Hey everyone, today I’m gonna walk you through my little project of remaking the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001. I’ve always been a huge fan of watches, and the Calatrava, man, that’s a classic. It’s like the granddaddy of simple, elegant watches. I got this wild idea to try and remake one, just to see if I could pull it off, you know?
So, I started by diving deep into what makes a Calatrava a Calatrava. This thing has been around since 1932, designed by some guy named David Penney. It’s all about that Bauhaus style—simple and clean. This 6119G-001 model, it’s the real deal, all white gold. Looks sharp, feels good. I spent hours just looking at pictures, reading about it, trying to get a feel for the details.
Then, I had to figure out the guts of this thing, the movement. It’s called the Caliber, and the 6119G-001 has a pretty special one. It’s tiny, just 31mm across and 2.55mm thick. I learned that the reference number and serial number are like the watch’s ID and birth certificate combined. The reference number tells you it’s a 6119G-001, and the serial number is unique to each watch. This makes each watch very special, and I realized I will need to make a unique one.
Next up, I started sketching. I’m no artist, but I tried my best to draw out every little detail I could see on the 6119G-001. The hobnail pattern on the bezel, the hands, the dial—everything. I wanted my remake to be as close to the real thing as possible, even though I knew it wouldn’t be perfect.
Now, the tricky part: actually making the thing. I don’t have all the fancy tools and materials that Patek Philippe uses, so I had to get creative. I started with the case, using some white gold I managed to source. I shaped it as best as I could, but it was tough. That hobnail pattern, or as they call it, “Clous de Paris,” was a real pain to replicate.
For the movement, I cheated a little. I found a small, reliable movement that’s about the same size as the Caliber and modified it to fit the case. I know, I know, it’s not a real Patek Philippe movement, but I figured it’s the inside that counts, right? And I wanted this thing to actually work.
- Case: White gold, shaped by hand. It was a nightmare to get the hobnail pattern right, but I think I did okay.
- Movement: Found a similar-sized movement and made it fit. It’s ticking away nicely.
- Dial: This was tough. I tried a few different materials before settling on one that looked close enough to the original.
- Hands: I shaped these out of some thin metal. They’re not perfect, but they do the job.
Putting it all together was like assembling a puzzle where the pieces don’t quite fit. But after a lot of trial and error, I finally got it all together. It’s not a perfect replica, but I’m pretty proud of it. It looks like a Calatrava, it feels like a Calatrava, and it even tells time!
The Final Result
So, there you have it. My homemade Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001. It’s got its flaws, but it’s mine, and I made it with my own two hands. It’s a reminder that you don’t need to be a master watchmaker to appreciate the beauty of a classic timepiece. And who knows, maybe this will inspire someone else to try their hand at a little DIY watchmaking. It’s a fun challenge, and you learn a lot along the way.
I searched where to buy Patek Philippe in the United States. I found that there are many authorized stores. They are called authorized retailers or official showrooms. I learned that only boutiques and dealers listed on the Patek Philippe official website are authorized to sell their watches. So, it’s important to check that when you want to buy a real one.
I also compared some prices for used Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001 watches online. They are not cheap, even for used ones. But for people who love watches, it might be worth it. By the way, this watch was produced in 2021, so it’s pretty new.
This whole experience has been a blast. It’s given me a whole new appreciation for watchmakers and the work they do. It’s not just about telling time; it’s about art, engineering, and a whole lot of patience. So, if you’re ever feeling adventurous, why not give it a shot? You might surprise yourself with what you can create.
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