Hey everyone, I’m back again! Today, I want to share my latest project: Remaking a Patek Philippe Gondolo 7041R-001 Classic Style. It’s been a wild ride, so grab your popcorn, and let’s dive in!
It all started when I stumbled upon this gorgeous watch online. I mean, have you seen the Patek Philippe Gondolo 7041R-001? It’s a beauty! I saw some listings for around $30,000, and even used ones going for a hefty price. That’s way out of my league. So, I thought, “Why not try to remake it myself?” Classic me, always up for a challenge.
First things first, I needed to get a good look at this thing. I scoured the internet for every bit of info I could find. The watch has a mechanical, manually wound movement with a Caliber 215 PS. The case is a beautiful 18K rose gold, and it’s got this sleek, silver dial. The size is around 30 x 33.8 mm, which seemed like a good starting point.
Next up was gathering the materials. Finding an 18K rose gold case was pretty much impossible on my budget, so I opted for a high-quality stainless steel case with a rose gold finish. I figured it would give a similar vibe without breaking the bank. I found a decent-looking silver dial online, and it was surprisingly affordable. The real challenge was the movement. Replicating a Caliber 215 PS? Yeah, not happening. Instead, I went for a reliable, hand-wound mechanical movement that I could get my hands on. It wasn’t the same, but it did the job.
Once I had all the parts, the real fun began. Assembling the watch was a real test of patience. I started with the case, carefully fitting the movement inside. It was a tight fit, but I managed to get it in there securely. Then came the dial and the hands. This was probably the trickiest part. The hands were so delicate, and I was terrified of bending or breaking them. After a few deep breaths and some very careful maneuvering, I got them in place.
The final touch was the strap. The original has an alligator strap with square scales, hand-stitched. I found a pretty good imitation leather strap that looked the part. It wasn’t real alligator, but it had that classic, luxurious feel that I was going for. Plus, it was way more affordable!
- Case: Stainless steel with a rose gold finish (to mimic the 18K rose gold)
- Dial: Silver dial, similar to the original
- Movement: Reliable, hand-wound mechanical movement (not a Caliber 215 PS, but close enough)
- Strap: Imitation alligator leather with square scales, hand-stitched look
Here’s a quick rundown of what I used:
Putting it all together, I have to say, I’m pretty proud of how it turned out. It’s not a perfect replica, but it captures the essence of the Patek Philippe Gondolo 7041R-001. It’s got that classic, elegant look, and it feels great on the wrist. Plus, I did it all without spending a fortune!
This project was a blast. It was challenging, frustrating at times, but ultimately rewarding. I learned a lot about watchmaking, and I got to flex my creative muscles. If you’re thinking about trying something like this, go for it! Just be prepared for a bit of a rollercoaster ride. And remember, it’s not about making a perfect copy, it’s about the journey and the satisfaction of creating something with your own two hands.
Alright, that’s it for now. Let me know what you think in the comments, and stay tuned for my next adventure!
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