Comparing Every Rolex Lume: Radium, Tritium, Super-LumiNova, and Chromalight

Rolex lume has changed dramatically over the decades. Early Rolex watches used radium paint, later models carried tritium lume, and by the late 1990s the brand had moved to Super-LumiNova. Today, Chromalight is the standard glow you’ll find on most new Rolex references. Each material has its own story—and for collectors, understanding lume is key to identifying a Rolex dial and appreciating its character.

Radium Lume on Early Rolex Watches

Rolex Submariner 6536 with radium lume. Image Source: Bachmann & Scher

In the early 20th century, Rolex used radium lume to give its dials constant glow. The material was applied directly to the hands and indices, making watches visible in darkness without external light. While radium Rolex dials remain historically fascinating, they’re also radioactive. If you own one, leave the case sealed and let professional watchmakers handle servicing.

Tritium Lume: The Vintage Standard

*Chef's Kiss* Image Source: Bob's Watches

From the 1960s until the late 1990s, Rolex lume meant tritium. Look at the six-o’clock text: “T SWISS T” or “SWISS – T < 25” signals a tritium dial. Unlike radium, tritium is far less radioactive and glows by itself, though it fades over time. Today, those once-bright indices have mellowed into warm creams and yellows—patina that vintage Rolex collectors actively seek out. A Submariner or GMT-Master with original tritium lume can carry huge aesthetic and market appeal.

Rolex Luminova and Super-LumiNova

In 1998, Rolex dropped radioactive lume altogether, switching first to Luminova and quickly to Super-LumiNova, both manufactured by Nemoto & Co. These compounds are photoluminescent: they charge under light and glow afterward. Unlike tritium, they don’t decay into patina, though brightness depends on application. Super-LumiNova Rolex dials glow green in low light, and you’ll find them on late-1990s and 2000s references across the lineup.

For quick ID: transitional Rolex dials marked “SWISS” alone often indicate Luminova (1998–1999), while “SWISS MADE” usually points to Super-LumiNova or later Chromalight.

Chromalight: The Modern Rolex Lume

Rolex Chromalight. Image Source: Millenary Watches

Chromalight debuted in 2008 on the Rolex Deepsea. Its bright blue glow set it apart from the green lume of earlier eras, and Rolex promoted its long-lasting visibility—ideal for a watch tested to 3,900 meters. Chromalight soon spread to the Submariner, Daytona, GMT-Master II, and Explorer. Today, most modern Rolex watches feature Chromalight lume as the standard.

Collectors still debate brightness: some argue green Super-LumiNova feels stronger to the eye, while others prefer the cleaner, cooler look of blue Chromalight. Application makes a difference too—wider indices or thicker plots mean more lume surface and better glow.

How to Identify Rolex Lume on Your Watch

- Radium: Found on pre-1960s Rolex dials. Continuous glow, radioactive, often shows “Swiss Made” without a “T.”

- Tritium: “T SWISS T” or “SWISS – T < 25” text at six o’clock. Warm patina is common.

- Luminova / Super-LumiNova: Post-1998. “SWISS” alone usually means Luminova; “SWISS MADE” typically means Super-LumiNova. Green glow.

- Chromalight: Introduced in 2008. “SWISS MADE” at six o’clock, distinct blue glow.

Keep in mind: service dials can replace older lume with modern Super-LumiNova or Chromalight, which changes both value and look.

Rolex Lume and Straps

Lume is functional, but it also influences how your watch feels day to day. If you want to echo the green of Super-LumiNova or the blue of Chromalight, Everest rubber straps come in matching tones and are designed to fit Rolex cases precisely. It’s a subtle way to tie strap and dial together.