Today, I tried to remake a Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119R-001. I’ve always been a fan of these fancy watches, but they’re way out of my budget. So, I thought, why not try to make one myself? It seemed like a fun project, and I was eager to see if I could pull it off.
First, I gathered all the materials I needed. I managed to find some decent-looking rose gold plating for the case and a silver-colored material for the dial. I also got some watch hands that looked similar to the original. This part was pretty easy, just a lot of searching online and in some local shops.
Getting Started
I started with the case. I found some information online that the original watch case is 39mm in diameter and 8.08mm thick, which is a pretty standard size for a dress watch. I tried to replicate the shape and size as closely as possible using the materials. It was a bit tricky, but I think I did okay. The Clous de Paris bezel is super detailed, so I decided to simplify it a bit. I mean, the real one is crafted with such precision, and I’m no master craftsman. I am just trying to do this for my pleasure, so I did my best with the tools I had. After that, I worked on the curved lugs, it was harder than I thought, but after several attempts, I got something that resembled the original.
- Tried to replicate the case shape and size.
- Simplified the Clous de Paris bezel design.
- Worked on the curved lugs until satisfied.
Working on the Dial
Next, I moved on to the dial. I used the silver material I found and tried to give it a matte finish, just like the original. This was not so hard, mostly a little sanding and polishing. Once the base was ready, I carefully placed the rose gold indices and hands. I also tried to put a small circle pattern around the edge of the dial, which the real watch also has. It’s these little details that really make the watch stand out.
- Used silver material for the dial.
- Applied a matte finish.
- Placed the rose gold indices and hands.
The Final Touches
Putting everything together was the most satisfying part. I carefully assembled the case, dial, and hands. Seeing the watch come to life was such a great feeling. I even managed to fit a simple, store-bought movement inside, so it actually tells time! Although, I doubt it’s as good as Patek Philippe’s new base movement.
In the end, I think my homemade version of the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119R-001 turned out pretty good. It’s not perfect, of course, and it’s definitely not worth anything near what the real thing costs. But it looks nice on my wrist, and it was a fun project. Plus, now I can say I kinda, sorta own a Patek Philippe. Well, not really, but you know what I mean. This project made me appreciate the craftsmanship of these luxury watches even more. Maybe one day I’ll get the real deal, but for now, I’m happy with my little creation.
I realized that wearing a Patek Philippe is not just about having a watch, it’s about style and comfort, too. I read somewhere that the fit is key, and I totally agree. I tried to make sure my watch fit well, not just for looks but also for comfort.
I know some folks see these watches as investments, and certain models like the Nautilus, Aquanaut, and Calatrava are popular choices. This whole project was more about the experience and less about investment for me. I learned a lot, and that’s what matters most to me.
This was a fun project, and I’m pretty proud of what I achieved. It’s not every day you get to remake a luxury watch, even if it’s just a simple version of it.
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