OK, let’s get started. I’ve been wanting to try my hand at remaking a fancy watch for a while now, and I finally took the plunge. I decided to go for a classic: the Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100R-010. This thing is a beauty, but way out of my price range, so I figured, why not try to make one myself? It’s a pretty wild ride, so buckle up!
Getting Started
First things first, I needed to get a good look at the watch. I spent hours online, just staring at pictures and videos of the Gondolo. I printed out a bunch of high-res images to use as a reference. This was crucial because I needed to get all the details right.
Gathering Materials
Next up, I had to find the right materials. This was a real challenge. I didn’t have access to the same stuff Patek Philippe uses, so I had to improvise.
- I found some decent stainless steel for the case. It’s not rose gold like the original, but it’ll do.
- For the movement, I managed to salvage parts from a couple of old watches I had lying around. I spent days cleaning and fixing them up.
- The dial was tricky. I ended up using a thin sheet of brass and painted it to match the original’s color.
- Finding the right hands was tough, but I found some similar ones online after a lot of searching.
Crafting the Case
I started by shaping the stainless steel into the Gondolo’s rectangular case. I used a small hammer and some files to get the basic shape. It was slow going, but I took my time to make sure it looked right. Then, I polished the heck out of it until it was nice and shiny. It took forever, but seeing that shine was worth it.
Making the Dial
The dial was a whole other beast. After painting the brass sheet, I carefully marked where all the hour markers and other details should go. I used a tiny brush and some steady hands to paint the numerals and other markings. It was nerve-wracking, but I think it turned out pretty good.
Assembling the Movement
This was the hardest part. I laid out all the tiny parts from the old watches and started putting them together, following the original Gondolo’s design as closely as I could. It was like a super complicated puzzle. I spent many nights hunched over my workbench, squinting through a magnifying glass. But slowly, it started to come together.
Putting It All Together
Once I had the case, dial, and movement ready, it was time to assemble the whole thing. I carefully placed the movement inside the case and attached the dial. Then, I added the hands. This was the moment of truth. I wound it up and… it ticked! I couldn’t believe it. It actually worked!
Final Touches
I added a simple leather strap that I picked up from a local shop. It’s not the fancy alligator strap the original has, but it looks pretty good. I wore it around for a few days, making sure everything was working properly and making small adjustments here and there.
The Result
It’s not perfect, but I’m really proud of how it turned out. It’s a unique piece, and I learned so much during the process. It was a ton of work, but seeing the finished watch on my wrist made it all worth it. Plus, now I have a cool story to tell about how I made my own Patek Philippe Gondolo. It’s not the real deal, but it’s my own version, and that’s pretty special to me.
I also want to say that this thing isn’t easy. You need a lot of patience, some basic tools, and a willingness to make mistakes. If you’re thinking about trying something like this, go for it! Just be prepared for a challenge and have fun with it.
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