Alright, folks, gather ’round, because today I’m gonna spill the beans on my latest project – remaking the Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100R-010. Now, I’m no master watchmaker, but I’ve got a healthy dose of curiosity and a knack for taking things apart and (sometimes) putting them back together. So, buckle up, and let’s dive into this adventure!
Getting Started
First things first, I needed to get my hands on some detailed pictures and information about the original watch. I scoured the internet, looked at auction sites, and found some pretty good resources. I printed out a bunch of reference images and made myself a little dossier. It felt like I was preparing for some top-secret mission, hah!
Finding the Parts
Next came the fun part – sourcing the parts. Now, obviously, I wasn’t going to get genuine Patek parts without selling a kidney, so I went on a hunt for similar-looking components. I hit up some online marketplaces, checked out a few watch forums, and basically turned into a digital scavenger. I ordered a case that had a similar vibe, some hands that looked the part, and a decent-looking movement that I hoped I could modify.
- Ordered a rose gold-plated case with similar dimensions.
- Sourced some vintage-style hands that matched the original’s aesthetic.
- Found a basic automatic movement that was the right size.
The Build
Once all the parts arrived, it was time to get my hands dirty. I set up my workspace, laid out all the tools, and took a deep breath. This was it. I carefully disassembled the movement, which was way more complicated than I expected. I made a few diagrams, took some pictures, and kept all the tiny screws in little labeled containers. I used a small screwdriver set, some precision tweezers, and a whole lot of patience. I cleaned all the parts meticulously, and it took me hours.
The Dial
The dial was a whole other beast. I wanted to recreate that beautiful guilloché pattern, but that was way beyond my skill level. So, I found a pre-made dial that had a similar texture. I printed out the Patek Philippe logo and carefully transferred it onto the dial using a water slide decal. It wasn’t perfect, but it did the trick. I spent a whole afternoon just getting the logo placement right. It was a real test of my patience.
Putting It All Together
Then came the moment of truth – putting it all back together. I carefully reassembled the movement, lubricated all the moving parts, and fitted it into the case. I attached the dial, fixed the hands, and closed up the case back. It was like watching Frankenstein’s monster come to life, except hopefully less terrifying. Let me tell you, getting those tiny hands aligned was a nightmare. I spent what felt like an eternity fiddling with them.
The Result
And… it worked! It actually worked! Sure, it’s not a genuine Patek Philippe, and any watch expert could probably spot the differences a mile away, but I created something that looked pretty darn close to the Gondolo 7042/100R-010. It kept time, it looked good on my wrist, and I learned a ton in the process. I wore it around for a few days, just to see how it felt. It was a pretty cool feeling, knowing I had built something like that with my own two hands.
So, there you have it. My adventure in remaking a classic Patek Philippe. It was a challenging, frustrating, and ultimately rewarding experience. Would I do it again? Maybe. But next time, I might pick something a little less complicated!
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