So, I finally decided to remake the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119R-001. It’s been on my mind for a while, and I just had to give it a shot. I’ve always been into watches, you know, and this one? It’s a classic.
First things first, I started by looking up information, including webpages, images and found out Patek Philippe will service watches they made since, like, way back in 1839. That’s some serious history! It seems they have a restoration atelier in Geneva for any watch that’s 35 years or older. Patek Philippe president Thierry Stern explains that this commitment, or rather obligation, dates back to the year 1839 and reflects Patek Philippe’s respect for artisanal techniques, traditions. I knew I wasn’t going to be touching an original, but still, it felt important to respect that legacy.
I searched around and found a few places that sell parts for these kinds of projects. This isn’t about finding an original, obviously, but getting good parts is key. Over 70% New, Buy It Now. That’s what I like to see. I read through some articles about remakes, and one guy did a great job on a 5227J-001. I figured, if he can do that, I can do this. Also, From groundbreaking technical advancements to exquisite design details.
I got the tools ready. This wasn’t my first rodeo, but every watch is different. You need the right screwdrivers, tweezers, and a good loupe. And, of course, a clean workspace. You don’t want dust getting into the movement. This Remake Patek Philippe PP Calatrava, it’s full of little secrets. And that rose gold, it shines so pretty. 39 millimeters, just like the original.
Disassembling the donor watch was the first big step. I found a decent automatic watch with a similar movement. Taking it apart was slow work. I kept all the screws and parts organized in a little tray. Each piece had its place, and I made sure not to lose anything. Then I did search to find a dial and hands that looked close to the 6119R. The rose gold case was a challenge, but I managed to find one that was pretty darn close.
- Clean the parts.
- Put the new dial on the movement.
- Attach the hands.
- Put the whole thing in the new case.
Cleaning each part took forever, but it’s worth it. I used a special cleaning solution and made sure everything was spotless. Then came the tricky part: putting it all back together. I carefully placed the new dial onto the movement and secured it. Then, I attached the hands, making sure they were aligned perfectly. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but I took my time and got it right.
Fitting the movement into the new case was like the final piece of the puzzle. Once everything was in place, I wound it up and watched it tick. Success! It wasn’t a real Patek Philippe, but it was mine, and I made it. It felt amazing to see it all come together.
This project was a lot of work, but I’m really happy with how it turned out. It’s not about fooling anyone into thinking it’s a real Patek Philippe. It’s about the process, the challenge, and the satisfaction of making something with your own hands. Plus, it looks pretty damn good on my wrist, if I do say so myself.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about doing something like this, I say go for it. Just be prepared to spend some time and money. And remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about the journey. I learned a lot, and I’m already thinking about my next project. Maybe another Patek Philippe, or maybe something completely different. Who knows?