Technical Archive

Rolex
Day-Date 36 118208-0138— lug 20mm

Rolex Day-Date 36 118208-0138: 20mm strap. Alligator, box calf, shell cordovan and rubber, cut and stitched in Milano. Choose your leather.

Day-Date 36 Yellow Gold Domed / Oyster / Champagne MOP Computer

Artisanal Note

"This model requires a precise 20mm lug width to preserve the original sartorial balance."

Technical Specifications

Rolex 118208-0138
Lug Width
20 mm

The essential strap measurement.

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Reference

118208-0138

Movement

Rolex caliber 3155 Hours, Minutes, Seconds | Date, Day | Chronometer

The Heritage

The Rolex Day-Date 36 ref. 118208-0138 in 18k yellow gold represents the presidential watch standard since 1956, featuring the iconic Mercedes hands, applied hour indices, and solid gold President case. The 36mm diameter case houses the COSC-certified Rolex caliber 3155 with platinum oscillating weight and synthetic ruby impulse wheel, offering 100-meter water resistance. This model requires a 20mm lug width, a non-standard measurement fully supported by quality aftermarket production.

FAQ

What is the lug width of the Rolex Day-Date 36 118208-0138?

The Rolex Day-Date 36 reference 118208-0138 has a lug width of 20 mm. This measurement can be verified with a digital calliper by measuring the internal distance between the two lugs, with the case resting horizontally on a flat surface.

What is the best strap for the Rolex Day-Date 36 118208-0138?

For an 18-carat yellow gold case such as the Day-Date 36, the most suitable strap is a polished alligator in cognac, bordeaux or black tones. Alternatively, a shell cordovan in whisky or a vegetable-tanned calf leather strap will develop a personal patina over time while maintaining an elegant register.

How do you change the strap on a Rolex Day-Date 36?

The strap on the Rolex Day-Date 36 is removed using a spring bar tool inserted into the lug slots. It is advisable to rest the case on a protective cushion to avoid scratching the gold. The operation takes approximately five minutes and does not require a watchmaker.

Are there aftermarket straps compatible with the Rolex Day-Date 36 118208-0138?

Yes. The Day-Date 36 accepts any aftermarket strap with a 20 mm attachment and standard spring bars. Milanostraps.it offers a selection of handcrafted compatible straps in leather, rubber and textile, produced by Casati Milano using selected materials and hand-finished.

How long does a leather strap last on a Rolex Day-Date 36?

Longevity depends on the material and frequency of use. A quality alligator strap, with proper care and regular rotation, lasts between 3 and 5 years. Shell cordovan, thanks to its dense structure, can exceed 5 years. Vegetable-tanned calf leather straps have an average lifespan of 2 to 3 years, developing a distinctive patina in the process.

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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