Okay, let’s talk about my latest project – remaking the Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100R-010. I saw this beauty on the official flagship store and thought, “I gotta have that.” But, you know, the price tag was a bit…ouch. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and try to recreate it myself.
I started by looking closely at the pictures online, trying to figure out every little detail. The rose gold case, the diamonds, the intricate design on the dial – it all looked so fancy. This Gondolo model, the 7042-100R, is part of their Haute Joaillerie line, which is basically a fancy way of saying “super high-end jewelry.” It’s 31mm, which is a nice, classic size.
Finding similar materials was the next big hurdle. I obviously couldn’t afford real rose gold or top-quality diamonds. But I was able to find some decent substitutes. I went for a rose gold-plated case and some good-quality cubic zirconia. It’s not the real deal, but it still looks pretty good.
- First off, I carefully took apart a cheap old watch I had lying around to use as the base.
- Then I started working on the case. I carefully shaped and polished the rose gold-plated material to match the look of the Gondolo.
- The dial was tricky. I tried a few different techniques to recreate the pattern, and finally settled on a method that involved using a tiny brush and some steady hands.
- Then came the stones. Setting each cubic zirconia took forever, but it was worth it in the end. They really sparkle!
After a ton of work and a few mishaps, I finally put everything together. And you know what? It turned out pretty darn good! It’s not a perfect replica, of course. I am not Patek Philippe after all, but it definitely captures the spirit of the Gondolo 7042/100R.
This whole project was a real learning experience. It taught me a lot about watchmaking, and about my own patience and determination. Plus, I now have a pretty cool watch to show for it, and all without breaking the bank. If I can do it, you can too, just go get your tools and start!
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