Technical Archive

Rolex
Day-Date 36 118389-0101— lug 20mm

Rolex Day-Date 36 118389-0101: 20mm strap. Alligator, box calf, shell cordovan and rubber, cut and stitched in Milano. Choose your leather.

Day-Date 36 White Gold Diamonds / President Diamonds / Meteorite

Artisanal Note

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

Technical Specifications

Rolex 118389-0101
Lug Width
20 mm

The essential strap measurement.

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Reference

118389-0101

Movement

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

The Heritage

The Rolex Day-Date 36 118389-0101 in 18-carat white gold represents the pinnacle of the presidential collection, launched in 1956 as the first perpetual calendar watch with day-of-week display. The 36mm case maintains classic proportions with 12.1mm thickness and 20mm lug width, featuring the automatic caliber 3155 movement with Parachrom hairspring and COSC chronometer certification. The white gold dial displays applied gold hour markers, telemetric minute scale, date window at 3 o'clock, and day-of-week in Latin characters at 12 o'clock, with annual repetition function ensuring automatic date synchronization.

FAQ

What is the lug width of the Rolex Day-Date 36 118389-0101?

The lug width (ansa) of the Rolex Day-Date 36 118389-0101 is 20mm, measured centre-to-centre between the two attachment pins on the case. This dimension is standard for all President-line Day-Date models and guarantees perfect compatibility with straps calibrated to this specification.

What is the best strap for the Day-Date 36 118389-0101 in white gold?

For the 118389-0101 in white gold, alligator leather with vegetable tanning represents the classical choice: the reptile's natural grain does not compete with gold's lustre, but emphasises it. Shell cordovan is the alternative for those seeking tactile density and natural lustre. Satin-finished calf leather is the modern solution for constructive coherence and durability.

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

The strap is removed using a spring bar tool, positioning the forked end on the pin's lateral groove and gently pressing downward. The internal spring releases and the pin disengages from the case. Insert the new strap by sliding the pin through the lugs until it locks into place with an audible click.

Can an aftermarket compatible strap be used on the Rolex Day-Date 36 118389-0101?

Yes, any strap calibrated to a 20mm lug width is mechanically compatible with the 118389-0101. For aesthetic coherence and longevity, we recommend superior leather quality (alligator, shell cordovan) and finishes that dialogue with white gold, such as deployante clasps in precious metal.

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

A high-quality leather strap (alligator or cordovan with vegetable tanning) on a Rolex Day-Date 36 under moderate use typically lasts 3-5 years. Durability depends on humidity exposure, frequency of use and maintenance. Casati Milano guarantees 18 months against manufacturing defects; beyond this period, natural leather wear is predictable.

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