Today, I wanted to do something a bit different, something crafty. I got this itch to remake a Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119R-001. Yeah, the classic style one. I’ve always loved those fancy watches, you know, the ones from that famous Geneva watchmaker. They’re like the top dogs in the watch world, and the Calatrava, man, it’s like their poster child. I mean, they even named it after their logo!
So, I started by gathering all the info I could find about this watch. Dug around to see what makes it tick, literally. Found out it usually goes for around 30 grand, but sometimes you can snag one for a bit less. It’s got this cool rose gold case and bezel, all shiny and classy with an octagonal shape, pretty slick if you ask me.
First off, I sketched out the design. Took some measurements based on the pictures and info I found. It’s all about that balance, you know? Getting the proportions right. Then, I started playing around with some materials. Tried out some metals, seeing what could work for that rose gold look. Ended up using a mix, trying to get that same kind of finish they have – some parts polished, some parts satin-brushed. It’s the little details, right?
Next up, I got to crafting the watch face. I wanted it to look just like the real deal. So, I used some materials to carefully recreate it. Had to be patient with this part, those tiny details are a pain, let me tell you! I kept comparing it to pictures of the real watch, making sure everything lined up.
- Case crafting: Mimicked the rose gold look with my mixed metals.
- Bezel shaping: Tried to get that rounded octagon just right.
- Surface finishing: Played around with polishing and satin-brushing.
- Dial creation: This is probably the hardest one, it is so small but it was crafted to match the original.
Putting it all together was like solving a puzzle. But, a really satisfying one. Seeing it come to life, piece by piece, it was something else. I was so excited, it felt like a really big deal.
In the end, I had my own version of the Calatrava 6119R-001. Is it exactly like the real one? Nah, of course not. But it’s got the vibe, the spirit of it. And the best part? I made it with my own two hands. It’s like having a little piece of that fancy watch world, but without emptying my bank account!
My Tips
For anyone thinking of doing something like this, I’d say go for it. It’s a fun challenge, and you learn a lot along the way. Just be patient, take your time, and enjoy the process. And hey, if you end up making something cool, share it! I’d love to see what others come up with.
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