Okay, so I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a Patek Philippe Gondolo 7041R-001 for a while now. It’s a gorgeous watch, but the price tag? Let’s just say it’s a bit out of my league. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and try to remake one myself. I mean, how hard could it be, right?
First, I scoured the internet for any information I could find about the watch. I looked at pictures, read articles, and even watched some videos. I needed to get a good sense of the watch’s dimensions, materials, and overall design.
Gathering Materials
Next, I started gathering the materials. This was probably the most challenging part of the whole process. I needed to find a case that was similar in shape and size to the original Gondolo. Thankfully I found one from an old broken watch.
- The case was the hardest find. I looked for weeks.
- The movement was another story. I had to find one that looked the part but didn’t blow my budget.
- I also had to buy some tools. I bought a small screwdriver set, some tweezers, and a magnifying glass.
Putting it Together
Once I had all the materials, I began the assembly process. I started by carefully taking apart the donor watch. I removed the movement, hands, and dial. Then, I cleaned everything thoroughly. This was a delicate task, and I had to be very careful not to damage any of the parts.
Next, I started working on the dial. I wanted to make it look as close to the original Gondolo as possible. I used some special paint and a tiny brush to create a replica that fits the original watch. It took a lot of time and patience, but I think it turned out pretty well.
After the dial was done, I assembled the movement back into the case. I carefully placed the hands and the dial. Then, I put the watch back together. It was a nerve-wracking process, but I managed to do it without breaking anything.
The Final Product
Finally, after weeks of hard work, my Patek Philippe Gondolo 7041R-001 remake was complete. It’s not perfect, but I’m pretty proud of it. It looks remarkably similar to the original, and it keeps time pretty well. It’s definitely a conversation starter, and I get a lot of compliments on it.
Of course, it’s not a real Patek Philippe, and it doesn’t have the same value. But it’s a fun project that I enjoyed doing. Plus, I saved a ton of money by making it myself. If you’re thinking about trying to remake a watch, I say go for it. It’s a challenging but rewarding experience.
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