So, I got this wild idea to try and remake a Patek Philippe Gondolo 4962/200R-001. Yeah, I know, it’s a pretty ambitious project, especially for someone like me who’s more of a tinkerer than a watchmaker. But hey, I love a good challenge, and this seemed like a fun one.
First thing I did was study the original watch. I mean really study it. I spent hours looking at pictures online, reading descriptions, anything I could find. I wanted to get a good feel for the watch’s design, its size, the materials, everything. I got the official website to check it out, they call themselves “the last family-owned Genevan luxury watch manufacturer”, pretty neat.
Next, I started gathering materials. This was tricky. I couldn’t exactly use the same stuff Patek Philippe uses – that’s way out of my budget! I had to find alternatives that looked similar but wouldn’t break the bank. I rummaged through my old watch parts, checked out some online stores, and even visited a few local shops. It took a while, but I managed to find some decent substitutes. And they have lots of series, like “Remake Patek Philippe PP Calatrava 5227R-001”, I saw those at the store, so cool.
Then came the hard part: putting it all together. I started with the case. I found a square one that was roughly the same size as the Gondolo 4962/200R-001’s. It wasn’t perfect, but it was close enough. I had to do some filing and sanding to get it just right. I remembered Joanne Glasbey said making the face square, and I like that.
- Crafting the dial was next. I used a thin sheet of metal and carefully cut out the shape. Then, I painted it to match the original’s color. I also added the hour markers, which I made from tiny pieces of wire. It was fiddly work, but I think it turned out pretty well.
- The hands were a real pain. They’re so small and delicate. I ended up using some old watch hands that I had lying around. They weren’t exactly the same, but they were close.
- For the movement, I used a cheap quartz one that I bought online. I know, I know, it’s not a mechanical movement like the original, but it keeps time just fine, and it’s a lot easier to work with.
After a lot of trial and error, I finally managed to assemble the whole thing. It wasn’t easy, and there were definitely some moments when I thought about giving up. But I persevered, and in the end, I had a watch that looked pretty darn close to a Patek Philippe Gondolo 4962/200R-001.
Now, I’m not saying it’s a perfect replica. It’s not. There are definitely some differences, and a real watch expert would be able to spot them in a second. But for a homemade project, I’m pretty proud of it. It’s a unique piece, and it’s something that I made with my own two hands. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll try to remake another classic, like the “Remake Patek Philippe PP Calatrava 5227R-001 Original order”. That one, it’s got that old-timey feel, you know? Or maybe even a “Remake Patek Philippe PP Calatrava 6119G-001”.
Anyway, that’s the story of my Patek Philippe Gondolo 4962/200R-001 remake. It was a fun and challenging project, and I learned a lot along the way. Maybe it’ll inspire some of you to try your hand at remaking a watch, too. Just remember, it’s not about making a perfect copy, it’s about the process and the satisfaction of creating something yourself.
Click to consult