Today, I am going to tell you how I made a Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001. I’m not a professional watchmaker, just a guy who likes to tinker and has a passion for these intricate machines. So, follow along as I share my journey.
Gathering What I Needed
First things first, I needed to gather all the parts and tools. This was a bit of a challenge.
- Movement: I started searching for a decent clone of the Caliber 30-255 PS movement. Found one online after a lot of digging. It wasn’t cheap, but it was crucial.
- Case: The 6119G-001 has a white gold case. I went with a high-quality stainless steel one that was plated to look like white gold. I made sure it was the right size to fit the movement.
- Dial and Hands: This was tricky. I wanted the classic hobnail pattern on the dial. I ended up finding a decent replica dial and set of hands that matched the original design.
- Strap: A simple black alligator leather strap was the easiest part. Plenty of options that fit the bill.
- Tools: I already had some basic watchmaking tools, but I needed a few more specific ones like a case press, a movement holder, and some really fine screwdrivers.
Putting It All Together
Once I had everything, the real fun began. I started by carefully placing the movement into the case. This was nerve-wracking because I didn’t want to damage anything. Next, I attached the dial and hands to the movement. This part took a lot of patience and a steady hand.
After the dial and hands were secure, I put the case back on and pressed it closed. This made sure everything was snug and secure. The final step was attaching the strap. That was pretty easy compared to the rest.
The Big Reveal
When I was done, I had a watch that looked pretty darn close to a real Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001. Of course, it’s not the real deal, but it’s something I made with my own hands. It’s a unique piece that I’m proud of.
Final Thoughts
This project was a lot of work, but it was also a lot of fun. I learned a ton about watchmaking and got to create something special. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine. If you’re thinking about trying something like this, go for it! Just be prepared for a challenge and a lot of learning along the way.
Anyway, I am just happy that I could finally finish it and share it with you guys. I have to say, although it’s quite complicated at first, but after I actually started, it’s actually quite fun. Thanks for reading, and hope you all enjoyed it.
Click to consult