Let me tell you about the time I decided to remake the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001. It all started when I saw this classic beauty online, I was immediately drawn to its elegant, round case and that distinctive hand-guilloched hobnail pattern on the bezel, you know, they call it “Clous de Paris.” It’s just so classy and sophisticated. I thought, “I gotta have that, but the real deal? Way out of my budget!”
So, I started researching. Turns out, getting an original Patek Philippe, especially something like the Calatrava, it’s not like walking into a store and picking one up. There are waitlists, some as long as eight years for some of their models, and even the Calatrava has a wait of around 12 months! Plus, it’s a serious investment. It’s a luxury item, a status symbol, known for its exceptional craftsmanship, sure, but it’s not exactly something you’d wear every day.
That’s when I had the idea: What if I could recreate it? I started gathering all the information I could find about the 6119G-001. I learned that each Patek Philippe watch has both a reference number and a serial number. The reference number tells you the model, variation, and features, while the serial number is unique to each watch and confirms its production details. It’s like a birth certificate for the watch!
Armed with this knowledge, I began my project. First, I needed to find a watch case that was similar in size and shape to the Calatrava. I spent hours searching online and in local watch shops, measuring and comparing until I found a suitable base. The original has a slightly larger diameter than previous models, so I made sure to get that right.
Next up was the bezel. This was the trickiest part. Recreating that “Clous de Paris” pattern by hand? Forget about it! I tried a few different techniques, experimenting with different tools and materials, even tried using different metal, but nothing looked quite right. Finally, I found a pretty good method with mold to get a similar textured look. It wasn’t perfect, but it was close enough to capture the essence of the original.
Then came the dial and hands. I found a dial that was a good match in terms of color and style, and I sourced some hands that closely resembled the ones on the 6119G-001. Putting it all together was a delicate process, like performing surgery! I had to be super careful not to damage any of the components.
- Sourcing the parts: This was a real treasure hunt! I spent countless hours online and in shops.
- Recreating the bezel: The hardest part! Trial and error until I found a method that worked.
- Assembling the watch: Like performing surgery, it required a steady hand and a lot of patience.
The final result? Well, it wasn’t a Patek Philippe, that’s for sure. But it was a pretty darn good replica that captured the spirit of the 6119G-001. I wore it around, and you know what? Nobody could tell the difference! Of course, I knew it wasn’t the real deal, but it felt good to wear something I had put so much effort into creating.
Would I recommend doing this? It’s definitely not for everyone. It takes a lot of time, patience, and a bit of skill. But if you’re passionate about watches and enjoy a good challenge, it’s a rewarding experience. And hey, you’ll end up with a unique timepiece that’s sure to turn heads!
So that’s my story. It was a long and challenging project, but I’m glad I did it. I learned a lot about watches, and I ended up with a pretty cool timepiece that I’m proud to wear. It may not be a genuine Patek, but it’s a genuine piece of my own craftsmanship!
Click to consult