Alright, so today I’m diving into the world of watchmaking, specifically trying to make a piece that looks like the Richard Mille RM 011. I’ve always been a fan of how intricate and cool these watches look, but let’s be real, the price tag is way out of my league. So, I thought, why not try to make something similar myself? This is a first for me, trying to imitate such a high-end watch.
First things first, I gathered all the materials I could find. I’m talking about different types of metals, tiny screws, and some watch movements I managed to get my hands on. I spent a good chunk of time just studying pictures and videos of the RM 011, trying to understand how everything fits together. It’s like a puzzle, but way more complicated.
Breaking it Down
I started with the case. I wanted to give it that signature Richard Mille look, you know, the tonneau shape. I used some metal sheets and started cutting and shaping. It was tough. I had to be super precise, or else it would just look off. I bent the metal, filed it down, and kept comparing it to the images I had. I messed up a few times, ngl, but I kept at it.
- Cut the metal – I did it carefully.
- Shape it – Like, a ton.
- Compare and adjust – Over and over again.
Then came the dial. Oh boy, the dial. I tried to replicate the skeletonized look, which was a real pain. I used some thin metal pieces and started cutting out the shapes. It was like doing surgery, but on a watch. I had to be so careful not to break anything. And let me tell you, those tiny screws are a nightmare to work with. I dropped them like a hundred times.
Next up was putting the movement in. I chose a basic movement because, let’s be honest, I’m not a pro watchmaker. I carefully placed it inside the case and secured it. It was a relief to see it actually fit!
Putting it All Together
Once the movement was in, I started assembling the other parts. The bezel, the crown, and those little pushers on the side. It was like building a miniature machine. Each part had to be placed just right, or the whole thing wouldn’t work. I used tweezers, a magnifying glass, and a whole lot of patience.
Finally, I attached the strap. I used a rubber strap because I wanted it to have that sporty look like the RM 011. I made sure it was secure and comfortable because, after all, I’m planning to wear this thing.
So, after hours of work, I finally finished my imitation Richard Mille RM 011. It’s not perfect, far from it. There are rough edges, and it’s definitely not as polished as the real deal. But you know what? I made it. It was a first for me on the watch market. And that’s something I’m proud of. It’s a reminder that sometimes, you just gotta dive in and try things out, even if you’re not sure how it’ll turn out.
Would I do it again? Probably. It was a fun challenge, and I learned a lot. Plus, now I have a cool-looking watch that I can say I made myself. And that’s pretty awesome if you ask me.
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