Alright, let’s talk about my latest project – remaking the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R. This one’s a real beauty, and I wanted to see if I could capture that classic style.
I started off by gathering as much info as I could about this watch. I mean, this isn’t just any watch, it’s a Patek Philippe, so you know the quality is top-notch. The Golden Ellipse is famous for its unique shape and that stunning rose gold case. It’s based on the Golden Ratio, which is supposed to be this perfect proportion that’s pleasing to the eye. It’s a simple two-hand watch and looks real smooth.
First, I spent days studying the design. I looked at tons of pictures, read articles, just trying to get a feel for what makes this watch tick, you know? The original has this chain-style bracelet made up of over 300 tiny, hand-polished links. I’m not gonna lie, that part seemed daunting. But I was determined to give it a shot.
Next, I got to work on the case. Rose gold is a must, so I made sure to get the right material. Shaping it was a whole other challenge. It’s not just an oval; it’s this specific shape that follows the Golden Ratio. I spent hours getting it just right, using a few different tools. I wanted it to be perfect.
The dial was another big part of the project. The original has this beautiful ebony black sunburst dial. I tried to recreate that effect. I experimented with different materials and techniques, and finally landed on something that looked pretty close. The rose gold hands and index hour markers were the finishing touches. I made those separately and carefully placed them on the dial.
Bracelet Challenge
Now, about that bracelet. This was the hardest part, no doubt. The real one has 363 parts, including those 300+ links. I decided to simplify it a bit, but still wanted to capture that elegant, chain-style look. I ended up making fewer links, but each one still required a lot of time and effort to polish. Each of those over 300 little pieces needed to be just right. It was a ton of work, but when I finally put it all together, it looked amazing.
The original uses the automatic caliber 240, which is super thin, allowing the whole watch to be only 6 mm thick. I didn’t have one of those lying around, so I used a thin automatic movement that I had. It’s not the same, but it keeps the watch looking slim and elegant.
When it was all done, I stepped back and took a good look at what I’d made. It’s not a perfect replica, but I’m proud of it. It’s got that classic Golden Ellipse vibe, the rose gold case, the black dial, and that intricate bracelet. It’s a little piece of that Sixties, Seventies, and Eighties style, but it still feels totally modern, you know?
- Started by gathering information about the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R.
- Studied the design, focusing on the unique shape and rose gold case.
- Crafted the case, ensuring it followed the Golden Ratio.
- Recreated the ebony black sunburst dial and added rose gold hands and markers.
- Simplified the chain-style bracelet while maintaining its elegant look.
- Used a thin automatic movement to keep the watch slim.
- Finished the project and admired the classic yet modern style of the remake.
This project was a real labor of love. It took a lot of time, effort, and patience, but in the end, it was totally worth it. I learned a ton about watchmaking and got to recreate a true classic. Hope you all enjoyed this little journey as much as I did!
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