Okay, guys, let’s talk about my recent project: remaking a Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119R-001. You know, the one you see on the official flagship store. This watch is a real beauty, but the waitlist is insane. Some folks are saying it takes up to 8 years to get a Nautilus, and even for the Calatrava, you’re looking at least a year. So, I took matters into my own hands.
Getting Started
First off, I needed to get a good look at the original. I scoured the internet for every image and video I could find of the 6119R-001. This model is also known as the Calatrava 39 Rose Gold Silver Dial, and it’s a stunner that dropped in 2021. From what I gathered, the genuine article takes about a year or more to make. Each step, from design to final assembly, is done with extreme care and precision. That’s what makes these watches so special, right?
Gathering My Materials
Now, for the fun part – gathering the materials. I decided to go for a 39mm case size, just like the original. For the dial, I wanted that silvery look with rose gold numerals index. Finding the right materials wasn’t easy. I went through several suppliers to find parts that matched the quality I was aiming for. I managed to find a pretty decent silvery dial and some rose gold numerals that looked spot on.
The Movement
Then there’s the movement. The 6119R-001 is a manual winding watch. I spent days researching where to get a reliable manual winding movement. I wanted something that not only looked good but also kept time accurately. Eventually, I found a movement that fit the bill. It wasn’t a Patek Philippe movement, but it was close enough for my purposes and reliable.
Putting It All Together
Assembling the watch was the trickiest part. I started with the case, carefully placing the silvery dial and attaching those beautiful rose gold numerals. Then came the hands – those faceted, dauphine-style hours and minutes hands are a signature of this model, and I managed to find some that were almost identical. I set them precisely onto the dial, making sure they aligned perfectly.
Next, I installed the manual winding movement into the case. This was a delicate process, as I had to ensure everything was perfectly aligned and secure. After what felt like hours of meticulous work, the movement was in place, ticking away nicely.
The Final Touches
With the movement installed, I attached the case back and started working on the strap. I picked out a high-quality leather strap that matched the elegance of the original. It took a few tries to get it fitted just right, but once it was on, the watch really started to come together.
The Result
Finally, after days of hard work, the watch was complete. It wasn’t an exact replica, but it captured the essence of the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119R-001. The silvery dial, the rose gold numerals, the dauphine hands, and the manual winding movement – it all came together beautifully. I was pretty proud of how it turned out. It’s not the real deal, but it’s a darn good homage to a classic timepiece.
So, is a Patek Philippe Calatrava worth the investment? Well, that’s up to you. But for me, being able to build something that comes close to such a masterpiece was a really rewarding experience. Plus, I didn’t have to wait years to enjoy it! Hope you guys enjoyed this little journey of mine. Let me know what you think in the comments!
Click to consult