The duality of Patek Philippe's Calatrava 6119

Jan 16, 2024,03:16 AM
 

Back in 2021 when PP released the 6119, I knew I wanted one. From launch pictures, I had set my sights on the 6119G, simply because it looked more dynamic. When I finally received my 6119G in Dec 2021, I was ecstatic! It was fantastic -- although modern at 39mm, it wore well on my 21cm wrist. It is a beautiful watch, but occasionally posed difficulties with capturing its allure on camera due to the incredibly reflective nature of the dial and hands. I suppose the lack of AR coating does not help either. 


At the back of my head, I had always wondered... wondered just how different the 6119R would be. 

Well, I have finally been able to get my hands on a 6119R (belongs to a friend and neighbour) without protective stickers. There's no surprise that the dial of the 6119G has a brushed texture... but little did I know that the 6119R had a subtle sheen to it. Visible only in certain light, I made it a point to try and capture it on camera. I suppose it is true after all, the G is indeed sportier and more dynamic, whilst the R is just classic, dressy Patek Philippe. 

Btw, I have swapped out both the original PP straps (black alligator and brown alligator) for aftermarket ones, which I feel dress down the watches even more. This allows me to wear them... well, almost anywhere, really.

I wish there was a reason to have both G and R in a box of watches... but well, there are far too many other watches to enjoy. Between the two, which one would you go for?


















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Did Pp start putting the logo on different?

 
 By: Wristenthusiast : January 16th, 2024-05:05
I like the orientation it is in on your attached photos. But I have seen it like this too: In my attached photo the logo feels upside down. Either way a beautiful watch ...  

Wow I didn't notice it before!

 
 By: n0wjsti : January 16th, 2024-09:23
But you're on to something here. My 6119G was from Dec 2021 and has the same orientation as in your pic. The 6119R is Dec 2023 and seems to be laid out differently. Thank you for sharing! ...  

For me, it’s the first one

 
 By: ChristianDK : January 16th, 2024-05:47
If you’re going classic go classic. I believe this one more for the long term. It’s absolutely gorgeous on that calf strap. Doesn’t get better than that 👌

+1

 
 By: hora12reborn : January 16th, 2024-06:19

G, for me, more my style.

 
 By: amanico : January 16th, 2024-06:51

Mine as well

 
 By: n0wjsti : January 16th, 2024-09:32
And I wear mine surprisingly often.

Cool. Enjoy.

 
 By: amanico : January 16th, 2024-18:09

+1 Much more character and presence.

 
 By: ArmisT : January 16th, 2024-08:00
If thinking classic PP, a number of other options come to mind before this R (although in person it probably makes more of an impression).

You have a point

 
 By: n0wjsti : January 16th, 2024-09:33
Also, in the metal, the R does have an impact -- surprisingly like its G brother. Have to view in sunlight.

Thanks for your insight

 
 By: Arronax : January 16th, 2024-07:54
And for the great pics! I love rose gold but afraid it would just get too much attention. Recently tried a 5196 and the G is the absolute sleeper, most people wouldn't have a second glance, which for me is a plus. The 6119 is beautiful, I love silver brus... 

Because the dial has a lot of space...

 
 By: n0wjsti : January 16th, 2024-09:34
...it tends to have a visual where it wears bigger. But I have a 21cm wrist and it suits me just fine. I do find myself sometimes wishing it was 37mm, but honestly... no problem at 39mm. And you're right about PR indicator -- I do wish there was one, then... 

Really like your FOURTH photo!

 
 By: patrick_y : January 16th, 2024-08:03
The FOURTH photo with the 6119R looks WONDERFUL in my eyes! I thought I liked the G more than the R, but with this set of photos, I'm much more a fan of the R. Of course, as you mentioned, the G is sometimes harder to photograph - so seeing the watch in p... 

Thank you!

 
 By: n0wjsti : January 17th, 2024-02:21
The biggest "problem" with the G are the hands that always reflect onto the dial. But yes, seeing the watches in the metal is important (and without the plastic wrapping and in good lighting!). Oddly enough in this side of the world, I have seen more R th... 

I've definitely seen more Gs in the wild than Rs.

 
 By: patrick_y : January 17th, 2024-04:01
Don't know if they're produced in similar numbers, but I do know that they do sell quickly!

G

 
 By: COUNT DE MONET : January 16th, 2024-08:04
This design looks best, is most convincing in G, because of its sporty look. In R it is to my taste not a classic enough design and the 39 mm size is also not classic enough, as in R it looks quite big.

Looking at the pics

 
 By: yming : January 16th, 2024-11:07
I would go for the R.. looks more classy, the vertical brush on the Gs dial looks too rough, and it doesn’t match the dressy hobnail bezel..

No bad choice for me

 
 By: n0wjsti : January 16th, 2024-11:11
But honestly speaking, it just looks like this most of the time... ...  

R in pics/G on wrist

 
 By: Moka-Tiger (Ron) : January 16th, 2024-15:20
I fell in love with the R in pics, so went to see it. Dealer also had a G to compare, luckily. In the flesh G was the choice I took home and never regretted my decision