Okay, so, I’ve been wanting a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 for a while now, who hasn’t, right? But getting one? Forget about it. It’s like, what, a 5-8 year wait? Some people even say ten years! It’s crazy. And they’ve even discontinued the 5711! It’s so hard to get it. So, I started thinking, why not try to remake one myself? A bit crazy, I know, but hey, why not try? I am not very wealthy, so a good way to get what I want is to just try to make one. At the very least I get a fun hobby, right?
I found some information about these “Superclone” watches, they are trying to be 1:1 copies of the real deal, so that’s a good starting point. Apparently, a company called 3K Factory makes a pretty good replica, and some people online were talking about a “Bamford” remake, so I started there.
First thing I did was order a bunch of parts online. I found a stainless steel case that looked pretty close to the 5711, and an open case back, just like the original. Then there was the movement. I read somewhere that the original uses a Swiss 330 SC movement, so I tried to find something similar. Managed to get one that’s “aligned exactly like the original” or so they say. It also came with an updated rotor, whatever that means. It was not super expensive, but not cheap either. It is not like I can’t afford it but I am still a little bit sad, because money is hard to get, you know.
Then came the dial. I wanted that classic blue gradient look, so I searched around and found one that seemed pretty decent. The hands and hour markers were next. Found some that looked close enough. And don’t forget the strap, I went for a stainless steel one, of course. Got all of them and started waiting for the delivery. I tried to find the delivery information every day. I wish I can get them all at the same day so I can start my project as soon as possible.
Assembling the watch was…an experience. I’m not gonna lie, it was tough. I watched a bunch of videos online, read some forum posts, but it was still tricky. My hands are not that good with these kinds of things. My hands are shaking and the parts are so small. I lost a few screws along the way, had to order replacements, and almost messed up the movement a couple of times. Let me tell you, it’s not as easy as those YouTube videos make it look.
- Ordered parts: Case, case back, movement, dial, hands, hour markers, strap.
- Struggled: Assembling the watch, lost screws, almost broke the movement.
- Learned a lot: About watch mechanics, patience, and my own limitations.
But you know what? After a few weeks of trial and error, I actually did it. I put together my own 5711 homage, or whatever you want to call it. It’s not perfect, far from it. There are some imperfections here and there, the alignment isn’t 100%, and I’m pretty sure it’s not waterproof. It doesn’t even have the Patek Philippe logo, because, well, that would be illegal.
The Result
But still, it’s my own creation. It runs, it keeps time reasonably well, and it looks pretty darn good on my wrist. And you know what the best part is? I learned so much along the way. I now have a much greater appreciation for watchmakers and the work they do. It’s insane how much detail goes into these little machines. This was a total success. I did it. It looks like a real one and I did it myself. I got to go and show my friends what I have done. I bet they will be shocked when they see my watch. I am so happy right now.
Would I recommend this to others? Honestly, probably not. It’s a lot of work, and you need a lot of patience. But if you’re really into watches and you’re looking for a challenge, then maybe, just maybe, it’s worth a shot. Now I am going to save up and try to make another one. Wish me luck!
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