Alright, so, I’ve been messing around with this project lately, trying to remake that fancy Patek Philippe watch, the Calatrava 6119G-001, the one you see in their flagship store. It’s a real mouthful, isn’t it? But man, it’s a beauty.
First off, I started digging around for info on this thing. It’s got a white gold case, 39mm, which is a tad bigger than the older models, apparently. And that “Clous de Paris” pattern on the bezel, that’s the real kicker. It’s like a tiny, tiny pyramid pattern. I spent hours just looking at pictures, trying to figure out how they even do that.
The Research Phase
- Scoured the internet for any details I could find about the 6119G-001.
- Found out it’s going for around $33,000 retail, which is, well, a lot. Used ones are a bit cheaper, but still.
- Learned there’s a waiting list for these things, like 9 months to a year. Crazy, right?
Next, I had to figure out the materials. I’m not using real white gold, obviously, had to find something cheaper. I also needed to figure out how to replicate that intricate pattern. I practiced on some scrap metal, trying to get the right look. It’s not easy, let me tell you. Those little pyramids are super precise.
The Hands-on Part
- Experimented with different materials to find a suitable substitute for white gold.
- Practiced the Clous de Paris pattern on scrap metal. Lots and lots of practice.
- Tried to make my own version of the hands. Those dauphine-style hands are so thin and elegant. I broke a few before I got it somewhat right.
The movement, well, that’s a whole other story. I’m not making my own movement, not yet anyway. I found a simple, manual winding movement that kind of fits the look. It’s not the real deal, but it works for this project. I spent a good chunk of time just getting that thing to fit inside the case I made. Lots of trial and error.
Putting it all together was a real pain. Getting everything lined up, making sure the hands moved smoothly, that the pattern looked decent. I messed up a bunch of times, had to redo parts, but I finally got something that resembles the 6119G-001. It’s not perfect, not by a long shot, but it’s mine. And I learned a ton in the process.
So, there you have it. My little adventure in trying to remake a super expensive watch. It was a fun challenge, even though it was frustrating at times. It’s amazing what you can do with a little patience and a lot of Googling. It’s not the real thing, but it’s a pretty good replica, if I do say so myself.
Click to consult