Okay, so, I wanted to try remaking a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711, the original order, you know? I’ve always been fascinated by this watch, but the real thing is way out of my league. So I thought, why not give it a shot myself?
First, I started researching. I spent hours online, looking at pictures, reading articles, anything I could find about the 5711. I noticed that the authentic Patek Philippe watches have really crisp and evenly spaced printing, and no misspellings, obviously. Also, I learned that the real ones don’t have a visible tourbillon or balance wheels on the dial, except for the skeletonized models. And they use sapphire crystals, all the modern ones do.
Then, I began looking for parts. This was a real challenge, let me tell you. I found that there are serial numbers and reference numbers for these watches. They kinda work together to give you the full picture. The reference number tells you the exact model, the variation, the features. The serial number confirms its individuality and production details, like a fingerprint for the watch.
The waiting list for a real Patek Philippe is nuts. It depends on the collection and the model. For a Nautilus, you might be waiting up to 8 years. I heard for the Calatrava collection, it’s around a year. Crazy, right?
I wanted to get the look of the stainless steel 5711/1A-001, the one with the blue dial and the stainless steel bracelet. That’s the one they updated to the ref. 5711/1A-010 later on.
The dial color is a big deal. I read that it’s the first feature that’s easy to spot if you know what you’re looking for.
- Finding the dial: I looked everywhere, but finally found a blue dial, it is a good fake one.
- Getting the case and bracelet: I found a decent stainless steel case and bracelet, I can tell it is fake.
- The movement: I opted for a good movement, I made sure it worked smoothly.
Putting it all together was like a puzzle. I carefully assembled everything, using some basic tools I had. A premium watch authenticator said there are telltale signs of fake watches, and counterfeiters are getting more skilled. So, I tried to pay attention to the details, like the printing, the spacing, and the overall finish. Finally, I had my own version of the Nautilus 5711. It’s not perfect, but I’m pretty proud of it. It’s not a real Patek Philippe, but it looks good on my wrist, and it didn’t cost me a fortune.
It was a fun project. I learned a lot, and it gave me a new appreciation for watchmakers. It’s amazing how much work goes into making a real luxury watch. Maybe one day I’ll own a real one, but for now, I’m happy with my homemade homage.
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