So, I’ve been tinkering with watches again. This time, I wanted to try recreating a real fancy one – the Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100G-010. It’s a mouthful, I know, but it’s a real looker. All diamonds and white gold, super classy.
First, I gathered some pictures and info about this watch. Seems like it’s a newer model, from 2024, and it’s got this cushion shape, which is kinda cool. It’s got a manual movement, which means you gotta wind it yourself. Old school, right?
I started with the case. I got some white gold-like metal. This part was tricky. I tried shaping it to match the pictures, but man, getting those curves right was tough. I used a small hammer and some other tools, and I think I did an okay job, but it’s not perfect.
Next up, the dial. This watch has a diamond-paved dial, which basically means it’s covered in tiny diamonds. I obviously didn’t use real diamonds because, well, I’m not a millionaire. But I found these small, shiny crystals that look pretty similar. I glued them onto the dial one by one. It took forever, let me tell you. My back was killing me by the end of it.
- Grabbed some watch hands that looked like the ones on the Gondolo.
- Put them in place on the dial.
- Secured the movement in the case.
The original watch has a pearl and white gold strap, but I went with a simple white gold-colored one instead. It’s not the same, but it still looks pretty good, I think.
Finally, I put everything together. I have to say, it was a real challenge, but I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. It’s not an exact replica, of course. There are some differences here and there, but it captures the essence of the Gondolo 7042, I think.
This whole project took me a few weeks, working on it on and off. It’s definitely not something I’d recommend to a beginner, but if you’re up for a challenge, give it a shot. Just be prepared to spend a lot of time and maybe pull out a few hairs in frustration.
A Reflection on the Process
Looking back, I learned a lot during this process. Working with such small parts really tests your patience and dexterity. Plus, it gave me a whole new appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into these luxury watches. They’re not just expensive because of the materials; a lot of skill and effort goes into making them. I will continue to make more watches because this experience was wonderful.
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