Okay, so, I got this idea in my head to remake a Patek Philippe watch. Yeah, I know, it sounds a bit nuts, but hear me out. I’m talking about the Gondolo 7042/100R-010 model. It’s a real looker, you know? All classy and elegant. I’ve always been a fan of how it looks, so I thought, “Why not give it a shot?”
First things first, I started looking around. I needed to figure out where to get parts that look like the ones on the real deal. I spent a good chunk of time just looking at pictures of the 7042/100R-010, really getting a feel for all the little details. This model is rose gold, which is pretty fancy, and it’s got these shiny baguette diamonds – 78 of them, to be exact – around the bezel and lugs. And the dial flange? Another 108 diamonds right there. I mean, this thing is blinged out.
After I felt like I knew the watch inside and out, I started hunting for the parts. This wasn’t easy, let me tell you. I went to all sorts of places, both online and some physical stores. I was looking for a case that had that same rose gold look and a dial that could match the original. Finding something that looked like those diamonds was the tricky part.
- Sourcing the Case: I looked everywhere. I needed something that had that same classy rose gold look. It wasn’t just about the color, but also the shape and the feel.
- Finding a Dial: This was also a challenge. The original has this unique, elegant look, and I had to find a substitute that could come close.
- Simulating the Diamonds: This was the hardest part. I mean, getting 78 baguette diamonds, plus another 108 for the dial? I looked into different materials that could mimic that sparkle without costing a fortune.
- Movement: I opted for a reliable quartz movement. I was more focused on the aesthetics rather than having a super complicated mechanical movement.
Once I had all the parts, the real fun began. Putting it all together was like solving a puzzle. I had to be super careful, especially with the parts that were supposed to look like diamonds. I didn’t want to mess up the whole thing. I used some basic tools I had at home, and it took me a few tries to get everything fitting just right. I learned to take deep breaths and to be extra careful with each step. I didn’t have any pro equipment, so it was all about being resourceful and creative.
After a lot of work, and I mean a lot, I finally had something that looked like the Gondolo 7042/100R-010. It wasn’t perfect, of course, but I was pretty proud of it. It had that same classy vibe, and when I wore it, it felt pretty special. I even wore it out a couple of times, and I got some curious looks. People were wondering what kind of watch it was, and I just smiled and enjoyed the moment. It is the feeling of accomplishment.
So, that’s my story of trying to remake a Patek Philippe watch. It was a fun little project, and I learned a lot along the way. Would I do it again? Maybe. It’s a lot of work, but there’s something really satisfying about making something with your own hands.
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