Technical Archive

Rolex
Day-Date 36 118238-0116— lug 20mm

Rolex Day-Date 36 118238-0116: 20mm strap. Alligator, box calf, shell cordovan and rubber, cut and stitched in Milano. Choose your leather.

Day-Date 36 Yellow Gold Fluted / President / Champagne Diamonds

Artisanal Note

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

Technical Specifications

Rolex 118238-0116
Lug Width
20 mm

The essential strap measurement.

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Reference

118238-0116

Movement

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

The Heritage

The Rolex Day-Date 36 118238-0116 is a formal dress watch introduced in 1956 as the first automatic chronograph displaying date and day simultaneously. This 36mm yellow gold case model features a deep blue dial with applied gold indices and the Rolex Caliber 3155 movement with 42 jewels and chronometer certification. The 20mm lug width is specific to this model and determines aftermarket strap compatibility precisely; the measurement is taken as the internal distance between the two lugs without tolerance.

FAQ

What is the lug width of the Rolex Day-Date 36 118238-0116?

The lug width of the Rolex Day-Date 36 118238-0116 is precisely 20mm. This measurement represents the internal distance between the two spring bar pins protruding from the case and determines compatibility with straps. It is essential to measure correctly, excluding the pin diameter itself, to avoid ordering errors.

Which strap is most suitable for the Rolex Day-Date 36 in yellow gold?

For the Day-Date 36 118238-0116 in yellow gold, black or burgundy alligator represents the formal choice par excellence. Dark brown shell cordovan is an alternative of extraordinary quality with remarkable patina development. Cognac vegetable-tanned calf offers sophisticated dynamics for less formal contexts. We advise against rubber or NATO straps for this model, which requires absolute aesthetic sobriety.

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

Changing the strap on the Day-Date 36 118238-0116 requires a professional spring bar tool to extract the pins from their seats. It is advisable to have the operation performed by a qualified watchmaker to avoid damage to the gold case or contact points. Casati Milano offers professional mounting service for artisanal 20mm straps.

Is an aftermarket 20mm strap genuinely compatible with the 118238-0116?

Yes, any strap with a 20mm lug width is technically compatible with the Day-Date 36 118238-0116. However, technical compatibility does not guarantee aesthetic appropriateness: the model requires sober materials and tones. Always verify the precise measurement with your watchmaker before ordering to exclude constructive variations.

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

The lifespan of a leather strap depends on the material: alligator and shell cordovan resist 4-6 years with daily use thanks to fibre density; smooth calf has longevity of 2-3 years in intensive contexts. Casati Milano provides an 18-month guarantee on manufacturing defects and advises periodic leather conditioning to preserve elasticity.

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