Okay, so I’ve been wanting to remake a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5722 for a while now, specifically the specialty store version. You know, the one with all those shiny diamonds? It’s a real beauty, but getting your hands on the real deal is, well, let’s just say it’s not exactly easy on the wallet. So, I thought, “Why not try to make my own?”
First, I started by gathering everything I needed. I already had a basic Nautilus replica as a base, which was a good starting point. Then came the fun part – finding the right diamonds. I didn’t want those cheap, dull ones, you know? I wanted something that would really sparkle and look close to the original. It took some time, but I managed to get my hands on some high-quality cubic zirconia stones that looked pretty darn good.
Next, I had to figure out how to set the stones. This was probably the trickiest part. I watched a bunch of videos and read some guides online, but let me tell you, it’s not as easy as it looks. It took a lot of patience and a few practice runs on some cheap metal pieces before I felt confident enough to start working on the actual watch.
Setting the Stones
- Preparing the Watch: I carefully took apart the watch, making sure to keep track of all the tiny screws and pieces. I marked where each diamond should go on the bezel and dial, using the original 5722 as a reference.
- Drilling the Holes: This was nerve-wracking! I used a tiny drill bit to make holes for each stone, going super slow and steady to avoid messing up the watch. I messed up many times during this period and restarted my work several times to make sure I could do a better job.
- Placing the Stones: Once the holes were drilled, I carefully placed each stone in its spot, using a special adhesive to secure them. Then, I used a tiny tool to gently push down the metal around each stone, securing it in place. This is the critical step. I needed to make sure these stones are strongly embedded so I can wear them for a long time.
After what felt like forever, I finally finished setting all the stones. I put the watch back together, and wow, I have to say, I was pretty impressed with how it turned out. It’s not a perfect replica, of course, but it definitely captures the essence of the original 5722. It sparkles like crazy, and it’s got that luxurious feel to it.
I’ve been wearing my remade Nautilus for a few weeks now, and I’ve gotten a ton of compliments on it. People can’t believe it’s not the real deal! It’s a great conversation starter, and it’s a fun way to show off my love for watches without breaking the bank.
This whole project was a lot of work, but it was also a lot of fun. I learned a ton about watchmaking, and I got to create something really unique. If you’re thinking about trying something similar, I say go for it! Just be prepared to put in the time and effort, and don’t be afraid to make a few mistakes along the way. It’s all part of the learning process. And who knows, you might just end up with a stunning timepiece that you can be proud of.
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