Okay, so, let me tell you about this little project I got myself into. I’ve always been a bit of a watch guy, but you know, those fancy ones are way out of my league. I saw this Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R and just thought, “Man, that’s a good-looking watch.” I mean, it’s simple, but in a really classy way. It’s rose gold, has this clean, uncluttered face, and the shape is, well, an ellipse.
So, I started to dig into what made this watch tick. The whole “Golden Ratio” thing really got me. Apparently, the shape and proportions of the watch are based on some ancient math principles that make it pleasing to the eye. I watched some videos and read a few articles, just to learn more about it. It’s a classic design, turns out it’s been around for 50 years!
Then it hit me – what if I could try to make something like this myself? Not the real deal, of course, but a little homage to the design. I started with sketching it out on paper. I tried to get the shape of the case right, the way the hands looked, and that simple, elegant dial. I spent hours staring at the pictures online and trying to sketch it properly.
After that, I started searching around for parts. I found some old watch movements in my drawer and started playing with them. I wanted to find something that wouldn’t be too thick. The 5738R is a pretty thin watch, so I wanted to get as close as possible. I also tried to find some materials that sort of looked like rose gold, though I ended up using some polished brass.
Next was the hands. I spent a lot of time trying to shape them from the thin metal sheet I found. It was tough! I used some old tools I had lying around, but it was tricky to get them just right. I wanted them to be simple, like the original, but also unique. I tried to do my best.
The dial was another challenge. I wanted to recreate that minimalist look. I tried a few different materials before settling on a piece of polished wood. It wasn’t perfect, but it gave it a warm, unique feel. Then I carefully painted on the hour markers, just like on the real 5738R.
Putting it all together was, let me tell you, a real test of patience. I spent days and nights just tinkering, adjusting, and trying to get everything to fit just right. There were definitely some frustrating moments, but I kept at it.
Finally, after a whole lot of work, I had something that resembled the Golden Ellipse 5738R. It’s definitely not a Patek Philippe, but it’s something I made with my own two hands. It’s got its flaws, for sure, but I’m still pretty proud of it.
- Started with: An idea and a lot of admiration for the original watch.
- Gathered: Sketches, old watch parts, brass, thin metal sheets, wood, and some basic tools.
- Worked on: Shaping the case, crafting the hands, creating the dial, and putting it all together.
- Ended up with: A handmade watch that’s a tribute to the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R.
My Own Golden Ellipse
It’s not perfect, but it’s mine. And every time I look at it, I remember the time and effort I put into making it. It’s a reminder that even if you can’t have the real thing, you can still create something beautiful and meaningful.