Vintage Rolex service and restoration.
Expert Rolex Service & Restoration in Adelaide, South Australia
At R. McMahon Watchmakers, we offer specialist Rolex service, restoration, and vintage preservation from our fully equipped workshop in Adelaide, South Australia. With more than 35 years of professional horological experience, our centre is recognised both locally and internationally for high-level Rolex expertise.
Independent, Qualified Rolex Specialist Centre
As a fully independent Rolex restoration specialist, we are not affiliated with authorised factory service centres. Our independence allows us to:
Undertake restoration beyond standard factory scope
Manufacture obsolete or discontinued components in-house
Apply historically sympathetic restoration methods tailored to each watch
Focus on collectability, longevity, and mechanical integrity rather than generic servicing
Richard McMahon, our Master Watchmaker, has been officially referred vintage Rolex restoration work by Rolex UK (St James’s Square, London) during his professional career. This rare level of international trust and certification sets our workshop apart in Australia. R.McMahon Watchmakers
What We Service
We specialise in both vintage and modern Rolex models (up to 2015), including:
Rolex Submariner
Rolex GMT-Master & GMT-Master II
Rolex Explorer
Rolex Datejust
Rolex Sea-Dweller
Early Oyster models
Rolex Prince and other historically significant references
Our focus remains on mechanical Rolex timepieces and historically important models that require expert hands—not general repair workshops. R.McMahon Watchmakers
In-House Restoration & Precision Manufacturing
We operate one of the most comprehensive Rolex service and restoration centres in Australia, equipped with:
Genuine vintage Rolex part inventory
CNC micro-machining and traditional horological tools
Capability to hand-manufacture components no longer available from manufacturers
GPS-calibrated timing and diagnostic equipment for precision regulation
Where original Rolex parts are unavailable, we manufacture components such as balance staffs, winding stems, wheels, and pinions internally—ensuring authenticity and mechanical integrity.
Service Approach & Warranty
Our services prioritise:
Historically correct restoration methods for vintage Rolex
Sympathetic conservation of original finishes and mechanical character
Transparent quotes and assessments
A 24-month warranty on Rolex and Omega restoration services
Typical service times vary with complexity, and final timelines are confirmed after inspection.
Trusted by Collectors
Serious watch collectors from Australia and overseas regularly entrust us with their Rolex timepieces, including highly collectible Submariner, GMT, and Prince models. Many clients have returned with watches first serviced by us overseas. R.McMahon Watchmakers
Appointment & Contact
All Rolex servicing and restoration work is performed by appointment only at our Tonsley Innovation District workshop in Adelaide. Please contact us to arrange an appointment, quote, or detailed discussion about your Rolex. R.McMahon Watchmakers
Frequently Asked Questions – Rolex Service & Restoration.
Should I service my Rolex at an authorised service centre or an independent specialist?
Both options are valid, depending on the watch and the owner’s priorities. Authorised service centres follow current factory specifications, which may not always be appropriate for vintage or historically significant Rolex watches. An experienced independent Rolex specialist can offer a more sympathetic approach, focusing on mechanical longevity, originality, and preservation rather than replacement. A restoration carried out by an experienced watch restorer in Switzerland and Australia is no different. The advantage of local restoration is the actual watchmaker working on your collectable is personally doing the restoration. Sending watches to service centres we know from experience the centre it goes to, and the experience of the watchmaker is a complete unknown. It’s a trust decision, not right or wrong.
Do you service vintage Rolex watches in Adelaide?
Yes. We specialise in the service and restoration of vintage Rolex watches in Adelaide, including early Oyster models and historically important references. Vintage Rolex watches often require specialist handling, discontinued parts expertise, and conservation-focused methods that go beyond standard modern servicing. Richard McMahon was trusted as an expert independent restorer by Rolex in London, restoring Prince, Bubble Back and sports models Rolex no longer supported at that time.
What is the difference between Rolex service and Rolex restoration?
Rolex servicing generally refers to mechanical maintenance such as movement overhaul, cleaning, lubrication, and regulation. Rolex restoration may involve additional work, including conservation of original components, repair or manufacture of obsolete parts, and careful assessment of case and dial originality. Restoration is typically undertaken when preserving historical integrity is a priority. Sometimes the mainplate or automatic sections are worn and require custom oversized hand made parts to correct wear. This is an accepted and unavoidable option used by any professional restorer, whether independent or a certified in-house restoration facility.
Do you manufacture discontinued or obsolete Rolex parts?
Where original parts are no longer available, we can manufacture certain components in-house to original specification. This capability is particularly important for vintage Rolex watches, where replacement parts may be unavailable or unsuitable. All work is assessed on a case-by-case basis. This is an accepted restoration technique, and given no other option, it is either cannibalise another watch (Really not practicle when dealing with rare vintage pieces), or have a watch that is not operational. It’s a case of either restore, or put it back in the drawer. Richard McMahon has a long history of manufacturing discontinued parts and this was the case during his time in London as a preferred Rolex restoration expert in Piccadilly.
Will my vintage Rolex be polished during service?
Polishing is not automatic. Many collectors prefer original case finishes to be preserved, particularly on vintage Rolex watches. Any cosmetic work is discussed in advance, and conservation is prioritised over unnecessary refinishing.
How long does Rolex service or restoration take?
Service and restoration timeframes vary depending on the model, condition, and complexity of work required. Vintage Rolex restoration often takes longer due to assessment, parts availability, and specialist processes. Timeframes are discussed after inspection.
Is an independent Rolex specialist a viable alternative to factory servicing?
Yes. Many collectors choose experienced independent specialists for vintage and complex Rolex work, particularly where historical accuracy, originality, and long-term mechanical integrity are important. Independence allows for greater flexibility in restoration methods and parts solutions.