So, I got this idea to try and remake a Patek Philippe Calatrava, specifically the 5088/100P-001 model. Yeah, I know, sounds kinda nuts, but stick with me here.
First off, I dove into figuring out what makes this watch tick. This ain’t just any watch, it’s a 38mm platinum piece with some fancy stuff going on inside. I spent days just looking at pictures and reading whatever I could find about it.
Then, I started gathering materials. Now, I couldn’t get my hands on real platinum, so I had to improvise. I opted for stainless steel instead, it’s sturdy and looks kinda similar if you squint. For the movement, I picked up a decent automatic movement online. It’s not the same as the original, but it does the job.
- Sourcing the Case: I searched through countless online shops and finally found a 38mm stainless steel case that was a close match in terms of shape and size.
- Finding a Dial: This was tough. The original has this intricate engraving that’s pretty hard to replicate. I ended up finding a plain black dial and decided to add my own simple design to it.
- Choosing Hands: I got some simple, elegant hands that fit the overall style of the watch. Nothing too flashy.
Next, I began the actual assembly. I took apart an old watch I had lying around just to get a feel for how everything fit together. Then, I carefully put together the case, dial, hands, and movement for my Calatrava remake. It took a lot of patience and a few messed up attempts, but I finally got it all together.
After getting the watch assembled, it was time to add some finishing touches. I polished the case to give it a nice shine and selected a black leather strap to complete the look. It’s not an exact copy of the 5088/100P-001, but it’s got that same classic vibe.
The Final Result
It’s definitely not a Patek Philippe, and it’s not worth even close to as much. But you know what? I’m pretty proud of how it turned out. It’s a decent looking watch that I put together with my own two hands. And every time I look at it, it reminds me that sometimes, it’s fun to just try and make something yourself, even if it seems a little crazy at first.
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