OK, guys, let’s talk about my recent project. I tried to remake a Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100R-010. It was a challenge, but also a lot of fun. I wanted to share my process with you all.
First, I looked up a ton of info about this watch online. There’s a lot of sites listing it for crazy prices, like $274,645 and 233,719 CHF. I knew I wouldn’t be using real gold or diamonds, but I wanted to get as close as possible to the look.
I found some important details. This watch is manual winding, with a movement called Caliber 215. It’s got a rose gold case, about 31 x 34.8 mm. The real deal has 251 diamonds, about 0.73 carats, all over the dial, and the bezel is set with baguette diamonds. It is a rectangle watch, I think it is a modern interpretation of art deco style.
I started by finding a similar watch case. I couldn’t find an exact match in rose gold, so I settled for a stainless steel one that had a similar rectangular shape. I polished it up to get a nice shine.
Next, the dial. This was the hardest part. I couldn’t find a dial with the same diamond pattern, so I decided to make my own. I used a plain white dial and painstakingly glued on tiny rhinestones, trying to copy the circular pattern from the photos. It took forever, but I think it turned out pretty good.
For the movement, I used a cheap manual winding movement I found online. It’s not a Caliber 215, of course, but it works. I cleaned it up and made sure it was running smoothly before putting it in the case. The bezel was another challenge. I found some small, rectangular rhinestones and glued them around the edge of the case. It’s not perfect, but it gives the right effect.
Putting it all together was tricky. I had to be really careful not to scratch the case or mess up the dial. But finally, it was done. I put a simple rose gold-colored bracelet on it, and there it was. My own version of the Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100R-010.
It’s definitely not the real thing, and it doesn’t have the same value, but I’m proud of it. I learned a lot during this project, and it was satisfying to see it come together.
- Started with research: Found lots of info and prices online.
- Case: Used a similar-shaped stainless steel case and polished it.
- Dial: Made a custom dial with rhinestones.
- Movement: Used a cheap manual winding movement.
- Bezel: Added rectangular rhinestones around the case edge.
- Assembly: Carefully put it all together.
- Bracelet: used a simple rose gold-colored bracelet.
- Finished product: My own version of the watch.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my little adventure. It’s not something I do every day, but it was a fun project. Feel free to ask any questions, although I’m no expert, just a guy who likes to tinker!
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