Okay, let’s talk about this watch project I got into. I decided to remake a Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse, specifically the 5738R model. This thing is super classy, you know? Rose gold, automatic movement – the whole nine yards.
So, first, I spent hours just looking at pictures of the original 5738R. I mean, really studying them, front, back, the tiny details on the dial, that slick alligator strap. I needed to get a feel for every curve and corner of this watch.
Then came the fun part – sourcing the parts. Now, I’m not made of money, so getting original Patek parts was out of the question. But I found some good quality alternatives. I got a decent rose gold case that had a similar shape and finish to the real deal. I also managed to find a self-winding mechanical movement, not the original Caliber 240, but something that gets the job done. It’s all about the look and feel, right?
Finding the Parts
The strap was a bit tricky. I wanted that hand-stitched alligator look, but those things can be pricey. Eventually, I stumbled upon a great deal for a square-scale alligator strap that was surprisingly good quality. It even came with an extra, smaller strap, which was a nice bonus.
- Got a rose gold case, pretty similar to the 5738R
- Found a decent self-winding movement
- Scored an alligator strap, with an extra one included!
Putting it all together was the real challenge. I’m no watchmaker, but I’ve tinkered with a few watches before. It was a slow process, lots of careful adjustments and double-checking everything. I had to be extra careful with the hands and the dial – those things are delicate!
The trickiest bit was probably setting the movement in the case. It’s a tight fit, and you gotta make sure everything is aligned perfectly. I spent a good chunk of a Saturday afternoon just on that, but I finally got it all snug and secure.
The final touch was attaching the strap. I decided to go with the larger one, as it fit my wrist better. That was pretty straightforward, thankfully. And there it was, my very own “Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse”.
It’s not perfect, of course. A real 5738R is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, and mine is, well, a pretty good homage. But you know what? I’m proud of it. I put it together with my own two hands, and it looks pretty darn good on my wrist. I even get compliments on it sometimes! It’s a fun conversation starter, and it’s a reminder that you can create something special without breaking the bank. This whole project was a blast, and it definitely sparked my interest in maybe trying another watch project in the future. We’ll see!
This experience is fun and I made it.
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