Alright, guys, let’s dive into what I did with this Patek Philippe Calatrava 5227R-001. It’s been quite a journey, and I’m excited to share it with you all.
Getting Started
First off, I got my hands on this watch. The Calatrava, introduced way back in 1932, you know? The first one was the Ref. 96. It’s named after the Order of Calatrava, some Christian knight thing. Anyway, I was stoked to start working on it.
The Case
So, I started with the case. They bumped it up from 37mm to 39mm, and it’s about 9.24mm thick. I was a bit worried it would look bulky, especially with that new “Savonette” caseback, but it turned out pretty sleek. I carefully measured everything out, made sure to keep the proportions right. It was a bit of a challenge, but I managed to get it just the way I wanted.
The Dial
Next up, the dial. This one’s got that ivory, cream-ish color. Reminded me of those funky dials Rolex did in the 80s. I spent a good amount of time mixing colors, trying to match that unique shade. I laid it out on the dial, making sure it was smooth and even. Took a few tries, but I finally nailed it. It’s got that classy vibe with a bit of a modern twist, especially compared to the older 5127 model.
Details
Then came the details. The 5227 has these wedged sides, which were a bit tricky to replicate. I had to be super precise with my tools. And those crown guards, man, they were a real test of patience. But I got them done, and they look pretty sharp if I do say so myself. I also added those little markers and hands, making sure they were perfectly aligned. It’s all about the little things, right?
Putting It All Together
Once I had all the parts ready, it was time to put it all together. I carefully assembled the movement, making sure every gear and spring was in its place. Then, I set the dial and hands, and finally, I closed up the case. It was a nerve-wracking moment, but seeing it all come together was incredibly satisfying.
Final Touches
Last but not least, I gave it a good polish. This watch is supposed to be elegant, you know? It’s not cheap – these things go for almost $35k! So, I made sure it was shining and looking its best. I even put it on a nice leather strap to complete the look.
Wrapping Up
And there you have it. That’s how I remade the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5227R-001. It was a lot of work, but I’m really proud of how it turned out. It’s a classic watch with a timeless design, and I think I did it justice. Hope you guys enjoyed this little breakdown. Let me know what you think!
- Started with getting the watch and learning about its history.
- Worked on the case, making sure the size and thickness were right.
- Mixed colors to match the unique ivory dial.
- Replicated the wedged sides and crown guards with precision.
- Assembled the movement and set the dial and hands.
- Polished the watch and added a leather strap.
- Finished the project and shared the process with you all.
That’s it for today. Until next time, keep tinkering!
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