1977 was the first year for the 16013 and it ran until 1988. The 3035 is basically a high beat version of the previous single balance bridge 15XX movements. The 3135 that replaced the 3035 added four more jewels to 31 and added a full balance bridge. As a side note the 3035 balance hairspring is glued on to the balance cock stud where the 3135 is laser welded. I always get a kick out of people arguing back in fourth on the forums about this but I have yet to hear of the balance spring becoming unglued on any 3035.

I love the way you explain it!

I literally treated mine like a $20 G-Shock as far as how I wore, when/where I wore it, and how often I wore it and I just got it serviced by Rolex. Looks brand new and even before I got it serviced it was running like maybe +0.5spd. it's such a beautiful and timeless timepiece that isn't too flashy or pretentious imo. It is a gift from my late father that got it in 1989 right as they were shifting to the new model and movement. For better or worse he ended up getting the last of the 16013 with the acrylic crystal and 3035 movement but the matching ladies one my mom got was the newer model with the flat sapphire crystal. The only thing I would change would be the crystal because of how I wear the watch but now I have more watches so it won't be as abused... I am contemplating changing the bezel to a thicker aftermarket 18k gold one (my bezel is 14k) in order to accommodate a sapphire crystal but I'm on the fence about that modification

I have a blue dial one with sticks. Love it..

Just bought my first Rolex, a 1985 datejust 18kt 16013 with the gold dial in excellent condition. last week from Bobs watches. And I absolutely love it!!!

Just bought a blue dial w/i Romans 16013 and after many years of collecting find the 3035 to be absolutely one of the most outstanding movements Rolex has ever created. When serviced properly, these movements are 100% reliable and it’s really handy to have the quickset date as one of the most important improvements over the 15xx series movements. The other major improvement was the direct center second hand vs older indirect seconds using a friction spring which could affect balance wheel amplitude, among still other improvements.

Good review & run-down. I want to eventually get a Rolex from the year I was born.

i Can’t decide between a 1803 Day Date Vintage or a 16038 Date Just Two Tone… i heard that the DD have a loose bracelet and is sometimes beat up but it depends on the Condition, whats your opinion??

Never had a problem with my acrylic crystal...

a year later it's up almost whole rack