Today, I’m going to share my experience with remaking the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119R-001. I’ve always been a fan of classic watches, and the Calatrava is as classic as it gets. So, I decided to take on this project and see if I could recreate this beautiful timepiece.
Getting Started
First things first, I gathered all the materials I needed. This was a bit of a challenge since I wanted to get as close to the original as possible without, you know, spending a fortune. I spent a good amount of time researching and sourcing parts. It felt like a treasure hunt, honestly.
The Case and Dial
I started with the case. I found a decent rose gold-plated case that had a similar size and shape to the 6119R. It wasn’t perfect, but it was close enough for my liking. Then came the dial. This was tricky. I managed to find a white dial with a hobnail pattern, but it wasn’t an exact match. I had to do some modifications, like repainting and adding the sub-dial for the seconds hand. It took a few tries to get it right, but I’m pretty happy with how it turned out.
The Movement
Now, for the heart of the watch – the movement. I opted for a reliable automatic movement that I could easily source. Of course, it’s not a Patek Philippe movement, but it keeps good time. I disassembled it, cleaned every part, and lubricated it properly. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but I took my time and made sure everything was in order.
- Disassembled the new movement
- Cleaned each part thoroughly
- Lubricated the components
- Reassembled the movement carefully
Putting It All Together
With the case, dial, and movement ready, I began the assembly process. I carefully placed the movement into the case, attached the dial, and set the hands. This was the most satisfying part of the project. Seeing all the individual pieces come together to form a functioning watch was incredibly rewarding.
The Strap
No watch is complete without a strap. I chose a brown alligator leather strap that closely resembles the original. It was a bit stiff at first, but after wearing it for a while, it softened up nicely and became very comfortable.
The Final Result
After weeks of work, my remake of the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119R-001 was finally complete. It’s not a perfect replica, but I’m really proud of how it turned out. It’s a beautiful watch that captures the essence of the original, and it’s something I’ll cherish for years to come. This project was a lot of fun and a great learning experience. It taught me a lot about watchmaking and the importance of patience and attention to detail. It ain’t perfect, but hey, it’s mine, and it works!
If you’re thinking about taking on a similar project, I say go for it! It’s a challenging but rewarding experience. Just be prepared to put in the time and effort, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way. That’s how you learn and improve. And who knows, you might just end up with a timepiece you’ll love wearing every day.
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