Okay, so the other day I got this wild idea. I thought, “Why not try to remake a Patek Philippe watch?” Not just any Patek Philippe, mind you, but the Gondolo 7042/100G-010. Yeah, that super fancy one with all the diamonds. I mean, who wouldn’t want to have that beauty on their wrist, right?
First things first, I did some digging around. Turns out, getting my hands on a real one of these is nearly impossible. Long waiting lists, super exclusive, you name it. Plus, the price tag? Let’s just say it’s way out of my league. But that didn’t stop me. I was determined to make my own version.
Getting Started
So, I started by researching the heck out of this watch. The Gondolo 7042/100G-010 is part of Patek Philippe’s Gondolo collection. Fun fact: it’s named after a retailer in Rio de Janeiro called Gondolo & Labouriau. How cool is that?
This watch has a unique cushion shape, and let me tell you, it wasn’t a walk in the park to replicate. I gathered some simple tools, nothing fancy, and just went for it. I sketched out the design, trying to get all the details right. The dial, the hands, the diamond placement – everything had to be spot on.
The Process
- I started with the case. I used some metal I found to shape it into that distinct cushion form. Lots of bending, shaping, and smoothing involved.
- Next up was the dial. I used simple materials to mimic the original’s elegant look. It wasn’t easy, but I think I managed to capture its essence.
- Then came the fun part – the diamonds! I used some shiny stones I found at a craft store. It took forever to place them just right, trying to match the pattern on the real 7042/100G-010. My fingers got a real workout, let me tell you.
- After that, I worked on the hands and the movement. I used parts from an old watch I had lying around. It was a bit of a Frankenstein situation, but hey, it worked!
The Result
Finally, after all the sweat and tears, my version of the Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100G-010 was complete! It looks pretty darn good if I do say so myself. I’m really proud of how it turned out. Of course, it’s not an exact replica. There are some imperfections, some rough edges here and there. But you know what? It’s mine, and I made it with my own two hands.
It’s not about having a perfect copy. It’s about the journey, the process of creating something from scratch. And let me tell you, it was one heck of a journey. I learned a lot along the way, not just about watchmaking, but about patience, perseverance, and the joy of making something with your own hands.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! But maybe next time, I’ll pick a simpler model. Just kidding! Or am I?
Anyway, that’s the story of how I remade a Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100G-010. Hope you enjoyed my little adventure!
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