Technical Archive

Rolex
Datejust 31 278274-0020— lug 16mm

Rolex Datejust 31 278274-0020: 16mm strap. Alligator, box calf, shell cordovan and rubber, cut and stitched in Milano. Choose your leather.

Datejust 31 Stainless Steel Fluted / Jubilee / Pink - Roman

Artisanal Note

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

Technical Specifications

Rolex 278274-0020
Lug Width
16 mm

The essential strap measurement.

Browse 16mm straps →
Reference

278274-0020

Movement

Rolex caliber 2236 Hours, Minutes, Seconds | Date | Chronometer

The Heritage

The Rolex Datejust 31 ref. 278274-0020 combines stainless steel 904L Oystersteel with 18-karat white gold in white Rolesor construction. The 31mm case features a diamond-set dial and white gold fluted bezel, powered by the caliber 2236 automatic movement with COSC chronometer certification and ±2 seconds per day precision. Lug width measures 16mm, requiring specifically made straps with calibrated taper and proportioned passthrough.

FAQ

What is the lug width of the Rolex Datejust 31 278274-0020?

The Rolex Datejust 31 reference 278274-0020 has a lug width of 16mm. This measurement should be taken with a digital calliper positioned between the lugs at the strap attachment point, not along the external case length. This is a specific dimension requiring straps manufactured to 16mm specifications to ensure correct fitting and proportionally coherent aesthetics.

What is the best strap for the Rolex Datejust 31 278274-0020?

For the Datejust 31 278274-0020 in white Rolesor, a glossy alligator strap (midnight blue, slate grey or ivory white) offers the most coherent pairing with the diamond-set bezel's jewellery register. Vegetable-tanned calf leather is preferable for everyday use, while shell cordovan offers superior surface compactness and durability. A steel or 18-carat white gold buckle or deployant clasp completes the combination, echoing the original case metals.

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

To replace the strap on a Datejust 31, the spring bars connecting the strap to the case lugs must be removed. A dedicated springbar tool with a fine tip is inserted into the hole on the lug to compress the spring and release the bar. Care must be taken to avoid scratching the white gold lugs or the steel case. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a watchmaker or specialist atelier.

Are there aftermarket straps compatible with the Rolex Datejust 31 278274-0020?

Yes, high-quality aftermarket straps compatible with the Datejust 31 278274-0020 are available. It is essential that the attachment width is exactly 16mm and that the spring bars are standard 1.5mm diameter. Milano Straps offers a selection of 16mm straps in alligator, calf leather, shell cordovan, rubber and nylon, crafted to fit the Oyster lug profile of this reference.

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

The lifespan of a leather strap depends on the material, care and frequency of use. A quality alligator strap, kept away from water and intense perspiration, can last between 3 and 5 years while retaining an excellent appearance. Vegetable-tanned calf develops a patina over time but is more susceptible to moisture. Shell cordovan, owing to its compact structure, offers the greatest resistance to deformation. Rotating between two straps significantly extends the life of both.

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