Alright, let’s talk about this little project I’ve been working on. I’ve always been a bit of a watch guy, and there’s one piece that’s always caught my eye – the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001. It’s a real beauty, a classic design. So, I got this wild idea to try and remake it myself. I mean, why not, right?
I started by gathering some pictures and doing a bit of reading. This Calatrava, it’s a remake of an older model. Got some new parts, a bit of a facelift, you could say. From what I gathered, the original is worth a small fortune, but since this one is a remake, It’s not cheap, but it is a lot more affordable.
Getting Started
First thing I did was look up the specs. It’s a 39mm case, 8.08mm thick. The case on this one, the 6119G-001, is 18K white gold. The other version, 6119R-001, is 18k rose gold. It’s got this fancy “Clous de Paris” bezel, which is basically a textured pattern around the edge. And the hands, they’re three-dimensional, which gives it a bit more depth.
I spent a good chunk of time just studying pictures, you know? Trying to get a feel for the proportions, the way the light hits the different surfaces. I found out that the waiting list for one of these is like a mile long. But this is more of a hobby for me.
The Process
So, I started by sketching out the design, trying to get the dimensions right. Then I started to make a model. It was a lot of trial and error. I messed up a lot of times, let me tell you. Getting that bezel pattern just right was a real pain. But I kept at it, making adjustments, refining the design.
Once I was happy with the overall shape, I started thinking about the materials. Now, I’m not using real gold or anything, that’s way out of my league. I used some more readily available stuff. It’s not the same, of course, but it gives a similar effect.
The hands were another challenge. I wanted to get that three-dimensional look, so I experimented with different techniques. Finally, I figured out a way to make it that worked pretty well.
The Result
It took a while, a lot of late nights, but finally, I had something that resembled the Calatrava 6119G-001. It’s not perfect, not by a long shot. But it’s mine, and I’m pretty proud of it. It is a good feeling to hold it in my hand, knowing I made it from scratch.
This whole experience has given me a whole new appreciation for watchmakers. It’s a lot harder than it looks. But it’s also really rewarding. I’m not sure what I’ll do with this watch now that it’s done. Maybe I’ll wear it, maybe I’ll just keep it as a reminder of this little project. Who knows?
Anyway, that’s the story of my attempt to remake the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001. Hope you enjoyed it.
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