Okay, here is a blog-style sharing about remaking a Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R, based on my own experience:
So, I’ve been obsessed with watches for a while now, and the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R is just a dream. But, you know, the real deal is way out of my budget. That’s when I thought, “Why not try making one myself?” Sounds crazy, right? But I was determined to give it a shot.
First, I spent days just staring at pictures of the 5738R online. I zoomed in on every detail, tried to get a feel for the dimensions, the curves, everything. Then, I started sketching. I’m no artist, but I did my best to draw out the watch from different angles, noting down measurements and features. It was rough, but it was a start.
Next, I needed to find the right materials. This was a real headache. I scoured online shops, local stores, even junkyards, looking for anything that could be used to mimic the rose gold case and that beautiful dial. I ended up using a mix of different metals, trying to get the color and texture right. I even bought a cheap watch just to take it apart and see how the movement works.
Crafting The Case and Dial
- I started shaping the watch case. This was super tricky. I used a small hammer and some other tools to slowly mold the metal into the elliptical shape. It took forever, and I messed up a few times, but eventually, I got something that looked somewhat like the 5738R’s case.
- The dial was another beast altogether. I tried painting it, but it looked terrible. Then I thought about using some thin metal sheets, cutting them carefully, and gluing them on. It wasn’t perfect, but it looked way better than my painting.
The movement was the biggest challenge. Obviously, I couldn’t make a Patek Philippe movement from scratch. So, I decided to use a simple quartz movement from an old watch I had. I carefully took it apart, cleaned it, and tried to fit it inside my makeshift case. It was a tight fit, but I managed to squeeze it in.
Putting It All Together
Finally, it was time to put everything together. I carefully attached the dial to the movement, fixed the hands in place, and closed up the case. My hands were shaking, but I did it. Then I found an old leather strap that seemed to match the style, and attached it to the case.
And there it was, my homemade Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R. It wasn’t perfect, not even close, but it was mine. I wore it around the house, feeling a strange mix of pride and embarrassment. It was a rough imitation, a bit wonky, and definitely not something you’d see in a Patek Philippe store, but it taught me so much about watchmaking and the level of craftsmanship that goes into these timepieces.
Would I do it again? Probably not. It was a fun, frustrating, and ultimately rewarding experience, but it also made me appreciate the real thing even more. Now, every time I see a picture of a 5738R, I remember my little adventure and smile. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the journey is more valuable than the destination, even if the destination is a bit… homemade.
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