Okay, so, I’ve been messing around with watches for a while now, and I gotta say, this latest project was a real doozy. I decided to try my hand at remaking the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5226G-001, that super classy white gold one. Let me tell you, it was a journey.
The Idea
First off, I saw this original 5226G, I fell in love with it. I mean, who wouldn’t? But the price tag? Forget about it! Around $41,710. And even on the used market, it’s still up there, like $35,630 or something. Plus, even if you got the cash, good luck getting your hands on one. I heard some folks wait for years to buy such a watch, like, 8 years! For me, maybe just a year for a Calatrava, but still. So, I thought, “Why not try to make my own?” Not the real deal, of course, but something that captures the vibe.
Gathering Everything
I started by digging up every picture and video I could find of the 5226G. I wanted to get a good look at that textured charcoal gray dial, the white gold case, all those little details. I wanted the new one so bad, you know, it’s the latest addition to the Calatrava collection. It’s something that came out in 2024. This is not a watch for working or gardening, it’s a watch to dress up with. I watched videos, read some reviews and I found that this watch has a 45-hour power reserve.
The Work Begins
Then came the fun part—actually making the thing. I found a decent white gold-like case, about 40mm, just like the original. It was tough, let me tell you. I spent days, maybe weeks, trying to get it right. I found the movement with the same power reserve but not the automatic caliber 26-330 S C. But anyway, I’m quite happy about that. Also, I tried to mimic the charcoal gray dial with the texture, and it looked not too shabby, I think. The key point was to get something similar.
Putting It All Together
Finally, I started assembling everything. Putting the movement in the case, attaching the dial, setting the hands. It was like, I was holding my breath the whole time. I didn’t want to mess anything up after all that work. But you know what? It worked! My hands were shaking, but when I saw it running, I got so excited!
The Result
Now, I’m not saying my remake is anywhere near the real Patek Philippe. It’s more like a tribute, you know? But for something I made myself, it’s pretty darn cool. It’s got that classic Calatrava look, that simple elegance. The original one has the original box and original papers, which my remake doesn’t, but that’s fine. And I learned a ton about watches along the way. It’s not just about telling time, it’s about the craftsmanship, the history, all that good stuff. Plus, it’s fun to wear something that I made. It’s like, “Yeah, I did that.”
So, there you have it. My adventure in remaking the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5226G-001. It was a wild ride, but I’m glad I did it. Maybe next time, I’ll try something even more complicated. Who knows? The possibilities are endless!
Click to consult