Hey everyone, it’s your boy back again with another project. This time, I tried my hand at remaking the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001. Yeah, that super classy watch that’s way out of my price range. But hey, a guy can dream and make, right?
So, first things first, I spent a good chunk of time just staring at pictures of this beauty online. I mean, this watch is a piece of art. The 6119G-001 model, it’s got this clean, white gold case that’s 39mm – not too big, not too small. And the charcoal gray dial with that guilloched hobnail bezel? Man, it’s slick.
I started gathering my materials. Now, I couldn’t get my hands on white gold, obviously, so I went with a decent stainless steel case that I thought could give off a similar vibe. The dimensions were crucial, so I made sure to find a case that was as close to 39mm in diameter and around 8mm thick as possible. It’s all about the details, you know?
Next up was the dial. This was tricky. The original has this textured pattern that’s super intricate. I found a similar-looking dial but trust me it was not an easy find. It’s charcoal gray, just like the real deal, but mimicking that hobnail texture? That was a whole other level of challenge. I tried a few different techniques, even considered 3D printing, but ended up using a fine engraving tool to get a somewhat similar effect. It’s not perfect, but it gives that textured feel I was after.
The movement was another beast. Patek Philippe uses this incredible 30-255 PS movement in the 6119G. It’s like, 212 parts, 3.3mm thin, and has manual winding. I had to settle for a standard, off-the-shelf mechanical movement. I did try to find one that was on the thinner side, but getting down to 3.3mm? Yeah, not happening on my budget. The movement I picked was around 5mm, so it did make the watch a bit thicker than the genuine 6119G.
Putting it all together was a whole process. I had to modify the case a bit to fit the movement and the dial. This involved some careful filing and a lot of patience. I wanted the crown to sit just right, and the lugs to have that elegant curve. It was a lot of trial and error, let me tell you.
For the strap, I went with a shiny black leather one. The original has this beautiful alligator strap, but again, I had to be practical. The leather strap I chose, I think it complements the watch pretty well. It’s got that classic, sophisticated look.
- Case: Stainless steel, 39mm diameter, approximately 8mm thickness.
- Dial: Charcoal gray with attempted hobnail texture.
- Movement: Mechanical, around 5mm thick.
- Strap: Shiny black leather.
Material List:
In the end, did I create a perfect replica of the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119G-001? Nah, not even close. But did I have a blast trying to remake a watch that usually goes for over 26 grand on the market? Absolutely. It’s not about making a carbon copy; it’s about the process, the learning, and the appreciation for the craftsmanship of the original.
This project taught me a lot about watchmaking, and honestly, it’s made me appreciate those high-end watches even more. The level of detail and precision that goes into them is just insane. Mine might not be a Patek, but it’s unique, and it’s got its own story. And hey, it tells the time, so that’s a win in my book.
So, that’s my journey of trying to remake a Patek Philippe Calatrava. Hope you guys enjoyed the ride. Let me know what you think, and if any of you have tried something similar, I’d love to hear about it. Catch you all in the next one!
Click to consult