Okay, so, I’ve been working on this project for a while now, and I’m pretty stoked to share the whole thing with you guys. I decided to remake a Patek Philippe Calatrava, specifically the 5088/100P-001 model. Yeah, I know, it’s a pretty ambitious project. Those watches are crazy expensive – I’ve seen prices ranging from like $20,000 all the way up to $115,000, depending on the model and how old it is.
I started by doing a ton of research. I mean, I looked at every picture, every video, every article I could find about the Calatrava. I wanted to get a feel for the design, the details, everything. The 5088/100P-001, in particular, caught my eye. I saw some people online saying it goes for over $100,000, others saying around $85,000. Crazy, right?
Next, I gathered all the materials I needed. This was a bit of a challenge, but I managed to find some pretty good stuff. I’m not using real gold or anything, of course, but I found some materials that look and feel pretty close to the real thing. I picked up some tools, some basic watchmaking stuff, nothing too fancy.
Then came the hard part – actually putting the thing together. I started with the case, carefully shaping it to match the Calatrava’s design. I spent hours filing, sanding, and polishing until I got it just right. Then I moved on to the dial. The 5088/100P-001 has this beautiful, intricate design, and I wanted to replicate that as best as I could. I used a combination of painting and engraving techniques to achieve a similar look. I’m not gonna lie, it took a lot of trial and error, but I’m pretty happy with how it turned out.
The movement was another big hurdle. I didn’t even try to make my own, obviously. I ended up using a simple, reliable movement that I found online. It’s not a Patek Philippe movement, but it does the job. I carefully installed it into the case and made sure everything was running smoothly.
Finally, I put on the strap. I found a nice leather strap that matches the style of the original. After a few final adjustments, the watch was finished. I’m not gonna say it’s a perfect replica, but I think it captures the essence of the Calatrava pretty well. It has that classic, elegant look, and it feels great on the wrist. And I did not pay anywhere near 20k. To be honest, the price on the secondary market is even more wild. It can go up to 80k.
Here’s a quick rundown of the steps I took:
- Researched the heck out of the Patek Philippe Calatrava, especially the 5088/100P-001.
- Gathered materials and tools.
- Shaped and polished the case.
- Created the dial using painting and engraving.
- Installed a simple movement.
- Attached a leather strap.
Why did I do this?
Well, first of all, I love watches. And the Calatrava is just such an iconic design. Second, I wanted to challenge myself. I wanted to see if I could actually make something like this. And third, let’s be real, I can’t afford a real Patek Philippe. So, this is the next best thing, right? If you’re looking for that classic Patek Philippe Calatrava look but don’t want to break the bank, maybe give this a try. It’s a fun project, and you’ll learn a lot along the way.
I even found some info about the 6119R-001 remake. You can find it at specialty stores or even buy direct from the official places. That one usually goes for around $30,000, but on the secondary market, maybe $26,000. Just wild stuff.
Also, did you know the first Calatrava was launched way back in 1932? Man, that’s a long time ago. These watches are not just timepieces; they’re like pieces of history. No wonder they hold their value so well – or even increase it. It’s all about that craftsmanship and the name, you know, Patek Philippe. They’re just the kings of this game.
Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed this little breakdown of my project. It was a blast to make, and I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. Maybe I’ll try another model next. Who knows?
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