Okay, so I wanted to try and remake a Patek Philippe Gondolo 7041R-001. Yeah, the real deal is like, what, almost 30 grand? Crazy, right? But hey, I thought, why not give it a shot? It’s a beautiful watch, with that rose gold and those diamonds. And you know, it’s got that classic rectangular shape that just screams class.
First, I started looking up everything I could about the original. Found out it’s got this manual wind movement, the Calibre 215 PS. It’s got 18 jewels and ticks at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Pretty neat, huh? I spent hours just staring at pictures, trying to get every detail right in my head.
Next, I started sketching. Loads and loads of sketches. Getting that cushion-shaped case just right was a real pain. It’s not just a rectangle, you know? It’s got these subtle curves that are hard to nail down. I must have filled up a whole notebook just with different versions of the case.
Then came the fun part – well, kinda fun, kinda frustrating. I started messing around with some materials I had lying around. Nothing fancy, just some cheap metal and bits and bobs. I wanted to get a feel for the shape and size of the watch before I did anything more serious.
- Figuring out the movement was a whole other beast.
- I looked for similar movements online.
- Trying to find something that matched the original’s specs.
- No luck there. I mean, I’m not a watchmaker, just a guy with a dream, right?
So I decided to focus on the look of the thing. I started playing around with different finishes, trying to get that rose gold look. I even tried sticking some tiny clear stones where the diamonds would be. It was a mess, to be honest. But hey, I was learning, right?
After many failed attempts, I realized I was in way over my head. This wasn’t like fixing a leaky faucet or painting a room. This was serious craftsmanship. But I didn’t want to give up entirely. I still really like the look of the Gondolo, so I focused on creating a design inspired by it. You know, something that captured the essence of the watch without being an exact copy.
I ended up with something I’m pretty happy with. It’s got that rectangular shape, a bit of that rose gold color, and even a few shiny stones for that extra sparkle. It’s not a Patek Philippe, not by a long shot. But it’s mine, and I made it. And that’s something, right?
This whole thing taught me a lot about patience, attention to detail, and just how hard it is to make something truly beautiful. I have a whole new appreciation for watchmakers now, that’s for sure. Maybe one day I’ll be able to afford the real Gondolo 7041R-001. But until then, I’ll keep tinkering and trying to make something that comes close.
So, yeah, that’s my story. A bit of a wild ride, and definitely not a perfect replica. But hey, I had fun, learned a ton, and ended up with a watch that’s kinda cool, in its own way. What do you guys think?
Click to consult