Okay, so I got this wild idea to try and remake the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001. I mean, this watch, it’s a classic, right? Always loved its simple, clean style. So I thought, why not give it a shot? I started by gathering all the information I could find about this watch. I looked up pictures, read articles, and even watched some videos. It has a classic round case, 39mm across and just about 8mm thick. And the price tag? Well, let’s just say it’s up there, like around $33,110 brand new, and even used ones go for about $26,278.
First thing I did was to track down some similar-looking watches. I found a few that had the same kind of vibe, you know, that classic, elegant look, but they were not too expensive, this step was not too difficult.
Finding the Materials
- The Case: Finding a case that was the right size and shape was a bit of a challenge. I ended up ordering a few different ones online before I found one that I was happy with.
- The Dial: I wanted to get as close as possible to the original. Spent hours searching online and finally found a decent dial.
- The Hands: This was a tricky one. I looked at all sorts of watch parts suppliers. I got lucky finally.
- The Movement: I found a used movement online that worked and fit the case. I had to use another movement, not exactly like the original one, but it does the job.
Then, I carefully took apart the watches I bought. This part was nerve-wracking, I didn’t want to break anything! I looked at how everything was put together. With a steady hand, I started putting the new watch together. I carefully placed the dial, attached the hands, and set the movement inside the case. I secured everything and I did it.
It wasn’t easy, I messed up a few times. Got frustrated, almost gave up. But I kept at it. And you know what? It actually turned out pretty good! I mean, it’s not a real Patek Philippe, obviously. But it looks pretty darn close, at least to me. It’s got that same classic style, that clean look. It was a real test of patience, but I learned a ton about how watches are made.
My remake of the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001 isn’t perfect, but it’s something I’m really proud of. It was a fun and challenging project, and I learned a lot along the way. Plus, now I have a cool watch that looks a bit like a Patek Philippe, but didn’t cost me a fortune! So, if you’re ever thinking about doing something like this, I say go for it! It’s a great way to learn something new and challenge yourself. Just be prepared to be patient, and don’t be afraid to mess up a few times along the way.
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