Alright, so I’ve been itching to share this project with you all. It’s been a labor of love, and a bit of a headache at times, but totally worth it. I decided to remake a Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001, specifically for specialty stores. Yeah, it’s a mouthful, but trust me, the watch is a beauty.
First off, I had to get a good look at the original. This bad boy is a 39mm white gold case, only 8.08mm thick. I mean, this thing is sleek. The reference number is 6119G-001, which is a nod to the original design but with a modern twist. I spent days just staring at pictures, getting a feel for it.
- Sourcing the Materials
Now, I’m not making this out of actual white gold, because who has that kind of money? But I did find some pretty decent metal that imitates the look and feel. The real challenge was getting the right movement. I ended up using a 30-255 PS, which isn’t the exact one Patek uses, but it’s close enough for my purposes.
- Crafting the Case
This was a pain, let me tell you. I had to shape the metal to match the 39mm diameter and that slim 8.08mm thickness. I used some tools I had lying around, and after a few (dozen) tries, I finally got it right. It’s not perfect, but it’s got that same elegant vibe as the original.
- Designing the Dial
The dial on the 6119G-001 is pretty minimalist, which I love. I managed to recreate it using some simple design software and printed it out on high-quality paper. It doesn’t have that “Clous de Paris” guilloché pattern like the real deal, but it captures the essence of the watch’s design.
- Assembling the Watch
Putting it all together was like solving a complex puzzle. I had to be super careful with the movement, the dial, and the hands. I even managed to make it water-resistant to about 30 meters, just like the original. Don’t plan on diving with it, but it can handle a splash or two.
- Admiring the Finished Product
After weeks of work, I finally had a finished product. It’s not a perfect replica, but it’s something I’m proud of. It’s got that classic Calatrava look, first introduced in 1932, but with a modern touch. It’s a watch that’s both timeless and contemporary, if I do say so myself.
So there you have it, my journey in remaking the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001. It was a challenging project, but one that taught me a lot about watchmaking. Hope you all enjoyed this little adventure of mine. Let me know what you think!
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