Alright, folks, gather ’round, let me tell you about this little project I got myself into. So, I’ve always been a bit of a watch guy, right? But not just any watches, I’m talking about the classics, the real works of art. And there’s one that’s always caught my eye – the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse, specifically the 5738R model. That thing is a beauty, but the price tag? Ouch, my wallet just ran away and hid. I found out retail was like $38,060, and I thought it might trade for $27,000.
Now, I’m not one to back down from a challenge, so I thought, “Why not try to remake it? An original order version, just for me.” Sounds crazy, I know, but stick with me here.
First things first, I started digging. I scoured the internet, looking at every picture, every review, every forum post about the 5738R. I needed to know this watch inside and out. I found out that the watch was 34.5 x 39.5 mm, and it had a rose gold case.I compared all the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse models I could find, trying to understand what made them tick, literally.
Getting My Hands Dirty
Next, I started sourcing parts. This was the tricky part. I wasn’t about to shell out a fortune, but I still wanted quality. I hit up some online marketplaces, some specialty watch part suppliers, even some local watch repair shops. I managed to find a rose gold-colored case that was pretty darn close to the original’s dimensions. Close enough for me, at least.
- Case: Found a decent rose gold-colored case, 34.5 x 39.5 mm. Not perfect, but it’ll do.
- Movement: This was a tough one. I opted for a reliable, but not overly expensive, automatic movement. It keeps time well, and that’s what matters.
- Dial: I found a black dial that was similar to the original, and some simple, elegant hands that matched the style.
- Strap: A nice, dark leather strap to complete the look. Nothing too fancy, but it works.
Putting It All Together
Now came the fun part – assembly. I’m no watchmaker, but I’m pretty handy. I watched a bunch of videos, read some guides, and took my time. I carefully put the movement into the case, attached the dial and hands, and finally, the strap. It wasn’t easy, I’ll admit. There were a few moments where I thought I’d messed up, but I pushed through.
The Final Result
And you know what? It turned out pretty good! Sure, it’s not a real Patek Philippe, but it’s got the look, the feel, and it’s something I made myself. It’s not perfect, there are some differences if you really look closely, but for a fraction of the price, I’m pretty darn happy with it.
I’ve been wearing it for a few weeks now, and I’ve even gotten a few compliments. People ask me where I got it, and I just smile and say, “Oh, this old thing? I made it myself.” Their faces are priceless.
So, there you have it. My little adventure in watchmaking. It was a fun project, a great learning experience, and now I have a unique timepiece that I’m proud to wear. Would I do it again? Maybe. But for now, I’m just going to enjoy my “Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R Original Order” – my very own budget-friendly classic.
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