Omega’s Speedmaster may be the watch that is instantly associated with moon landings in the 1960s and 70s, but a GMT-Master worn on the Apollo 14 in 1971 gives Rolex the right to also claim it has a moon watch in its archive.
Commander Edgar Mitchell wore the Rolex GMT-Master chronometer watch (Reference #1675) on a manned voyage to the lunar surface and the watch has appeared at an RR Auctions sale in the United States with an estimate of $400,000.
The watch’s caseback is engraved with: “Worn by Cdr. E. Mitchell on Apollo 14, 1971, To Karlin — My Daughter.”
It has a black dial and Pepsi 24 hour GMT bezel and comes on its original Rolex Steelinox bracelet with flip-lock clasp.
RR Auctions describes the watch as being in fine cosmetic condition, with light scratches and wear from use, but the watch’s function is untested.
It is sold with a certificate of authenticity signed by Mr Mitchell, certifying that “the accompanying Rolex watch was worn by me during the Apollo 14 mission.”
Although all Apollo astronauts were famously issued Omega Speedmaster Pro watches, some preferred their Rolex chronometers.
Mr Mitchell was photographed wearing the Rolex in his pre-flight photographs and in the Apollo 14 capsule.
To date, the only Rolex worn on an Apollo moon mission to appear at auction was owned by was another Pepsi GMT worn by Ron Evan on Apollo 17. It was reportedly bought by Rolex for $131,450 in 2009.
Bidding ends on October 25.