Alright, today I’m gonna show you guys how I remade a Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100R-010. I’ve been wanting to try this for a while, and I finally got around to it. This watch is a classic style, and it’s a pretty popular model. So I figured, why not give it a shot?
First things first, I started by gathering all the materials I needed. I already had a pretty good collection of watch parts, but I needed a few specific things for this project. I found a dealer online that had the 7042/100R movement and a decent-looking case, which is not too bad. I also ordered some new hands and a dial that looked close enough to the original. It took a couple of weeks for everything to arrive, but once it did, I was ready to get to work.
I began by taking apart the donor watch I was using for the case and movement. This was a bit tricky because I didn’t want to damage anything. I used a bunch of small tools and made sure to keep everything organized. Once I had the movement out, I cleaned it carefully. This old thing had a bit of gunk in it, so I used some special cleaning solution to get it looking shiny and new.
Assembling the Watch
With the movement cleaned, I moved on to the dial and hands. I wanted to make sure the new dial fit perfectly, so I used a pair of calipers to measure everything out. I carefully attached the dial to the movement and then added the hands. This part was super fiddly, but I got it done eventually. It’s always a pain to get those tiny hands in the right place, but I took my time, and it paid off.
Next, I put the whole assembly into the new case. I had to do a little bit of filing to make sure everything fit just right. The case I got was pretty good, but it wasn’t perfect. After a few adjustments, the movement and dial fit snugly into the case. Then I added the crystal and secured it in place. I made sure it was nice and tight so no dust or water could get in.
- Cleaning the Movement: Use a soft brush to get the grime off.
- Fitting the Dial: Measure twice, attach once.
- Placing the Hands: Take your time and use tweezers.
- Securing the Case: Make sure everything fits snugly.
Testing and Finishing
After everything was assembled, I tested the watch to make sure it was working properly. I wound it up and let it run for a few hours. I was pretty stoked that it kept time perfectly. This was a huge relief because sometimes these old movements can be a real pain. I also checked all the functions, like the date and the power reserve, and they all worked great.
Finally, I gave the watch a good polish to make it look as good as new. I used a soft cloth and some polishing compound to get the case shining. Then I put on a new leather strap that I thought matched the style of the watch. It took a bit of time to break in the strap, but once I did, it looked perfect.
Overall, I’m pretty happy with how this project turned out. It was a lot of work, but it was definitely worth it. I’ve always loved the look of the Gondolo 7042/100R-010, and now I have one that I made myself. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine, and that’s what counts. If you’re thinking about trying something like this, I say go for it. It’s a great way to learn more about watches and have some fun at the same time.
I hope this was interesting for you guys. Let me know if you have any questions or if you want to see more of my projects. I’ve got a few more in the works, and I’m always looking for new ideas. Thanks for reading, and I’ll catch you in the next one!
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