Okay, so, I’ve been wanting to do this for a while, and today I finally took the plunge. I decided to remake a Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100R-010. Yeah, I know, it sounds pretty wild, but hear me out.
First off, I got my hands on some decent materials. I mean, I’m not using real gold or anything, but I found some pretty good substitutes. And diamonds? Forget it. I went with some high-quality cubic zirconia. They sparkle just like the real deal, seriously. You can barely tell the difference unless you are a serious expert.
Then, I started by sketching out the design. I had pictures of the Gondolo 7042/100R-010 from every angle, and let me tell you, this thing is intricate. The details on the dial, the way the bezel is set, it’s all super complex. I spent a good few days just getting the drawings right. I wanted to make sure I captured all of the details of the watch before moving on to making it.
- Drawing: I sketched the watch from all angles, making sure the proportions were spot on.
- Making the Case: I used a rose gold-plated base for the case. I shaped it carefully, matching the curves and dimensions of the original.
- Setting the “Diamonds”: This was tough. I carefully placed each cubic zirconia into the bezel and lugs, just like the original Gondolo. It was time-consuming, but the result was worth it. They really do shine bright.
- Creating the Dial: I printed a high-resolution image of the original dial and stuck it onto a thin metal plate. I added faux diamonds, mimicking the 251 diamonds on the real one. It was a lot of work, but it looked pretty convincing in the end.
After that, I carefully assembled the whole thing. Putting the movement in, attaching the dial, setting the hands. It was like putting together a tiny, beautiful puzzle. I was extra careful because one wrong move and the whole thing could’ve been ruined. I also added the strap.
Finally, I finished it. I stepped back and looked at my creation. It wasn’t perfect, of course. But it was pretty darn close for a homemade remake. And you know what? It felt amazing to see it on my wrist. It’s not about having the real thing, but about the process and the passion for making it. This watch is a symbol of that, and I’m really proud of it.
Would I do it again? Maybe. It was a lot of work, but it was also a ton of fun. Plus, I learned so much about watches and craftsmanship along the way. It was a good way to spend my free time, and I’m happy I did it. Who knows what I’ll try to remake next?
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