Alright, guys, let me tell you about this little project I’ve been working on – remaking the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5088/100P-001. I mean, who doesn’t love a good challenge, right? Plus, I’ve always been fascinated by these fancy watches, and the 5088/100P-001 is a real beauty.
So, first things first, I started by getting my hands on a donor watch. It wasn’t the exact model, but it had a similar movement – the 240 ultra-thin self-winding one. This was crucial because the movement is like the heart of the watch, and I wanted to stay as true to the original as possible. I also tried to find the case from the original watch, it has a 38mm case, I have to make sure the size is the same.
Disassembling the Donor
- Took apart the donor watch piece by piece.
- Carefully labeled and stored all the tiny screws and parts.
- Cleaned each component to get rid of any gunk and grime.
- Inspected the movement for any wear and tear.
Next up, I had to get the case and dial sorted. I found a pretty decent 38mm platinum case online, but it wasn’t a perfect match for the 5088/100P-001. Nothing a little bit of modification couldn’t fix, though! I spent a good few hours filing and polishing to get the shape and finish just right. As for the dial, I initially tried to find an original one, but let me tell you, those things are rarer than a unicorn. So, I went the DIY route.
Creating the Dial
- Designed a replica dial based on images of the original 5088/100P-001.
- Printed the design onto a thin metal sheet.
- Applied multiple layers of black enamel paint, firing it in a kiln after each layer.
- Hand-engraved the intricate pattern onto the enamel surface. This was probably the trickiest part!
Putting It All Together
With the case, dial, and movement ready, it was time for the moment of truth – assembly. This was like putting together a complex jigsaw puzzle, but way more delicate. One wrong move and I could have scratched the dial or damaged the movement. I used special tools to make sure the case is tightly sealed.
Assembly Steps
- Carefully placed the movement into the modified case.
- Attached the newly crafted dial to the movement.
- Fitted the hands onto the dial, making sure they were perfectly aligned.
- Secured the case back, ensuring a tight seal.
After several days of work, I finally had my very own “remade” Patek Philippe Calatrava 5088/100P-001. Sure, it’s not a genuine one that would cost an arm and a leg, but it’s pretty darn close in terms of looks and movement. And the best part? I made it with my own two hands! It’s now ticking away proudly on my wrist, a testament to my patience, perseverance, and maybe a little bit of madness. The power reserve is approximately 48 hours which is the same as the original one.
Would I recommend this project to others? If you’re up for a real challenge and have a passion for watches, then absolutely! Just be prepared to invest a lot of time, effort, and probably some money too. But trust me, the feeling of accomplishment when you finally see your creation come to life is totally worth it. I’m super proud of it!
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