So, I got this idea in my head to remake a Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119R-001. It is kinda like a project I set for myself, you know? I’ve always been into watches, the way they work, the whole deal. And Patek Philippe, man, they’re like the top dogs in the watch world. This particular model, the Calatrava 6119R-001, it’s a real beauty. Simple, classy, just… chef’s kiss.
First thing I did was to find out what I could about this watch. I read a bunch of stuff online, watched some videos. These things are expensive, like, really expensive. We’re talking about the price of a nice car here, $28,355 ! But hey, a guy can dream, right? And I figured, maybe I can’t afford the real deal, but I can try to make something like it.
I started gathering all the stuff I’d need. Now, I’m no watchmaker, not by a long shot. I just like tinkering with things, taking them apart, putting them back together. So, I had to get creative.
- Got myself a decent watch movement. Nothing fancy, just something that keeps good time.
- Ordered a bunch of watch parts online. Hands, dials, you name it. I went for parts that looked similar to the Calatrava, but obviously, they weren’t the real deal.
- Bought some tools. Tiny screwdrivers, tweezers, a loupe. I felt like a real watchmaker, even though I had no idea what I was doing half the time.
Then came the hard part, putting it all together. Man, it was tough. Those little screws are a pain to work with. And don’t even get me started on the hands. It’s like trying to thread a needle while riding a roller coaster, in the dark. But I kept at it, taking my time, following some tutorials I found online.
I messed up a lot, I’m not gonna lie. Bent a few hands, scratched a dial or two. But each time I messed up, I learned something new. After countless hours of squinting and cursing and occasionally throwing tools across the room I’m just kidding, I was super careful. I finally had something that resembled a watch.
The Result
It wasn’t perfect, not by a long shot. It definitely doesn’t look like a real Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119R-001. It’s more like its distant, less attractive cousin. Diameter? About 39mm give or take. Height? A bit thicker than the original 8.08mm, I reckon. But you know what? I made it. With my own two hands. And that’s pretty darn cool if you ask me.
I wear it sometimes, just around the house. It keeps good time, and it reminds me that even if you’re not a pro, you can still create something. It might not be perfect, but it’s yours. And that’s what matters.
This whole thing was a fun little adventure. Would I recommend it? Sure, why not. Just be prepared to get frustrated, and don’t expect to end up with a masterpiece. But if you’re like me, and you just enjoy the process of making things, then go for it. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve.
It’s not waterproof like the original (which can handle up to 30m), and I definitely didn’t use any fancy sapphire crystal for the back. Just a regular clear back so I can see the insides moving. It’s not as pretty, but it does the job.
Some folks say these watches are a waste of money. I get it, they’re expensive. But for some people, like me, it’s more than just a watch. It’s a piece of art, a little machine you can wear on your wrist. I don’t know much about that kinda high-end stuff, but I sure enjoyed making my own version.
Would I do it again? Maybe. I’ve got my eye on a few other models now. But for now, I’m happy with my homemade Calatrava. It’s a reminder that you don’t need a lot of money to enjoy a little bit of luxury. You just need some time, patience, and a whole lot of tiny screws.
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