Technical Archive

Rolex
Datejust 31 178343-0015— lug 16mm

Rolex Datejust 31 178343-0015: 16mm strap. Alligator, box calf, shell cordovan and rubber, cut and stitched in Milano. Choose your leather.

Datejust 31 Rolesor Yellow Domed Diamond / Jubilee / MOP Roman

Artisanal Note

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

Technical Specifications

Rolex 178343-0015
Lug Width
16 mm

The essential strap measurement.

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Reference

178343-0015

Movement

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

The Heritage

The Datejust 31 represents the female version of the Rolex Datejust collection, characterized by a 31mm case. It features the automatic Caliber 2235 with hours, minutes, seconds and date functions, certified as a chronometer. The lugs measure 16mm in width.

FAQ

What is the lug width of the Rolex Datejust 31 178343-0015?

The Rolex Datejust 31 reference 178343-0015 has a lug width of 16 mm. This measurement is taken with a digital calliper on the inner side of the lugs at their narrowest point, closest to the case. It is a dimension specific to this 31 mm format and determines compatibility with any aftermarket strap.

What is the best strap for the Rolex Datejust 31 178343-0015?

For the Datejust 31 178343-0015 in Rolesor with a mother-of-pearl dial, a vegetable-tanned alligator strap is the most technically and aesthetically coherent choice: the scale texture complements the dial's iridescence without overpowering it. Shell cordovan and box-calf leather are valid alternatives for those who prefer a smoother profile. A deployant clasp in steel or yellow gold completes the pairing while reducing mechanical stress on the leather.

How do you change the strap on a Rolex Datejust 31 178343-0015?

Replacing the strap on the Datejust 31 requires a fine-tip springbar tool to compress the spring bars within the lugs. It is advisable to work on a soft surface to protect the caseback and crystal. Original Rolex spring bars have specific dimensions: when replacing them with aftermarket bars, always verify dimensional compatibility before fitting a 16 mm strap.

Are there aftermarket straps compatible with the Rolex Datejust 31 178343-0015?

Yes. Any strap with a 16 mm lug width is technically compatible with the Datejust 31 178343-0015. Milano Straps produces and sells handcrafted straps in this width across various materials — alligator, calf leather, shell cordovan, rubber — with customisable tapering and a choice of buckle or deployant clasp. Compatibility is guaranteed by the lug width, regardless of the manufacturer.

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

The lifespan of a leather strap depends on the material, tanning quality and conditions of use. A quality vegetable-tanned alligator strap, with ordinary care, maintains structural and aesthetic integrity for 3 to 5 years of daily wear. Shell cordovan, owing to its dense fibre structure, tends to last longer and develops a distinguished patina over time. Prolonged exposure to water and perspiration accelerates deterioration: for sporting or summer use, alternating with a rubber or NATO strap is advisable.

The next step

The right strap isn’t chosen. It is built, together.

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