Okay, folks, gather ’round, because today I’m diving into a project that’s been keeping me busy – remaking the Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100G-010. Yeah, the fancy one with all those diamonds.
First off, let me tell you, I’ve always been a fan of those classic-style watches, and the Gondolo 7042 is just stunning. I figured, why not try to remake one myself? It all started with looking at a ton of pictures online. I just got lost in the details, you know? The way the diamonds are set, the shape of the case – it’s all so intricate.
So, I decided to give it a shot. I did some digging to find the best place to source parts. It was a bit tricky, but I wanted to get as close to the original as possible without, you know, breaking the bank. I mean, this is a project, not a heist!
The First Step
I started by gathering all the materials. I found some decent suppliers online, and placed a few orders. The waiting game was the worst, let me tell you. But, hey, good things come to those who wait, right?
Getting Down to Business
Once everything arrived, I got to work. I started with the case. It took a lot of fiddling to get the shape right. Then came the dial. This was the most challenging part, for sure. I mean, setting those tiny diamonds? Let’s just say my hands were cramping for days. I used some tools I had at home and some I had to buy specifically for this. It was a mix and match, really.
Putting It All Together
After what felt like forever, I finally managed to set all the diamonds. I know, I know, it’s not perfect, but I was pretty proud of myself. Then, I put the whole thing together, piece by piece. The movement was another challenge. I had to be super careful not to mess anything up. Honestly, I watched a bunch of videos online to figure it out. They were a lifesaver.
The Final Result
And there it was, my very own remake of the Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100G-010. It’s not an exact replica, but it’s close enough for me. It’s got that classic look, and it shines just right. I even managed to get the weight pretty close to the real deal. But, honestly, I don’t even wear it because I’m afraid to damage it, so it sits in a box most of the time.
Here’s what I used:
- Watch case: A white gold-plated case similar to the original.
- Dial: A custom-made dial with diamond settings.
- Movement: A generic but reliable automatic movement.
- Strap: A leather strap that matches the style of the Gondolo.
So, what do you think? It was a fun project, and I learned a lot along the way. Maybe I’ll try another one soon. Who knows? It’s not something I’d do every day, but it was definitely worth the effort. It’s sitting on my shelf now, a reminder of what you can do with a little patience and a lot of determination.
Anyways, that’s my story. Hope you enjoyed it. Catch you in the next one!
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