Okay, so, I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100G-010. This thing is a beauty, but the price tag? Crazy high. We’re talking over 200,000 dollars! Insane, right? So, I thought, why not try to remake it myself?
First, I dove deep into research. I found out that Patek Philippe only has three exclusive stores worldwide, in Geneva, London, and Paris. Getting a new one outside these places means going through authorized dealers, and there aren’t that many. This watch, the Gondolo 7042/100G-010, is made of 18K white gold and is covered in diamonds.
I started gathering my materials. I opted for stainless steel instead of white gold to keep the costs down. I got 316L stainless steel for the case because it’s pretty close to what the real ones use. For the diamonds, well, I went with some high-quality cubic zirconia. They look almost the same and don’t break the bank.
Breaking Down the Process
- First step, I had to design the case. I studied the original design of the Gondolo 7042/100G-010, took the measurements, and made a 3D model. It took a few tries to get it right, but eventually, I had a solid blueprint.
- Next, I machined the case out of the stainless steel. This was tricky. I used a small CNC machine for this. It required a lot of patience to get the shape and finish just right.
- The bezel was another challenge. The real Gondolo has a fluted bezel, so I replicated that pattern on my stainless steel version. It was a lot of detailed work, but it turned out pretty good.
- Setting the stones was probably the most difficult part. I carefully placed each cubic zirconia into the case, mimicking the diamond-paved design of the original. This took forever, but the result was worth it.
- For the movement, I decided to use a reliable automatic movement that’s widely available. It’s not a Patek Philippe movement, of course, but it gets the job done and keeps the watch functional.
- Finally, I assembled all the parts. I put the movement in the case, attached the dial and hands, and secured the case back.
After weeks of work, I finally had my own version of the Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100G-010. It’s not the real thing, but it looks incredibly close. And you know what? I made it myself, which makes it even more special. Plus, I saved a ton of money! It’s not perfect, but it’s a pretty decent homage to the original. I’ve been wearing it around, and honestly, it feels great. People who know watches are impressed, and those who don’t just think it’s a nice watch. Either way, I’m proud of what I accomplished.
I know a Patek Philippe is an investment, and they hold their value well, but making my own version was a fun project. I learned a lot, and now I have a unique timepiece that I can show off. Maybe one day I’ll get the real deal, but for now, I’m happy with my handmade version.
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