Okay, so, I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100G-010 for a while now, but let’s be real, the price tag is insane. I mean, we’re talking about 262,565 euros for a new one! So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and try to remake it myself. Yeah, I know, it sounds crazy, but hear me out.
First thing I did was a ton of research. I needed to figure out every little detail about this watch. I found out that the original is made of 18K white gold and has a diamond-paved dial. The size is 31 x 34.8mm, which seemed like a good starting point. I also learned that the serial number is super important for these watches, as it tells you the production date and authenticity. Obviously, I wouldn’t have a real serial number, but I still wanted to engrave something to make it feel authentic. Manual winding, not automatic.
Materials
Now, for the materials. I couldn’t afford 18K white gold, obviously, so I went with 316L stainless steel. Some people use 904L, but 316L is more accessible and still looks pretty good. For the bezel, I wanted that fluted look, which is a signature of many high-end watches.
- Case: 316L stainless steel, 31 x 34.8mm
- Bezel: Fluted 316L stainless steel
- Dial: This was the hardest part. I couldn’t afford real diamonds, so I used high-quality cubic zirconia. I found a supplier who could provide stones that looked pretty close to the real deal.
The Process
I started by creating a 3D model of the watch case. I’m not a professional watchmaker, so I used some CAD software to design the case and bezel. Once I had the design, I sent it to a local workshop that had a CNC machine. They were able to mill the case and bezel out of the stainless steel blocks. It took a few tries to get the dimensions right, but eventually, I had a pretty solid replica of the Gondolo case.
Next up was the dial. This was tricky. I had to carefully set each cubic zirconia into the dial plate. I used a strong adhesive and a lot of patience. It took hours, but the result was surprisingly good. The dial had that shimmer and sparkle that you see on the real Gondolo.
For the movement, I decided to use a manual winding. I disassembled it and cleaned every part thoroughly. I then reassembled it, making sure everything was aligned perfectly. It wasn’t easy, but I managed to get it working.
Final Touches
Once I had the case, dial, and movement ready, I started assembling the watch. I carefully placed the movement into the case, then attached the dial. The hands were the last thing to go on. I had to be extra careful not to scratch the dial or bend the hands. It was a delicate process, but I finally got it all together.
The last step was to engrave a fake serial number on the back of the case. I know it’s not a real Patek Philippe serial number, but it added a touch of authenticity to the project. I also polished the case and bezel to give it that final shine.
In the end, I had a pretty decent remake of the Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100G-010. It’s not perfect, but I’m proud of it. It looks great on my wrist, and most people can’t even tell it’s not the real deal. Plus, I saved a ton of money! It was a fun project, and I learned a lot about watchmaking along the way. If you’re into watches and have some time on your hands, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try.
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