Rolex used radium-based luminous compound through approximately 1963, then transitioned to tritium (marked 'T' or 'T Swiss T' on the dial) until 1998, then Luminova (marked 'Swiss'), and now Super-LumiNova (marked 'Swiss Made'). Hands and dial luminous must match—a tritium dial with Luminova hands is a service replacement. Original radium hands often burn out completely and turn dark brown; original tritium hands develop cream to mustard patina that ideally matches the dial's plots. Mercedes-hand geometry also evolved (early 'gilt' hands with painted circles vs later hollow-cutout hands).
← The Rolex Directory
Movement parts
Hands & Luminous Compounds
Radium, tritium, Luminova, Super-LumiNova—each era has its correct hands.