Man, today I got my hands on a Patek Philippe Calatrava 5227J-001, and let me tell you, it was quite the experience. I’ve always been into watches, and remaking something as iconic as this seemed like a good challenge.
First off, I gathered all the tools I’d need. You know, the usual suspects: screwdrivers, tweezers, loupes, and a whole bunch of other tiny, fiddly things. I even got a special movement holder ’cause this ain’t your average watch movement. Then I started by carefully taking off the case back. It’s a clear case back, so you can see the movement, which is pretty cool. I was extra careful not to scratch anything, ’cause, well, it’s a Patek.
Once I got the back off, I moved on to the movement itself. I carefully took out the screws holding the bridges and other parts in place. Man, these screws are tiny! I almost lost a couple, but thankfully, I found them. After that, I lifted out the bridges, the balance wheel, and the mainspring barrel. It’s like taking apart a tiny, intricate puzzle.
- Disassembled the movement piece by piece.
- Cleaned each part with this special solution.
- Inspected everything under the loupe for any signs of wear or damage.
After cleaning, I started putting it all back together. This is where it gets tricky. You gotta make sure everything is aligned perfectly, or the watch won’t run right. I lubricated the jewels with a tiny drop of oil – just enough, not too much. Then I carefully reassembled the balance wheel, the escape wheel, and all those other tiny parts.
Once the movement was back together, I put it back in the case and screwed the case back on. I wound it up, and to my relief, it started ticking! I set the time and strapped it on my wrist. It felt amazing to see it working after all that effort.
Honestly, it was a bit nerve-wracking at times, but overall, it was a really rewarding experience. I learned a ton about watch movements and gained a whole new level of appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into these things.
Result
There it is, ticking away. My very own remade Patek Philippe Calatrava 5227J-001. Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.
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