Alright, so I’ve been wanting to get my hands on this Patek Philippe Gondolo 4962/200R-001 for a while now. It’s a real beauty, with that Art Deco style. But let me tell you, finding the real deal is like searching for a needle in a haystack. And the price tag? Don’t even get me started. So, I thought, “Why not try to remake one myself?” I mean, how hard could it be, right? Famous last words.
First things first, I needed to get a good look at this watch. I spent hours staring at pictures online, trying to figure out the dimensions. The original is about 28.6 x 40.85 mm and 7.36 mm thick. Getting that shape right was crucial. I grabbed some cardboard and started cutting and shaping, trying to get a feel for the size and curves.
- Sourcing the Materials: This was a whole adventure in itself. I knew I couldn’t afford rose gold like the original, so I opted for a more budget-friendly stainless steel with a rose gold-colored finish. I found a local supplier who could provide me with the right kind of metal sheets, but it was still a bit of a stretch for my wallet.
- Crafting the Case: This is where things got real tricky. I don’t have any fancy watchmaking tools, so I had to improvise. I used a small hammer, some files, and a whole lot of patience to try and shape the metal. Let’s just say there were a few missteps and a lot of scrap metal. It was tough to get those smooth curves and that elegant shape that the Gondolo is known for.
- Finding a Movement: I decided to buy one. I did a lot of searching to find something that would fit the case and not break the bank. It was a bit of a gamble, but I finally found one that seemed to work, but it took a whole lot of time.
- The Dial and Hands: I tried making a dial myself, but it was a disaster. So, I ended up ordering one online. Finding hands that matched the style of the Gondolo was another challenge. I went through a bunch of different options before settling on a set that looked somewhat similar.
Putting it all together was like assembling a very complicated puzzle. The movement needed to be carefully placed inside the case, and then the dial and hands needed to be attached. I held my breath as I tightened the last screw, hoping that everything would work as planned.
The Result
Well, it’s not exactly a Patek Philippe, but I’m pretty proud of it. It took many hours and a lot of trial and error, and also cost some money, but I learned a ton about watches and gained a whole new appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into making them. It’s not perfect, and it doesn’t have that luxurious feel of the real thing, but it’s my own creation, and that’s something special. This whole experience has been a wild ride, and it’s definitely given me a story to tell.
Click to consult