Technical Archive

Rolex
Datejust 31 178313-0072— lug 16mm

Rolex Datejust 31 178313-0072: 16mm strap. Alligator, box calf, shell cordovan and rubber, cut and stitched in Milano. Choose your leather.

Datejust 31 Rolesor Yellow  Fluted Diamond / Jubilee / Champagne Roman

Artisanal Note

"This model requires a precise 16mm lug width to preserve the original sartorial balance."

Technical Specifications

Rolex 178313-0072
Lug Width
16 mm

The essential strap measurement.

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Reference

178313-0072

Movement

Rolex caliber 2235 Hours, Minutes, Seconds | Date | Chronometer

The Heritage

The Rolex Datejust 31 model 178313-0072 belongs to one of watchmaking's most iconic lines. Introduced in 1945 as the first wristwatch to display the date in a window, the Datejust remains a hallmark of formal legibility. This 31mm version combines Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold with a fluted yellow gold bezel and champagne dial with Roman numerals. It houses the Rolex caliber 2235, an automatic movement with bidirectional winding, Parachrom balance wheel, and COSC chronometer certification. The Oyster case ensures water resistance to 100 meters. The lug width is 16mm.

FAQ

What is the lug width of the Rolex Datejust 31 178313-0072?

The Rolex Datejust 31 reference 178313-0072 features a 31mm case with a lug width of 16mm. This measurement can be verified by placing a digital calliper between the lugs with the strap removed.

What is the best strap for the Rolex Datejust 31 178313-0072?

For this two-tone Datejust 31 in Oystersteel and yellow gold, the most fitting choice is a 16mm alligator strap in vegetable-tanned leather or a shell cordovan strap. The natural grain of the reptile leather complements the fluted yellow gold bezel, while a deployant clasp balances the visual weight of the case.

How do you change the strap on a Rolex Datejust 31?

The strap on the Rolex Datejust 31 is secured via 16mm spring bars fitted into the case lugs. A pointed spring bar tool is sufficient to compress the bars and release the strap. It is advisable to work on a padded surface to avoid scratching the case.

Are there aftermarket straps compatible with the Rolex Datejust 31 178313-0072?

Yes. Any strap with a 16mm lug width and standard spring bars is compatible with the Datejust 31. Milano Straps offers a curated selection of handcrafted 16mm straps in alligator, calfskin, shell cordovan and other materials, with bespoke finishing by Casati Milano atelier.

How long does a leather strap last on a Rolex Datejust 31?

The lifespan of a leather strap depends on material quality and daily care. A high-grade vegetable-tanned alligator strap, used regularly but kept away from water, perfume and prolonged perspiration, will typically last between 2 and 5 years. Shell cordovan, owing to its dense fibre structure, generally offers superior longevity.

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.

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The atelier's website: casatimilano.com