Hey everyone, it’s your boy back again with another project. This time, I went all out trying to remake the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5088/100P-001. Yeah, that super classy watch that’s like a piece of art on your wrist. This thing is usually priced at around $105,820. Insane, right?
I started by gathering all the info I could find on this beauty. Found out that on the secondhand market, you could maybe snag one for about $83,534. Still a hefty price tag! Then I dug into what makes this watch tick. It’s got a 38 mm platinum case and it’s only 8.3 mm thick, with a sapphire-crystal back that shows off the mechanism inside. So neat!
Next, I broke down the design elements. The 5088/100P is famous for its black enamel dial with these intricate hand-engraved details. I spent hours looking at pictures, trying to understand the craftsmanship involved. I mean, Patek Philippe is known for quality and that slogan, “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.” It got me pumped to try and recreate that level of detail.
Recreating the Dial
First things first, I needed to replicate that dial. I experimented with different materials to mimic the black enamel. After a few tries, I found a combination that gave a similar glossy finish. Then came the hard part – the engraving.
- I started by sketching out the designs I saw on the original.
- Then, I practiced on some scrap material until I felt somewhat confident.
- Finally, I took a deep breath and started engraving on my mock dial.
It was tough, I won’t lie. My hands were cramping, and I messed up a couple of times. But I kept at it. Slowly but surely, the dial started to look like something.
Making the Case
The case was another challenge. Platinum is not something you can just pick up at your local hardware store, so I opted for a more accessible material that still looked premium. I shaped it carefully, making sure the dimensions were as close to 38 mm as I could get. Polishing the case took forever, but it was worth it to see that shine come through.
I even tried to recreate the sapphire-crystal back. I used a clear material and fitted it to the back of my case. It’s not the same, but it gives a similar effect, letting you see the inner workings of the watch, which I made from some old watch parts I had lying around.
Putting it all together, it was a mix of excitement and anxiety. Would it all fit? Would it look as good as I hoped? I carefully assembled the pieces, and when I finally held it in my hands, it felt incredible. It’s not a Patek Philippe, obviously, but it’s a tribute to their amazing craftsmanship and a testament to what you can do with some patience and a lot of hard work.
This project was a journey. I learned so much about watchmaking, about the artistry behind these luxury items, and about my own ability to stick with something challenging. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine, and it’s a reminder that sometimes, the joy is in the making, not just the having. Hope you guys enjoyed this little adventure of mine. Until next time, keep creating!
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