Alright, so I’ve been messing around with this idea to remake the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse, specifically the 5738R model. You know, the one that’s all sleek and has that “golden ratio” thing going on. I’ve always been a bit of a watch nerd, and the Golden Ellipse, with its simple yet elegant design, just hits different.
First off, I started digging into what makes this watch tick. The design is based on the golden ratio, which is like 1 to 1.618 or something. Apparently, this ratio is a big deal in art and architecture, so that’s pretty cool. The watch itself is made of 18k rose gold – fancy, right? – and it’s got this minimalist look with just two hands. No extra bells and whistles, just pure class.
I then started sketching out the design. I grabbed some dimensions online – the case is about 39.5mm. It’s not huge, but it’s got presence. Drawing that elliptical shape was a bit tricky, it’s not just an oval, it’s got these “ears” that make it unique. I tried to get the proportions just right, keeping that golden ratio in mind.
Next up, I thought about the materials. I don’t have 18k rose gold lying around, so I opted for some modeling clay first. Just to get a feel for the shape and size. I rolled it out, shaped it, and tried to mimic that smooth, polished look of the real deal. It wasn’t perfect, but it gave me a good idea of how the watch would feel on the wrist.
- Sketching the design: Getting the dimensions and proportions right.
- Material practice: Using clay to model the watch case.
- Refining the shape: Making sure the “ears” and the overall elliptical form were on point.
After the clay model, I moved on to some digital design software. I’m no expert, but I know my way around a few programs. I started building a 3D model, focusing on getting those smooth curves and that elegant simplicity of the dial. The black dial on the 5738R is a stunner, so I spent a good chunk of time trying to replicate that virtually.
Once the digital model was looking decent, I thought about how to actually make this thing. 3D printing seemed like the next logical step. I don’t have a 3D printer, but a buddy of mine does. He helped me print out a prototype using some standard plastic filament. It wasn’t rose gold, but hey, it was a start.
Putting It All Together
Holding the 3D-printed model in my hand was pretty awesome. It wasn’t just a drawing or a digital image anymore; it was something tangible. I started thinking about how to add more details. Maybe some paint to simulate the rose gold look? Or even some foil? The dial was another challenge. I printed out a tiny black ellipse and stuck it on the model. It was starting to resemble the real thing, at least a little bit.
This whole process was a lot of trial and error. Some parts looked off, so I went back to the drawing board, tweaked the design, and tried again. It was a bit frustrating at times, but also super rewarding when things started to come together.
In the end, I managed to create a decent replica of the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R. It’s not perfect, and it’s definitely not made of 18k rose gold, but it captures the essence of the watch. The simple elegance, the golden ratio-inspired design, and that minimalist dial – it’s all there. It was a fun project, and I learned a ton about watch design and the effort that goes into making these tiny works of art.
I even started to appreciate the craftsmanship of the original even more. I mean, getting all those details right, using high-end materials, and assembling it with such precision – that’s some next-level stuff. My little project was just a tribute to that, a way to understand and appreciate the beauty of the Golden Ellipse on a whole new level.
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