When it comes to watches in space, we’re well-familiar with the Omega Speedmaster, which accompanied Buzz Aldrin as he stepped onto the Moon for the first time. Omega is the only watchmaker to pass all of NASA’s rigorous testing, earning the official designation of being “flight-qualified for all manned space missions.”
While NASA has approved the brand’s watches as their official timepieces ever since 1965, astronauts have worn their own personal watches in flight. You may recall Scott Carpenter’s custom-made Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute or William Pogue’s funky-looking Seiko 6139-6005. Well today, up for auction is another significant piece, not just because it’s a Rolex but because it’s the first from the watchmaker to be worn on a lunar mission
The Story
In production from 1959 to 1980, the Rolex GMT-Master (particularly the ref. 1675) is the most popular Rolex model among space explorers despite never being officially sanctioned by NASA. Arguably the best pilot’s watch of its era, this second-gen reference has donned the wrists of astronauts Jack Swiger from Apollo 13 — when, rumor has it, he used the watch over his Speedmaster Professional to time critical engine burns of the ship — and Ronald Evans from Apollo 17 who gave it to his crewmates, who took it down to the lunar surface while he continued to orbit in the command module.
And then there was the Apollo 14 mission in 1971. Astronauts Edgar Mitchell and Stuart Roosa each wore a Rolex GMT-Master on their wrist. We know that Mitchell wore both the Rolex and his Speedmaster during the mission, both of which you can see in images of him suiting up pre-flight and inside the Kitty Hawk command module. While Mitchell did make it to the lunar surface, it hasn’t been confirmed that the Rolex itself was worn on the Moon.
The Watch
Stretching 40mm across, this particular Rolex GMT-Master from Apollo 14 has a stainless steel case housing the classic black dial with golden-brown hour markers underneath an acrylic crystal and surrounded by a Pepsi bezel with a 24-hour scale (developed by Rolex in collaboration with PanAm to aid airline pilots). Powered by an Oyster Perpetual automatic movement, the watch is adorned by a Rolex Steelinox bracelet with a fliplock clasp.
The watch is in fine condition with visible scuffs and scratches due to being worn. On the caseback, there’s an engraving that reads, “Worn by Cdr. E. Mitchell on Apollo 14, 1971, To Karlin—My Daughter.”
A Rare Find
Since Omega watches are officially commissioned by NASA, they’re kept in the possession of the U.S. government. However, since the Rolex was Mitchell’s personal piece, it’s legally allowed to be sold and owned by civilians…if they’re so lucky. Prior to this auction listing, the only other Apollo-flown Rolex to be sold publicly was Evans’ Apollo 17 watch back in 2009. In fact, the only other Apollo-flown watch to be sold, period, was the Bulova Chronograph worn by Dave Scott during the Apollo 15 mission.
Spec Sheet
Reference: 1675
Case Size: 40mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Movement: Rolex Oyster Perpetual automatic GMT
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Pricing & Availability
As the first Rolex ever to be worn on a lunar mission, Edgar Mitchell’s GMT-Master is estimated to go for over $400,000. It’s accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity from Mitchell and a letter of authenticity from Mitchell’s daughter. The current bid is at $49,500, but expect this to increase before the sale ends on October 24. Head over to the RR Auction website to bid.
Recap
Edgar Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master from Apollo 14
Edgar Mitchell’s Rolex-GMT worn to the Moon during the Apollo 14 mission is now up for auction with an estimate of $400,000.
