Okay, here we go, let’s talk about how I got my hands dirty remaking the Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100G-010, especially for specialty stores.
It all started when I got really into the history of the Gondolo. Turns out, this watch was named after a big-shot retailer in Rio de Janeiro, Gondolo & Labouriau. They were tight with Patek Philippe from 1872 to 1927. I mean, these watches are super rare and go for a boatload of money at auctions.
So, I dug deeper, reading up on everything I could find about spotting fakes. There was this one article from May 29, 2024, that was pretty detailed. I also stumbled upon some posts from way back in November 2021 about weird features on non-skeleton watches that are dead giveaways.
With all this info in my head, I started sketching out the design, paying super close attention to the details that make a real Patek Philippe stand out. I wanted to get the look and feel just right, especially since this was a special edition for certain stores. It was a real challenge, trying to match the craftsmanship of those old-time watchmakers.
- First, I worked on getting the case shape perfect. It’s not just any old rectangle; it’s got these subtle curves that are tricky to replicate.
- Then, I focused on the dial. The Gondolo 7042/100G-010 has this beautiful, intricate design that I spent hours trying to recreate.
- Next up was the movement. Now, I’m no watchmaker, but I tried my best to understand how it all works and looks. This was the hardest part, to be honest.
I went through a bunch of prototypes, each time tweaking things a little bit more. I compared my work to the real deal, using all the tips I had picked up. It was a slow process, but I was determined to get it as close as possible.
In the end, I think I did a pretty decent job. It’s not perfect, but it captures the spirit of the Gondolo 7042/100G-010. And hey, it was a blast learning so much about these incredible watches and the history behind them. Plus, now I can spot a fake Patek Philippe from a mile away!
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