Rolex
Datejust 31 178343-0043— lug 16mm
Rolex Datejust 31 178343-0043: 16mm strap. Alligator, box calf, shell cordovan and rubber, cut and stitched in Milano. Choose your leather.
Artisanal Note
"This model requires a precise 16mm lug width to preserve the original sartorial balance."
Technical Specifications
Rolex 178343-0043The essential strap measurement.
Browse 16mm straps →178343-0043
Rolex caliber 2235 Hours, Minutes, Seconds | Date | Chronometer
The Heritage
Compatible Straps
Selected for the 16mm lug width of the Datejust 31
FAQ
What is the lug width of the Rolex Datejust 31 ref. 178343-0043?
The Rolex Datejust 31 ref. 178343-0043 features a lug width of 16mm. This dimension is fixed at manufacture and is measured internally between the lug shoulders, at the spring bar seat. It is specific to the Datejust 31 family and requires aftermarket straps cut precisely to 16mm to ensure correct fitment and a visually seamless transition from case to strap.
What is the best strap for the Rolex Datejust 31 178343-0043?
Given the two-tone Oystersteel and 18-carat yellow gold case (Rolesor), the most suitable materials are alligator leather in a glossy finish for formal use, and vegetable-tanned calf or shell cordovan for everyday wear. The belly-cut alligator grain complements the gold without overpowering it. For sporting contexts, a vulcanised rubber strap takes full advantage of the 100-metre Oyster waterproofing. A deployant clasp reduces leather stress and ensures a symmetrical fit on the wrist.
How do you change the strap on a Rolex Datejust 31?
To replace the strap on the Datejust 31, the 16mm spring bars must be removed using a dedicated spring bar tool or a fine-tipped pusher, applying gentle leverage in the lug notch. Care must be taken to avoid scratching the yellow gold or steel surfaces. It is advisable to have the first strap change performed by a watchmaker or authorised retailer. Straps fitted with a quick-release spring bar system offer a tool-free alternative.
Are there aftermarket straps compatible with the Rolex Datejust 31 ref. 178343-0043?
Yes. The Datejust 31 ref. 178343-0043 accepts any strap with a 16mm lug width manufactured to correct tolerances. Milano Straps offers a curated selection of handcrafted leather, rubber and fabric straps specifically filtered for the 16mm size, compatible with Rolex standard 1.8mm-diameter spring bars. Casati Milano bespoke straps are finished with end-piece profiling tailored to the Datejust lug geometry.
How long does a leather strap last on a Rolex Datejust 31?
Longevity depends on material and usage. A quality alligator strap with regular daily wear retains structural and aesthetic integrity for 2–4 years; vegetable-tanned calf typically lasts 1–3 years, developing a distinctive patina over time. Shell cordovan, owing to the dense fibre structure of the equine rump, frequently exceeds 4 years. Prolonged moisture exposure is the primary cause of deterioration: remove the strap in aquatic environments even though the Rolex case is waterproof. Casati Milano straps carry an 18-month warranty 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 →By appointment only · Milan
The atelier's website: casatimilano.com