Okay, guys, let’s talk about something I did recently that was pretty darn cool – I tried to make a copy of the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001. Yeah, you heard that right. That super classy watch that everyone wants but not everyone can get their hands on.
First off, I got myself all the tools and materials I needed. I started by looking at a real Calatrava 6119G-001. I looked at it long and hard, noted down every little detail, you know, like how the “Clous de Paris” pattern looks, the way the hands are shaped – everything. That watch is simple, but it’s the small things that make it stand out.
Then, I began the tough part. I tried to copy the case, the dial, and even those tiny hour markers. It was a real pain, let me tell you. Those faceted applied white gold hour-markers and dauphine-style hours/minutes hands, I tried to copy them the best I could. Getting the “Clous de Paris” pattern right on the bezel was a whole other level of hard. It’s this detailed, hobnail pattern, and it’s what gives the Calatrava its unique look.
- Studied the Original: I spent a lot of time just looking at the original 6119G-001.
- Gathered Materials: Got all the stuff I needed to make a copy.
- Worked on the Case and Dial: This was tough, copying every curve and detail.
- Copied the Hour Markers and Hands: Tried my best to get them to look like the real thing.
- Nailed the “Clous de Paris” Bezel: The hardest part, getting that pattern just right.
After a lot of work, I finally got something that looked like a Calatrava. It wasn’t perfect, but it was close. It had that same classy feel, that same simple but elegant vibe. Wearing it made me feel like I had the real thing on my wrist. Even though the waitlist for a real Calatrava is like 9 months to a year. It’s also a good investment because it can increase its value. And the Grandmaster Chime is the most complicated one they’ve ever made.
The remake was a bit bigger, just like the new 6119G-001 compared to the older models, giving it a bit more of a modern feel. It made me think, “Yeah, I could wear this every day.” It’s not just a fancy watch for special occasions.
What I Learned
This whole thing taught me a lot. Not just about watches, but about patience and how much work goes into making something beautiful. Would I recommend trying to remake a Calatrava? Maybe, if you’re really into watches and have a lot of time on your hands. It was tough, but also super rewarding.
So, there you have it, my little adventure in trying to remake a Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001. Hope you guys liked hearing about it!