Alright, let’s talk about this little project I got myself into. I’ve always been a bit of a watch guy, and I thought, why not try making one myself? Not just any watch, mind you, but a remake of the Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100R-010. Fancy, right?
First, I gathered all the info I could find. This Gondolo, turns out, it’s named after some big-shot retailer in Rio. Who knew? The official flagship store seemed like the best place to start. I found out it’s a manual winding type, which was a bit intimidating, to be honest. I also dug up some details about the materials – 316/904L stainless steel, a fluted bezel, and a black dial. Sounds simple enough, but it’s a whole different story when you’re holding the actual parts in your hands.
- Gathered all the information.
- Found out about the manual winding mechanism.
- Dug up details on materials.
Breaking Down the Process
So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Started with the movement. This Gondolo uses a Caliber 215, a mechanical, manually wound movement. I managed to get my hands on one, and let me tell you, it’s a tiny beast. Each part is so small; it’s like they’re made for ants. Anyway, I carefully disassembled it, cleaned each piece, and then came the fun part – putting it all back together. It was like a 3D puzzle, but way more stressful because if you mess up, you’re not just starting over, you might be out a good chunk of change.
- Started with the movement – Caliber 215.
- Carefully disassembled and cleaned each part.
- Reassembled the movement.
Next up was the case. Rose gold, just like the original. I opted for 316L stainless steel because it’s tough and looks pretty good. The bezel, it’s fluted, which means it has these little grooves. I tried my best to replicate that. It wasn’t perfect, but hey, it’s handmade. The dial was another challenge. Bright black, with those diamond markers. I did my best with the tools I had. Each little marker was placed by hand. Took forever, but it was worth it to see it all come together.
- Used 316L stainless steel for the case.
- Replicated the fluted bezel.
- Manually set the dial markers.
After weeks of work, a lot of trial and error, and a few choice words, I finally finished it. It’s not an exact replica, but it’s my take on the Gondolo 7042/100R-010. It runs, it tells time, and it looks pretty darn good on my wrist, if I do say so myself.
- Completed the watch after weeks of work.
This whole thing was a real learning experience. It’s one thing to admire these watches from afar, but making one, even a simple remake, gives you a whole new appreciation for the craft. Would I do it again? Maybe. It was tough, but seeing the finished product, something I made with my own two hands, that’s a pretty great feeling.
- Gained a new appreciation for watchmaking.
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