Technical Archive

Rolex
Day-Date 36 118239-0144— lug 20mm

Rolex Day-Date 36 118239-0144: 20mm strap. Alligator, box calf, shell cordovan and rubber, cut and stitched in Milano. Choose your leather.

Day-Date 36 White Gold Fluted / President / Paved

Artisanal Note

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

Technical Specifications

Rolex 118239-0144
Lug Width
20 mm

The essential strap measurement.

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Reference

118239-0144

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 date and day of the week in full. It is equipped with the Rolex caliber 3155 automatic movement with chronometer certification and functions for hours, minutes, seconds, date and day. The case has a diameter of 36mm with 20mm lugs.

FAQ

What is the lug width of the Rolex Day-Date 36 reference 118239-0144?

The Rolex Day-Date 36 118239-0144 features 20mm lugs. This measurement represents the precise distance between the two metal attachment points on the case. A compatible strap must measure exactly 20mm in width to fit correctly within the lug seats and ensure zero lateral movement during wear.

Which strap material is best suited to the Day-Date 36 in white gold?

For a Day-Date 36 in white gold, the most appropriate materials are alligator (lively grain, medium brown) and vegetable-tanned calf leather. Medium brown alligator creates the most natural contrast with the precious case without commanding visual dominance. Vegetable-tanned calf develops a sandy patina over time, coherent with the watch's understated aesthetic. For formal evening wear, pure black (alligator or calf) maximises visual separation.

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

Strap replacement employs a spring bar tool that compresses the elastic metal pins securing the strap to the lugs. Remove the two pins from the previous strap, then align the new strap's holes with the pin ends, compress to lock in place. The procedure demands care to avoid scratching the white gold case. Professional execution via an authorised service centre is advisable if uncertain.

Is an aftermarket strap compatible with the Day-Date 36 reference 118239-0144?

Yes, any strap with a 20mm lug width is compatible with the Day-Date 36 118239-0144, provided it meets equivalent constructive precision. Artisanal-quality straps, fabricated in alligator, shell cordovan or calf leather, frequently offer aesthetic and finishing qualities superior to industrial alternatives whilst maintaining identical tolerances. Tanning quality and thickness control are critical variables for sustained performance.

What is the typical lifespan of a quality leather strap on a timepiece of this calibre?

A strap crafted from quality alligator or calf, employing vegano-mineral tanning and hand-sewn construction, typically endures 3–5 years of daily wear. Longevity depends on exposure to atmospheric agents (sunlight, humidity), frequency of use and preventive maintenance (drying after water contact, storage in dry conditions). The patina that develops is not deterioration but aesthetic enrichment of the material, signalling the leather's vitality.

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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