Technical Archive

Rolex
Day-Date 36 118238-0406— lug 20mm

Rolex Day-Date 36 118238-0406: 20mm strap. Alligator, box calf, shell cordovan and rubber, cut and stitched in Milano. Choose your leather.

Day-Date 36 Yellow Gold Fluted / President / MOP Paved

Artisanal Note

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

Technical Specifications

Rolex 118238-0406
Lug Width
20 mm

The essential strap measurement.

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Reference

118238-0406

Movement

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

The Heritage

The Day-Date was introduced in 1955 as the first wristwatch to display the day and date in full. It is equipped with the automatic caliber 3155 with official chronometer certification and functions of hour, minute, second, date and day of the week. The reference 118238-0406 features a 36mm yellow gold case with 20mm lugs.

FAQ

What is the lug width of the Rolex Day-Date 36 reference 118238-0406?

The lug width of the Rolex Day-Date 36 118238-0406 is 20 millimetres. This dimension is the factory standard for this model and is measured internally between the two attachment points on the case. Any aftermarket strap must respect this specification precisely to ensure proper seating and maintain the case's water resistance.

What is the best strap material for the Rolex Day-Date 36 in yellow gold?

Alligator leather remains the most aesthetically appropriate choice: its natural grain interacts with gold reflection without visual competition. Vegetable-tanned shell cordovan offers accelerated patina development and unique tactile qualities. Premium calf leather finished in fleur de lis represents the ideal compromise between timeless elegance and daily practicality, particularly when paired with a yellow gold deployante.

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

Replacing the lugs on a Day-Date 36 requires specific tools: a quality spring bar extractor tool and an illuminated, protected work surface. The lug pins must be extracted gently, perpendicular to the case, avoiding lateral movements that could damage them. This operation is strongly recommended to be performed by a certified watchmaker or specialist service such as Casati Milano to ensure precision and case integrity.

Is there a compatible aftermarket strap for the Rolex Day-Date 36 118238-0406?

Yes, quality aftermarket straps with 20mm lug width can be successfully paired with the Day-Date 36. Milano Straps offers a collection of artisan-crafted straps in alligator, shell cordovan, calf leather and natural rubber, all available in this dimension. Choosing a bespoke strap from Casati Milano allows you to personally select the leather in the atelier and follow production with an 18-month manufacturing warranty.

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

The lifespan of a leather strap depends on material quality and usage frequency. First-grade alligator or calf leather, vegetable-tanned and worn daily, maintains structural integrity for 3-5 years. Shell cordovan, owing to its density, can endure 5-7 years. Natural wear produces patina and progressive softening—characteristics prized by collectors. A Casati Milano strap includes an 18-month manufacturing warranty and can be regenerated or replaced at no additional cost upon warranty expiration.

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