Patek Philippe PP Nautilus 7008/1 Remake: How Good is This Classic Style Homage?

Time:2025-1-26 Author:ldsf125303

So, I’ve been wanting to get a Patek Philippe Nautilus for a while now. I really like the look of the 7008/1, it’s a classic, you know? But getting one? Forget about it. I went to the store, and they basically laughed me out of there. Turns out there’s this crazy long waiting list, just like with those Rolex watches. Who knew, right?

So, I’m thinking, what’s a guy to do? I can’t just wait around forever. Then it hit me – I’ll just make my own! Okay, okay, not a real one from scratch, but more like a… tribute. A remake. Yeah, that’s it.

First thing I did was look up pictures. Tons and tons of pictures. I wanted to really get a feel for the watch. The 7008/1 has this cool, almost eight-sided bezel. It’s not a perfect circle, but not really a square either. It’s smooth with these bevels, very neat looking. And the bracelet, it’s all connected to the watch, flows right into it.

I got my hands on some cheap watch parts. Nothing fancy, just enough to play around with. After all, a real one is crazy expensive! I heard that a new one can cost like 50 grand or something.

Getting Started

  • Case work: I started with the case. I took apart the watch and tried to shape the bezel. I went very slowly. This was the trickiest part. I used a small file and started shaping it.
  • Bracelet: The bracelet was easier. I just needed to make sure it fit the case. It was tough to adjust the size of each chain. However, after a few days, I finally got it.
  • Dial and Movement: For the inside, I just kept the original parts. I’m not a watchmaker, so I didn’t want to mess with that stuff. I painted the watch face to the color I like, just like the Nautilus.

It was a lot of trial and error. I messed up a few times, had to start over on some parts. But little by little, it started to come together. I spent evenings and weekends, mostly whenever I had some free time. It was kind of fun, like a puzzle.

Finally, after a few weeks, it was done. My own little Patek Philippe Nautilus “remake.” It’s not perfect, and it sure as heck isn’t worth 50 grand, but it’s mine. And you know what? It looks pretty darn good on my wrist.

It’s a good feeling, making something with your own hands. Plus, I learned a lot about watches. Maybe one day I’ll actually get a real Nautilus. But for now, this little project will do just fine. I am quite satisfied with this result.