Technical Archive

Rolex
Day-Date 36 118346-0032— lug 20mm

Rolex Day-Date 36 118346-0032: 20mm strap. Alligator, box calf, shell cordovan and rubber, cut and stitched in Milano. Choose your leather.

Day-Date 36 Platinum Diamonds / President Diamonds / Ice Blue Computer

Artisanal Note

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

Technical Specifications

Rolex 118346-0032
Lug Width
20 mm

The essential strap measurement.

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Reference

118346-0032

Movement

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

The Heritage

The Rolex Day-Date 36 118346-0032 in 950 platinum represents the contemporary evolution of the presidential watch launched in 1956. It features a 36.00mm case diameter with a champagne dial, baton indices and polished bezel. The movement is the COSC-certified caliber 3155 with silicon escape wheel, Breguet paramagnetic hairspring and instantaneous date mechanism. The lug width is precisely 20mm, calculated to match the case proportions and integrated deployante depth for optimal aesthetic and functional balance.

FAQ

What is the exact lug width of the Rolex Day-Date 36 118346-0032?

The lug width (misura ansa) is precisely 20mm. This measurement is specific to Day-Date 36 models of this generation and is critical to ensure seamless compatibility between the case and strap. Alternative widths would compromise both aesthetic and functional integrity.

Which strap material is recommended for a platinum Day-Date 36?

Alligator is the natural choice for platinum: its regular grain pattern and inherent lustre complement the polished case surfaces, creating visual and tactile harmony. Vegetable-tanned calf offers a richer patina development; shell cordovan provides structural body without added weight. Selection depends on context: alligator for pure elegance, calf for aesthetic evolution, cordovan for everyday reliability.

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

Strap replacement requires a spring bar tool and careful technique: position the watch with lugs facing upward, insert the tool's bifurcated tip beneath the internal spring mechanism, lift with controlled pressure until the spring disengages from the case hole. Remove the old strap, align the new one to the metal lugs, reinsert the spring bars—verifying secure seating on both sides. Avoid impact against hard surfaces; professional replacement at a specialised atelier is recommended.

Are aftermarket straps compatible with the 118346-0032?

Any strap with 20mm lug width is theoretically compatible, provided construction quality meets rigorous standards. Milano Straps curates selections in alligator, calf, cordovan and technical rubber, each tested for fit, elasticity and material resilience. Our Casati Milano atelier enables complete customisation, allowing you to oversee every manufacturing stage.

What is the typical lifespan of a leather strap on a Rolex Day-Date 36?

Durability depends on usage frequency and material selection. Quality alligator achieves 3–5 years under controlled wear; vegetable-tanned calf sustains 2–4 years whilst developing desirable patina; shell cordovan, through structural rigidity, exceeds 5–6 years even with intensive use. Climate, humidity and exposure to chemicals (perfumes, perspiration) are critical factors. Casati Milano provides 18-month warranty on manufacturing defects and recommends annual maintenance cycles to extend strap lifespan.

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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