Okay, so, today I’m diving into something a bit different – I’m going to try and remake a Patek Philippe Calatrava, specifically the 6119G-001 model. This is one of those classic, really elegant watches that’s always caught my eye. I’ve always been fascinated by how these timepieces are put together. So, I thought, why not try and recreate one myself?
First off, I started by gathering as much information as I could about the watch. I looked at tons of pictures, watched some videos, and read everything from forums to official descriptions. This watch is known for its “Clous de Paris” guilloche pattern on the bezel, which is like a tiny pyramid texture, and its sleek, three-dimensional hands. It’s got this bold yet refined look, which is definitely different from some of the older, more strictly dressy models.
Breaking it Down
Then, I broke down the watch into its parts. The case is 39mm and made of white gold, which is something I had to note. I figured I’d start with making a prototype of the case. I’m not using white gold for this, obviously, just some metal to get the shape and size right. I spent a couple of days just shaping the case, trying to get that perfect circle and the right thickness. It’s harder than it looks, getting those proportions right.
- The Dial: This was tricky. I wanted to replicate that sunburst dial effect. I experimented with different materials and techniques. After a few tries, I found that a combination of fine sanding and a special coating gave me a similar effect. It’s not perfect, but it’s got that shimmer I was looking for.
- The Bezel: The hobnail pattern, or “Clous de Paris,” is a signature of this watch. I tried a few methods to replicate this, including using a small tool to engrave the pattern, but I have to say, this part was extremely difficult. It’s these tiny little pyramids, and getting them uniform is a real challenge. I’m not 100% happy with it, but it’s a decent first attempt.
- The Hands and Markers: For the hands and hour markers, I used thin pieces of metal. I shaped the hands to match the long, elegant style of the 6119G-001. The markers were simpler, just small, polished rectangles. Attaching these to the dial was nerve-wracking. One slip, and I could scratch the dial or misalign everything.
Putting It All Together
After getting all the parts ready, it was time to assemble. I carefully placed the dial into the case, attached the hands, and then secured the bezel. This part felt like defusing a bomb. One wrong move and it could all go wrong. But, after some careful maneuvering, it all came together.
The final step was adding a strap. I chose a simple black leather strap, similar to the original. Attaching it was straightforward, and just like that, my homemade Calatrava was complete.
Looking at the Result
Now, looking at the finished product, it’s definitely not a Patek Philippe, but it resembles it. It’s got a similar vibe, and for a first attempt, I’m pretty proud of it. It was a lot harder than I expected, especially getting those fine details right. I learned a ton about watchmaking and gained a whole new level of respect for these craftsmen. Apparently, the Grandmaster Chime model boasts twenty complications and six patented innovations, and I struggled with just a basic design. That’s mind-blowing. Also, I read somewhere that these watches often retain or increase their value over time, which makes sense considering the detail and effort that goes into them.
This project was a real eye-opener. It’s one thing to admire these watches from afar, but to try and make one yourself, even a simple version, is a whole different ball game. I’m not saying I’ll become a watchmaker anytime soon, but this was a fun and educational experience. Maybe one day I’ll try it again, who knows?
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