Okay, so, I’ve been wanting to remake a Patek Philippe watch for a while now, specifically the Calatrava 5088/100P-001. It’s a classic, you know? I just love the look of it. The black enamel dial with the hand-engraved details, the platinum case – it’s just so slick. So, I finally decided to just go for it.
First, I started by gathering a ton of pictures. I mean, a lot. I needed to see every little detail of the watch. The more I looked, the more I realized how much work this was going to be. This thing is a work of art.
I figured the dial was going to be the hardest part. That hand-engraving is insane. I spent hours trying to find the right tools to even attempt something like that. Let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. And forget about getting it perfect on the first try. I messed up so many times. I practiced on some scrap metal first, of course. But man, it was tough. I tried to copy the look that I saw in the picture. I think I almost got it.
Finding the Right Materials
- Platinum: This was a big one. I couldn’t afford real platinum, obviously. But I found a pretty good substitute that looked similar enough.
- Enamel: Getting that deep black enamel look wasn’t simple. I experimented with different types of enamel powders and firing techniques.
- Movement: I definitely couldn’t make my own watch movement. I’m not a watchmaker! So, I sourced a decent automatic movement that would fit the case.
The case was another challenge. I wanted it to be 38 mm, just like the original. I ended up using a lathe to shape the case out of the platinum substitute I found. It took forever, and I made a few mistakes along the way, but I eventually got it right. Or, at least, close enough.
Then there was the assembly. Putting all the pieces together was nerve-wracking. I was so afraid of scratching the dial or messing up the movement. But I took my time, followed some tutorials online, and somehow, I managed to put it all together.
The strap was the easiest part, thankfully. I just bought a nice black alligator strap, and it looked perfect with the watch.
In the end, I was pretty happy with how it turned out. It’s not a perfect replica, of course. I mean I tried to copy its original classic style. But it’s definitely something I’m proud of. It was a ton of work, but I learned so much along the way. It’s not just a watch, it’s a reminder that I can do anything I put my mind to, even if it’s as crazy as trying to remake a Patek Philippe.
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