So, I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5726 for a while now. But, let’s be real, the waiting list is crazy long. I heard it could take anywhere from 1 month to 6 months, and they usually give priority to the big spenders. I decided that’s not really my style, so I thought, “Why not try to remake one myself?”
I started by doing a ton of research on the 5726. It’s got this annual calendar complication, which is pretty cool, and I found out that the black and white dial steel version was only around for 8 years before they discontinued it in 2019. They replaced it with a blue dial version, but I’m more into the classic black and white.
Getting the Right Feel
One of the things I noticed about genuine Patek Philippe watches is their weight. They use high-quality materials like stainless steel, platinum, or 18k gold, so they have a nice heft to them. I wanted to make sure my remake had that same feel, so I spent a lot of time sourcing the right materials. I ended up going with stainless steel because it’s durable and has a good weight.
Working on the Dial
The dial on the 5726 is pretty unique. It’s got these two sub-dials for the annual calendar display. I wanted to replicate that look, so I spent hours practicing my watchmaking skills. It wasn’t easy, but I eventually figured out how to create the sub-dials and get them to look just right. I also decided to go with a symmetric dial and a date aperture because I like the clean look.
Putting It All Together
Once I had all the parts ready, it was time to assemble the watch. I carefully put everything together, making sure each piece was perfectly aligned. It took a lot of patience and precision, but seeing the watch come to life was incredibly satisfying.
The original 5726 has a 240 movement, but it’s not a clone in the 5712 model. I learned that the Nautilus design stayed pretty close to the original even after 30 years. Since I was remaking the 5726, I focused on getting the details right for that specific model.
The Final Result
After all that work, my remake of the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5726 is finally done! It’s not a perfect replica, but it captures the essence of the original. It has the same weight, the same dial layout, and the same overall aesthetic. I’m really proud of how it turned out, and it’s definitely a watch I’ll be wearing often.
- Used stainless steel for the case and bracelet
- Created a symmetric dial with two sub-dials and a date aperture
- Focused on the details specific to the 5726 model
- Took my time to assemble everything carefully
This whole process was a real learning experience. I definitely gained a new appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into making these high-end watches. I might not be able to afford an original 5726, but my remake is a pretty good substitute. It might not be perfect, but it’s mine, and I built it with my own two hands.
Click to consult