Technical Archive

Rolex
Day-Date 36 118238-0420— lug 20mm

Rolex Day-Date 36 118238-0420: 20mm strap. Alligator, box calf, shell cordovan and rubber, cut and stitched in Milano. Choose your leather.

Day-Date 36 Yellow Gold Fluted / Oyster / Bull's Eye

Artisanal Note

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

Technical Specifications

Rolex 118238-0420
Lug Width
20 mm

The essential strap measurement.

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Reference

118238-0420

Movement

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

The Heritage

The Rolex Day-Date 36 in yellow gold (ref. 118238-0420) combines classic proportions established in 1956 with modern construction. The 36mm case houses the Rolex 3155 caliber with Chronometer certification, Chronergy escapement, and blue Parachrom balance wheel. The champagne dial displays date and day of week simultaneously in windows. Water resistance reaches 100 meters. The integrated Oyster bracelet features full gold links with a 20mm lug width, designed to balance the case diameter for optimal visual proportion.

FAQ

What is the lug width of the Rolex Day-Date 36 reference 118238-0420?

The Day-Date 36 reference 118238-0420 features a lug width of precisely 20 millimetres, measured from the inner edges of the spring bar attachment points. This dimension is model-specific and ensures compatibility with aftermarket straps specifically engineered for 20mm lugs.

Which strap material is ideal for the Day-Date 36 in yellow gold?

Black or brown alligator provides refined contrast and formal aesthetics. Vegetable-tanned calf develops a patina that ages in parallel with the gold. Shell cordovan in cognac or burgundy tones introduces natural luminosity. For summer wear, khaki canvas NATO or vulcanised rubber guarantee practicality without aesthetic compromise.

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

Obtain a spring bar removal tool in satin steel. Position the watch with the strap facing downward, insert the pointed tip beneath the metal pin attachment, apply gentle downward pressure until the internal spring releases, and remove the pin. Repeat on the opposite lug. Insert the new pins through the strap and into the case holes, pushing until you feel the spring mechanism reset.

Is an aftermarket 20mm strap truly compatible with the Day-Date 36 118238-0420?

Yes, completely. Any strap with a 20-millimetre lug width, manufactured to correct constructional standards, will fit with millimetre-level tolerances. Always verify the strap is explicitly labelled for 20mm lugs and that the supplier—such as Casati Milano—guarantees certified manufacturing quality.

How long does a natural leather strap last on a Day-Date 36 worn daily?

A quality alligator strap, worn daily under normal conditions, lasts typically 3–5 years. Vegetable-tanned calf, less resistant to moisture, has a lifespan of 2–4 years. Shell cordovan can last 4–6 years due to its density. Duration depends on perspiration, humidity, frequency of wear and preventative care. Casati Milano offers an 18-month guarantee 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.

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