Okay, so I’ve been wanting to get my hands dirty with a little watch project for a while now, and I finally dove in. The goal? To remake a Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001. Yeah, I know, it’s a pretty ambitious one, but hey, gotta challenge myself, right?
First things first, I did a ton of research. I mean, we’re talking about a Patek Philippe here. These things are like the Rolls Royce of watches. I found out that this particular model, the 6119G-001, is an update on the classic Calatrava design. It’s got this bigger case size now, 39mm to be exact, and this cool “Clous de Paris” guilloche pattern on the bezel that makes it look super fancy. The original is made of 18K white gold, which is way out of my budget, but that didn’t stop me.
So, I started by gathering materials. No white gold for me, unfortunately. Instead, I went with stainless steel for the case because it’s durable and looks kind of similar. I found a 39mm case online, along with a charcoal grey dial. I had to get hands that looked like the originals, three-dimensional ones, that’s a real signature.
The Hard Part
- Making the bezel: This was the toughest part, honestly. The “Clous de Paris” pattern is this intricate hobnail design, and replicating it was a nightmare. I tried a few different methods, even considered 3D printing, but it just didn’t look right. Eventually, I found a local craftsman, who helped me engrave the pattern onto a separate stainless steel ring. It was not perfect, but it looked pretty decent.
- Assembling the dial: Applying the hands onto the dial, I felt like a real watchmaker, but it was nerve-wracking. One wrong move and I could scratch the dial or bend the hands. I used a hand-setting tool I bought online, took a deep breath, and very carefully placed the hands on the movement I got my hands on.
- Putting it all together: Once the bezel and dial were ready, I had to put everything into the case. This involved a lot of tiny screws and making sure everything was aligned perfectly. I broke a few spring bars in the process, which was frustrating, but eventually, I got it all together.
The final result? Well, it’s not a Patek Philippe, let’s be real. But it looks pretty good! It’s got that classic style, the weight feels right, and wearing it actually makes me feel kind of fancy. It’s definitely a conversation starter, and I’ve had a few people ask me if it’s the real deal.
This whole project was a huge learning experience. I learned a lot about watchmaking, about patience, and about my own abilities. Would I do it again? Maybe. I’ve got my eye on a few other models now, but I think I’ll take a break for a bit. My fingers need a rest!
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