Okay, so the other day, I decided to try my hand at making a high-end replica of a Rolex Two-tone Blue Submariner, the “original order” type. Let me tell you, it was quite the journey.
First off, I started by gathering all the materials. I needed to find high-quality stainless steel and some gold plating that wouldn’t look cheap. I spent hours online, looking at different suppliers, comparing prices and quality. I felt like I was becoming an expert on metal grades. I’m not gonna lie; it was a bit overwhelming, but I was determined to make this watch look as close to the real deal as possible.
Sourcing the Materials
- Stainless Steel: After much searching, I finally settled on a supplier who provided the right grade of stainless steel. I wanted something that wouldn’t rust or tarnish easily. I’m sure I paid a bit more than I needed to, but hey, quality is key, right?
- Gold Plating: This was trickier. I found a few places that offered gold plating services, but I needed to make sure the color was just right. Too yellow or too pale, and it would be a dead giveaway. Eventually, I found a place that did a pretty decent job.
Once I had all the materials, the real work began. I started by disassembling a cheap Submariner knock-off I bought online. I figured it would be good practice before I started working with the good stuff. I carefully took apart each piece, taking notes and photos along the way. I needed to know exactly how everything fit together so I could replicate it later.
Next, I began crafting the new watch case. I used the stainless steel I bought and carefully shaped it to match the original Submariner design. This was a slow and meticulous process. I spent hours filing and polishing, trying to get every curve and edge just right. I must have redone the bezel at least three times. Each time, it wasn’t quite perfect, so I’d start over.
Assembling the Watch
Putting the watch together was like solving a complex puzzle. I carefully placed each component, making sure everything aligned perfectly. The hands were especially tricky. I wanted them to be just the right length and shape, not overlapping the minute markers. I remember seeing somewhere that the length of the hands is a common way to spot a fake. I probably spent an entire afternoon just working on the hands.
The dial was another challenge. I wanted that iconic blue color, but I also needed to make sure the text and markers were crisp and clear. I tried a few different techniques before I found one that worked. I ended up using a combination of paint and a special coating to give it that glossy finish.
Finally, after weeks of work, the watch was complete. I held it in my hand, admiring my handiwork. It wasn’t perfect, but it was pretty darn close. I even wore it around for a few days, just to see how it felt. I’m not going to lie; it felt pretty good to wear something I had made myself.
In the end, I learned a lot about watchmaking and a lot about myself. It was a challenging but rewarding experience. Would I do it again? Maybe. But for now, I’m just happy to have this one-of-a-kind piece as a reminder of what I can accomplish with a little bit of patience and a lot of hard work.
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