Alright, so I’ve been wanting to remake a Patek Philippe Nautilus 7021/1 for a while now, the online store version. It’s a real beauty, but getting your hands on a real one? Forget about it. So, I rolled up my sleeves and decided to remake it myself. Let me tell you, it was a journey.
First, I started hunting for parts, you know? I searched everywhere online. Scoured forums, online stores, you name it. I found a bunch of places selling pre-owned Patek Philippe parts, but nothing specific for the 7021/1. I did find some general stuff, like 18k white gold parts and diamond-set clasps, which was a start. Most places talk about a 34 mm diameter and a bracelet circumference of around 150 mm. Also, I learned it should be a Patek Philippe signed case.
Then I moved on to the case and bracelet. The real 7021/1 has a rose gold case and bracelet, both covered in diamonds. Now, I’m not exactly rolling in dough, so real rose gold and diamonds were out of the question. But, I found some pretty convincing alternatives! I managed to grab a case and bracelet that looked the part, even though they weren’t the real deal. The case is supposed to be around 33.6mm, and I found one that’s pretty close. It’s made of 18K white gold, which is similar.
- Sourcing the Dial: This was a tricky one. The original has a diamond-paved dial, which is insane. I found a few online stores that sell pre-owned Patek Philippe watches, but none of them had the 7021/1 in stock. Some were selling for over $500,000! Crazy, right? I ended up finding a dial that was close enough in appearance to satisfy me.
Next up, I started putting everything together. I used basic tools. It was a bit fiddly, especially with the smaller parts. But I took it slow, one step at a time. I spent hours on it, making sure everything fit just right. It was actually pretty therapeutic, in a way.
- Assembling the Watch: I put the dial into the case, then attached the bracelet. It was a little nerve-wracking, but I managed to do it without messing anything up. It wasn’t exactly a manufacturer’s warranty, but I felt like a real watchmaker for a while there!
Finally, I finished the whole thing. And you know what? It turned out pretty great! Sure, it’s not a genuine Patek Philippe, but it looks amazing. It’s got that same luxurious feel, that same sparkle. And most importantly, I made it with my own two hands, kinda. That’s what matters, right?
So, that’s my story of remaking a Patek Philippe Nautilus 7021/1. It was a challenge, but I’m really happy with how it turned out. It’s a reminder that you don’t always need the real thing to enjoy something beautiful. Sometimes, a little bit of DIY magic is all you need. I’m not a watch expert, but I’m pretty proud of this one.
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