Strap for Day-Date 36 Yellow Gold Diamonds / President / Meteorite

The Rolex Day-Date 36 reference 118348-0022 is fitted with exactly 20 millimetres lug width. This measurement is critical to ensure correct compatibility between the strap and the case lugs. A strap of different width (18mm or 22mm, for example) would not insert properly and could risk damaging the lugs or creating dangerous play. The measurement should be taken from the inner edge of one lug to the inner edge of the other, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the case.

For a yellow gold 118348-0022, we recommend primarily leather straps in alligator or calf with smooth fine-grain finishes: the colour palette of dark brown (cognac, chocolate) or black represents the traditional pairing. Alligator develops a noble patina that ages magnificently and enhances the golden tone of the case. Vegetable-tanned calf is a more accessible alternative that nevertheless demonstrates elevated construction sophistication. Steel straps are discouraged, as they would create chromatic dissonance with the yellow gold.

Strap replacement requires the use of a specific tool: a spring bar tool. Position the watch on a stable, well-lit surface. Insert the flat end of the tool into the thin lateral hole of the original strap pin, gently push downward to retract the internal spring, then extract the pin. Repeat for the other side. Insert the new strap by aligning the lugs to the case holes, reinsert the pins and verify they are fully secured. This operation should be performed carefully to avoid scratching the case: experienced collectors prefer to entrust this task to certified watchmakers.

Yes, provided the lug width is exactly 20 millimetres. A high-quality aftermarket strap—such as those handcrafted in shell cordovan or alligator—represents a completely legitimate choice and often preferable, as it allows aesthetic personalisation impossible with OEM Rolex straps. What matters is that the strap be manufactured to precise tolerances: an approximate width or deformed lug can cause accelerated wear to the pins or case itself.

A premium leather strap—alligator, calf, vegetable-tanned—typically lasts between 3 to 5 years of daily wear, with variability depending on wrist friction, exposure to moisture and perspiration, and leather quality itself. Alligator, being denser and more resilient, tends toward the upper end of this range. Correct maintenance—regular drying, protection from humid environments, occasional conditioning with neutral oils—significantly prolongs functional life. Casati Milano straps, produced with vegetable-tanned leather, carry an 18-month warranty against manufacturing defects and can be refurbished or replaced after natural wear.