Rolex · Day-Date 36
Strap for Day-Date 36 Yellow Gold Fluted / Oyster / Bull's Eye
Takes 20 mm straps. Verified lug width, the straps that fit this model, and answers to the most common questions.
Lug width
Straps for the Day-Date 36 118238-0420
Selected for the 20 mm lug width · workshop selection
Black Alligator Strap with Light Blue Edges€210
Black Alligator Strap with White Edges€210
Millenium Cognac Alligator Strap€270
Matte Blue Alligator Strap€270
Green Rubberized Alligator Strap with Ecru Tribal Stitching€185
The Day-Date 36 118238-0420, seen from the bench
Frequently asked questions
What is the lug width of the Rolex Day-Date 36 reference 118238-0420?
The Day-Date 36 reference 118238-0420 features a lug width of precisely 20 millimetres, measured from the inner edges of the spring bar attachment points. This dimension is model-specific and ensures compatibility with aftermarket straps specifically engineered for 20mm lugs.
Which strap material is ideal for the Day-Date 36 in yellow gold?
Black or brown alligator provides refined contrast and formal aesthetics. Vegetable-tanned calf develops a patina that ages in parallel with the gold. Shell cordovan in cognac or burgundy tones introduces natural luminosity. For summer wear, khaki canvas NATO or vulcanised rubber guarantee practicality without aesthetic compromise.
How do you change the strap on a Rolex Day-Date 36?
Obtain a spring bar removal tool in satin steel. Position the watch with the strap facing downward, insert the pointed tip beneath the metal pin attachment, apply gentle downward pressure until the internal spring releases, and remove the pin. Repeat on the opposite lug. Insert the new pins through the strap and into the case holes, pushing until you feel the spring mechanism reset.
Is an aftermarket 20mm strap truly compatible with the Day-Date 36 118238-0420?
Yes, completely. Any strap with a 20-millimetre lug width, manufactured to correct constructional standards, will fit with millimetre-level tolerances. Always verify the strap is explicitly labelled for 20mm lugs and that the supplier—such as Casati Milano—guarantees certified manufacturing quality.
How long does a natural leather strap last on a Day-Date 36 worn daily?
A quality alligator strap, worn daily under normal conditions, lasts typically 3–5 years. Vegetable-tanned calf, less resistant to moisture, has a lifespan of 2–4 years. Shell cordovan can last 4–6 years due to its density. Duration depends on perspiration, humidity, frequency of wear and preventative care. Casati Milano offers an 18-month guarantee against manufacturing defects.
The next step
The right strap isn't chosen. It is built, together.
From the atelier appointment to delivery, every step is made for those who know that things done well take time. Rare leathers, one piece at a time, eighteen months of warranty.
Request an appointment →Casati Milano · Via XX Settembre 15, Milan · by appointment only

