When buying a car, the exterior matters a lot to a customer.

What color is it? Are there any scratches or dents? Those are important questions, but more important is the condition of the interior.

Does it smell? What features are on the dashboard? Is there enough storage room for a big grocery trip?

Beyond that, it’s always good to take a look “under the hood” to make sure everything looks like it’s in working order. It also gives a greater appreciation for how the vehicle runs — thousands of tiny parts working in unison so you can get from point A to point B quickly and safely.

This week, we’re going to dive right back into the Rolex 3035 Date, so here’s a look “under the hood,” so to speak, of the Rolex 3035 Date.


Here’s a Rolex 3035 date with the dial removed. The arrow shows the quick set wheel.


Here’s the date trip arm with jewel shown. This is a tricky part of this model since the date jewel needs to be removed and reinstalled after cleaning.


The date drive wheel and top nut installed in this photo. Getting this wheel in place along with keeping the lever and jewel in the proper position is the difficult part of this Rolex model


This is a finished date with date ring installed, ready for the dial and hands to be installed.



CHARLEY PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Charley’s favorite place in the summer is under the desk in the workshop. She’s not too far away from the pretzels, can stay cool in the air conditioning and is safe from any loud booms from fireworks.