Hey everyone, it’s your boy back again with another project. This time, I went all out and decided to remake the Patek Philippe PP Gondolo 7042/100G-010, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride from start to finish.
Getting Started
First off, I needed to get a good look at the real deal. I spent hours looking at photos, videos, anything I could find of the Gondolo 7042/100G-010. I mean, this watch is a piece of art, with its white gold case and those baguette diamonds along the bezel and lugs. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was hyped.
Design Phase
Next, I started sketching out the design. The Gondolo has a unique rectangular shape, so I had to get that just right. I grabbed my ruler and started drawing, erasing, and redrawing until I had a solid blueprint. The details on this watch are insane, especially with the diamonds, so I made sure to note every little thing.
Sourcing Materials
Now, for the materials. I obviously couldn’t use real white gold or diamonds – I’m not a millionaire, haha! I did some digging and found some 316L stainless steel that would give a similar shine. For the diamonds, I got some high-quality cubic zirconia. They look pretty darn close to the real thing, and they sparkle like crazy.
Crafting the Case
Crafting the case was the hardest part. I used a Dremel to shape the stainless steel, following my blueprint closely. It took forever to get the rectangular shape just right, with those smooth curves and sharp edges. I had to be super careful not to mess it up. Let me tell you, my hands were cramping, but it was worth it.
Setting the “Diamonds”
Once the case was done, it was time to set the “diamonds.” This was tedious work. I used a tiny bit of super glue to attach each cubic zirconia to the bezel and lugs. I had to use tweezers and a magnifying glass to make sure they were perfectly aligned. It felt like I was there for days, but seeing it come together was so satisfying.
The Dial and Movement
For the dial, I found a simple, elegant white dial that matched the original pretty well. It’s not exactly the same, but it captures the essence of the Gondolo. As for the movement, I used a basic quartz movement. I know, I know, it’s not a manually-winding mechanical movement like the real Patek Philippe, but it keeps time just fine and it’s way more affordable.
Assembling Everything
Putting it all together was like the final boss battle. I carefully placed the dial and movement inside the case, making sure everything fit perfectly. Then, I attached a nice leather strap that I found online. It was the final touch that brought the whole thing together.
The Result
And there you have it – my very own homemade Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100G-010. It’s not perfect, but I’m proud of it. It looks stunning on my wrist, and most people can’t even tell it’s a remake. I’ve been wearing it around, and I’ve gotten so many compliments. It’s a great conversation starter, and it feels awesome to say I made it myself.
This project was a blast, and it taught me a lot about watchmaking and craftsmanship. If you’re thinking about trying something like this, go for it! It’s a challenging but rewarding experience. Just be prepared to put in the time and effort. Trust me, it’s worth it in the end. Until next time, stay creative!
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