Alright, so I decided to remake a Patek Philippe Gondolo 7041R-001, you know, the classic style. Let me tell you, it wasn’t a walk in the park, but I got through it.
First off, I gathered all the materials. I’m talking about the movement, the case, the dial, everything. I spent hours online, looking for the best parts. I compared a lot of stuff, trying to find the highest quality at a good price. This took quite some time, but I didn’t want to rush it.
The Assembly Process
Once I had all the parts, I started with the movement. I carefully followed some tutorials I found online. It was pretty intense, lots of tiny screws and gears. I made sure to keep everything organized, using a small tray with compartments. There were a few tricky moments, especially with the balance wheel, but I managed to get it right after a couple of tries.
- Cleaning: Before assembling, I cleaned every part meticulously.
- Lubrication: Then, I applied the tiniest amount of lubricant to the right places.
- Putting it together: This was the most time-consuming part. I carefully placed each component, double-checking every step.
After that, I moved on to the dial and hands. This was a bit easier, but it still required a steady hand. I attached the dial to the movement and then carefully placed the hands on their respective posts. Getting them aligned perfectly was crucial.
Casing It Up
With the movement and dial ready, I proceeded to the case. I carefully inserted the movement into the case, making sure it was secure. Then, I attached the case back. This part was pretty straightforward, but I still took my time to avoid any scratches or damage.
Finally, I added the strap. I chose a high-quality leather strap that matched the original design. Attaching it was simple, but it really completed the look of the watch.
The Final Touches
Once everything was assembled, I wound the watch and checked if it was working properly. It was such a relief to see the hands moving smoothly. I spent a few days observing it, making sure it kept accurate time. There were some minor adjustments needed, but eventually, I got it spot on.
Overall, it was a challenging but rewarding experience. I learned a lot about watchmaking and gained a new appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. Would I do it again? Maybe, but I’d definitely need a break first!
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