You know, I’ve always been fascinated by watches, especially the really fancy ones. Recently, I decided to take on a project that was, honestly, a bit crazy – remaking a Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119R-001. Yeah, that super classy, elegant watch that usually has a waitlist of like 9 months to a year. I’m not a watchmaker, just a guy who loves a good challenge and I want to share with you this exciting journey.
First off, I spent days just staring at pictures of the 6119R-001. I read a ton of reviews, like how the 6119 is the latest version of the Calatrava, you know, with that hobnail finish and the 96-esque case which looks kind of classic. And the new Caliber 30-255 PS? That got me hooked.
Then, the real work started. I got myself a bunch of tools and materials, most of which I had no idea how to use at first. The initial step was sketching out the design. I tried to copy every little detail, especially that Clous de Paris bezel – man, that was tough. But it’s what gives the 6119R that special look, right?
- Sketching the Design: I started by sketching out the design of the 6119R-001, focusing on every little detail. I made sure to pay special attention to the Clous de Paris bezel and the three-dimensional hands.
- Gathering Materials: Next, I gathered all the materials I needed. I got some metal for the case and the band and a bunch of tiny screws and gears.
- Crafting the Bezel: Crafting the bezel was probably the hardest part. I used a small chisel and a magnifying glass to try and recreate that intricate hobnail pattern. It took forever, and my first few attempts were, well, let’s just say they weren’t pretty.
- Assembling the Movement: Then came the movement. I tried to follow some online guides, but mostly it was just me trying to figure out where each tiny piece went. It was like the most complicated puzzle ever.
After messing up a few times, I finally started to get the hang of it. I made the watch case, the hands, and even tried to replicate that hobnail pattern on the bezel. It wasn’t perfect, but it was starting to look like a watch!
Putting it All Together
Putting it all together was nerve-wracking. One wrong move and I could ruin the whole thing. But slowly, piece by piece, it came together. When I finally saw the hands moving, powered by the movement I had assembled, I felt like a real watchmaker, even if it was just for a moment.
The finished product? It wasn’t a Patek Philippe, not by a long shot. But it looked pretty darn close to the real Calatrava 6119R-001. It was a ton of work, a lot of frustration, but also a huge sense of accomplishment. I learned so much, not just about watches, but about patience and persistence. Would I do it again? Maybe. But for now, I’m just proud of my little handmade Calatrava.
Click to consult