legible dial with a travel complication. Replica makers focus on the outside first because photos sell the watch.

The real watch lets you set local time in one-hour steps while the home time keeps running. Many replicas simplify this. Test the extra hand on its own before you trust the function.

How to judge a fake Patek Philippe Aviator Travel Time 5390

Start with proportions, then test functions, then inspect finishing. Most flaws show up in that order.

  1. Case size and thickness. Measure the case with calipers. A replica that runs 1mm thicker than the reference will sit wrong on the wrist and show a deep caseback.
  2. Dial print and lume. Look at the logo, minute track, and numeral edges with a loupe. Fuzzy edges, uneven lume, or a glossy finish where the real dial is matte are warning signs.
  3. Second time zone. Set the main time, then move the GMT hand alone. It should jump in one-hour steps and stay synced after crown pushes.
  4. Date change. A clean snap at midnight is a good sign. Slow creep from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. points to a basic movement.
  5. Crown action. The crown should click into each position with no grit. Wobbly stems and loose pushers are common on low-tier copies.
  6. Caseback and movement. Open the back if you can. Look for sharp engraving, blued screws that sit flush, and a rotor that spins without scraping.

Movement types in replica 5390s

Most replicas use one of three movements. Each one changes the feel, the thickness, and the repair cost.

  • Quartz. Cheap and thin, but the second hand ticks. That is an instant tell on a watch with a sweeping seconds hand.
  • Asian automatic clone (2824 or 2892 family). Common in mid-tier builds. It hacks and hand-winds, and parts are easy to find.
  • Decorated clone of a Patek caliber. Found in top-tier fakes. The bridges look close to the real thing, but service support is thin.

A decorated rotor and engraved bridges add visual accuracy, not reliability. Ask who will service the watch before you buy.

Price tiers and what you get

Replica pricing tracks finishing and movement, not the badge on the dial. Expect clear steps between tiers.

  • Under $150. Quartz or low-grade automatic. Heavy case, printed dial, weak lume.
  • $200 to $500. Better case shape, reliable clone movement, clean dial print. This is the practical range for most buyers.
  • Above $600. Closer case finishing, clone movement with decoration, sapphire crystal, and better strap hardware.

Above a certain point, you pay for small details. Decide which flaws you can live with before you stretch your budget.

What to ask a seller before buying

A short list of questions filters out weak listings. Ask for video, not just photos, because functions are hard to fake in motion.

  • Ask for a video that shows the GMT hand setting in one-hour steps.
  • Ask for the movement name and any service history.
  • Ask for a close photo of the caseback, crown, and clasp.
  • Ask for the measured case thickness with calipers.
  • Ask about the return policy and shipping method.

Common flaws on a fake 5390

Some faults show up again and again on replica pilot watches. Check these before you accept delivery.

  • Thick caseback that pushes the watch off the wrist.
  • Soft or misaligned dial print on the logo and small text.
  • GMT hand that follows the hour hand instead of setting on its own.
  • Rotor noise that you can hear across a room.
  • Lume that fades in minutes or looks green under daylight.
  • Crown threads that feel rough after a few windings.

Is the fake Patek Philippe Aviator Travel Time 5390 legal to buy?

Rules vary by country. In the US, selling counterfeit goods is illegal, and importing them can lead to seizure. Buying for personal use sits in a gray area, but reselling is not safe.

Never present a replica as genuine. Keep the paperwork and price clear if you sell it later as a replica. Some repair shops will refuse to service counterfeit watches.

FAQ

Does the replica 5390 have a working second time zone?

Mid-tier and top-tier replicas do. Budget quartz models often use a fixed 24-hour hand that does not set on its own. Test the hand before you pay.

How can I tell a good replica from a bad one?

Look at the case thickness, dial print, and hand setting. A good replica keeps the case profile close and the print sharp. A bad one feels heavy in the wrong places and shows rough finishing under a loupe.

Can a watchmaker spot a fake 5390?

Yes. A trained eye checks the movement finish, caseback engraving, and crown action. From across a table, a top-tier fake can pass. In hand, the differences in weight and finishing show.

What should I pay for a fake Patek Philippe Aviator Travel Time 5390?

A practical budget sits between $200 and $500. That range buys a reliable automatic clone with clean outside finishing. Pay more only if you care about movement decoration.