Today, I’m gonna try my hand at remaking a Patek Philippe Calatrava, specifically the 6119G-001 model. Yeah, it’s a pretty fancy watch, and I’ve always been a fan of its classic look. This isn’t my first rodeo with watches, but this one’s a bit more intricate than what I’m used to.
I started by gathering all the materials I’d need. It’s like cooking, right? You gotta have all your ingredients ready. I got the case, which is supposed to be 18K white gold, but mine’s a decent replica, not the real deal, obviously. The case is 39mm in diameter and about 8.08mm thick – had to get that right for the authentic feel.
Next, I focused on the movement. This is where things get tricky. Patek Philippe designed a completely new caliber for this watch. I spent hours studying the original design, trying to understand how it ticks, no pun intended. Replicating this was tough, I won’t lie. I used some existing parts and modified others. It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty darn close.
Then there’s the dial and the hands. I found out that the original has this “Clous de Paris” bezel, which is super detailed. My version? Let’s just say it’s “inspired by” the original. I tried to get the three-dimensional hands right, and I think I nailed it. They look sharp and elegant.
Putting it all together was like assembling a puzzle, a very expensive and delicate puzzle. I had to be extra careful not to scratch anything or mess up the alignment. It took a lot of patience, some deep breaths, and a few choice words when things weren’t going my way.
Finally, after hours of work, it’s done. It’s not a genuine Patek Philippe, but it’s my take on the 6119G-001. I even wore it around for a day. It felt good on my wrist, and I liked how it looked with my outfits. It’s not something I’d wear every day, but it’s definitely a nice piece to have.
So, would I recommend this project to others? If you’re into watches and have some time on your hands, sure, go for it. It’s a great learning experience, and you end up with a pretty cool watch. Just don’t expect it to be easy. And remember, the real deal can take up to 12 months to get, so this is way quicker!
- Started by getting all the parts: case, movement, dial, hands.
- Spent a lot of time figuring out the movement.
- Tried to copy the detailed bezel and three-dimensional hands.
- Assembled the watch carefully.
- Wore the finished watch and liked how it looked.
That’s my story of remaking the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001. Hope you enjoyed it!
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