Hey guys, I’m back! Today I want to share my little project of remaking the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5088/100P-001. This beauty is a real piece of art, and I’ve always been fascinated by its engraved black enamel dial. It is not a simple job to get it done, but I decide to take it on.
First, I started by gathering as much information as I could. I looked up the watch on Chrono24 and found several listings for the 5088/100P-001. I got it that the retail price is around $105,820, but the pre-owned market has them for about $83,995. You know, I thought to myself, “That’s a lot of dough, but hey, I’m just here to learn and have fun,”.
Getting the Materials
I knew I wouldn’t be using platinum like the original, but I wanted to find something that could look similar. The main challenge was the black enamel dial with all its engravings. I searched for enamel dial blanks and found a few options online. It wasn’t easy to find one that matched the quality I was aiming for, but after some digging, I found a decent black enamel dial blank that I could work with.
Engraving Process
The engraving was the most challenging part. I don’t have professional engraving tools, so I had to get creative. I got myself a basic engraving kit and started practicing on some scrap metal. It took a lot of trial and error, but I slowly got the hang of it. I referred to the images of the original watch dial and tried to replicate the intricate patterns. It was tough, and my hands were pretty sore after each session, but I was determined to get it right.
- First attempt: Total disaster. The lines were uneven, and the depth was all over the place.
- Second attempt: A bit better, but still not great. I started to get a feel for the tools and the pressure needed.
- Third attempt: This one was promising. The patterns started to look more like the original, but the precision was still lacking.
Putting It Together
After weeks of practicing and engraving, I finally had a dial that I was reasonably happy with. Then I started looking for the movement. Obviously, I couldn’t get my hands on a genuine Patek Philippe movement, so I went for a high-quality automatic movement that I found from a reputable supplier. It wasn’t cheap, but it was worth it to ensure the watch would function well.
I found a case that looked similar in style to the Calatrava, made of stainless steel. It wasn’t platinum, but it had a nice finish and felt solid. Assembling the watch was tricky. I had to be super careful not to damage the dial or the movement. After a few tense moments and a couple of near-misses, I managed to put everything together.
The Final Result
The moment of truth came when I wound the watch and set the time. Seeing the hands move smoothly across the dial I had painstakingly engraved was incredibly satisfying. It wasn’t perfect, but it was my own creation, and I was proud of it. The black enamel dial, with its engraved patterns, looked stunning. It caught the light beautifully, and the stainless steel case gave it a classic, elegant look.
This project was a real journey. It taught me a lot about watchmaking, engraving, and patience. I’m not saying it’s anywhere near the quality of a real Patek Philippe, but it’s a pretty cool homage, if I do say so myself. If you’re thinking about taking on a similar project, be prepared for a challenge, but also be ready for a lot of fun and a great sense of accomplishment when you’re done.
That’s it for today, folks. Hope you enjoyed this little adventure of mine. Until next time, keep tinkering and stay curious!
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