Okay, so let me tell you about this project I’ve been working on – remaking the Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100R-010. It’s a real beauty, but getting it right took some doing.
First off, I started by digging up everything I could find about this watch. I mean everything. Specs, pictures from every angle, even forum posts from people who own the real deal. The watch has a hand-wound mechanical movement, Caliber 215. I made sure to note that down.
Then, I moved on to figuring out the materials. This Patek Philippe is rose gold, and it’s covered in diamonds – 251 of them, to be exact, plus another 12 for the hour markers. I spent days just looking at different rose gold alloys and figuring out the best way to replicate that warm, luxurious look. I also needed to find a good source for the diamonds, because they had to be just right – not too flashy, but still with that high-end sparkle.
Next, I had to get the dimensions down. We’re talking 31mm by 34.8mm for the case. I made sure my initial design matched these measurements precisely.
- Drawing up the design was a whole other beast. I went through countless revisions, zooming in on every tiny detail. The curve of the case, the way the diamonds are set in a circular pattern, the shape of the hands – I wanted it all to be perfect.
- After that, it was time to create my mold. I used a precision method to make the case of my Gondolo 7042. This was crucial to get the shape and size just right. I probably remade this mold more times than I care to admit, but hey, gotta get it right.
Once the mold was ready, I cast the case in my chosen rose gold alloy. This part was nerve-wracking. Pouring the molten metal, waiting for it to cool, and then popping it out of the mold – it’s always a gamble. But when I finally saw the finished case, it was worth it. It had that same soft glow as the original.
Then came the diamonds. I sourced mine from a reputable dealer, making sure they were ethically sourced and of good quality. I also made sure the circular pattern arrangement was the same as the original. Setting them was a test of patience, let me tell you. Each one had to be placed just so, and it took hours. I used a tiny, tiny tools to set each diamond, working under a magnifying glass to make sure they were secure and aligned perfectly.
The Movement
As for the movement – I opted for a high-quality replica movement that mimics the hand-wound mechanism of the original. I knew I couldn’t exactly replicate Patek Philippe’s Caliber 215, but I found one that comes pretty close in terms of looks and feel.
Finally, after weeks of work, I assembled the whole thing. Putting the movement in the case, attaching the hands, and adding the strap – it was like watching it all come to life. And let me tell you, when I held that finished watch in my hand, it was a great feeling.
This project wasn’t easy. There were definitely times I wanted to throw in the towel. But seeing the end result, a pretty darn good remake of the Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100R-010, makes it all worthwhile. It’s not the real thing, of course, but it’s a testament to what you can do with a lot of patience and a little bit of know-how.
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