In 1971, the world witnessed another monumental milestone in space exploration when the Apollo 14 mission touched down on the lunar surface. Onboard the Lunar Module were astronauts Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell. While the Omega Speedmaster is famously associated with NASA’s Apollo missions, astronaut Edgar Mitchell wore a Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 during his journey to the Moon. This iconic timepiece, which accompanied Mitchell to space, is now up for auction, offering collectors and space enthusiasts alike a rare opportunity to own a piece of history.

The Legacy of Apollo 14

The Apollo 14 mission, which was the eighth crewed mission of NASA’s Apollo program, was launched on January 31, 1971. Commanded by Alan Shepard, with Edgar Mitchell serving as the Lunar Module pilot, the mission achieved several key objectives, including lunar exploration and scientific experiments. It was also the third mission to land humans on the Moon.

On February 5, 1971, the Lunar Module “Antares” successfully landed on the lunar surface, with Shepard and Mitchell becoming the fifth and sixth humans to walk on the Moon. During the mission, Mitchell spent more than nine hours exploring the lunar surface, conducting experiments, and collecting samples. While the Omega Speedmaster was NASA’s official timepiece for astronauts, Mitchell had another watch that became part of this historic journey—his personal Rolex GMT-Master.

Edgar Mitchell: An Accomplished Astronaut

Edgar Mitchell, born on September 17, 1930, in Texas, was a distinguished astronaut and naval officer. He accumulated over 5,000 hours of flight time during his service in the U.S. Navy before being selected as part of NASA’s fifth group of astronauts in 1966. Mitchell’s most notable contribution before the Apollo 14 mission was his work during the Apollo 13 mission, where he assisted in the successful return of the crew by flying simulators to aid the navigation of the damaged Lunar Module back to Earth. His efforts earned him a Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Mitchell’s role in the Apollo 14 mission cemented his place in history as the sixth person to walk on the Moon. His pioneering work in space exploration has left an enduring legacy, and his personal artifacts, including his Rolex GMT-Master, are symbols of his remarkable achievements.

The Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675: A Historic Timepiece

The Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 is a legendary watch in its own right. First introduced in the 1950s, the GMT-Master was designed in collaboration with Pan American Airways (Pan Am) for use by pilots and frequent travelers. The watch featured a 24-hour hand and a rotating bezel, allowing the wearer to keep track of multiple time zones—an essential feature for long-haul flights and space missions.

Mitchell’s GMT-Master Ref. 1675 is particularly significant as it was one of the few private watches worn by astronauts during their space missions. While NASA issued Omega Speedmasters to all Apollo astronauts to be worn on the outside of their spacesuits, some astronauts, including Mitchell, wore personal watches beneath their suits. The Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675, with its distinctive “Pepsi” bezel (named for its red and blue color scheme), was one of these personal timepieces.

Mitchell’s GMT-Master was worn throughout the Apollo 14 mission, from the Lunar Module’s landing on the Moon to the astronauts’ return to Earth. This makes it one of the rare watches that have journeyed to the lunar surface.

Provenance and Authentication

The provenance of this Rolex GMT-Master is impeccable. The watch comes with a letter of authenticity signed by Edgar Mitchell himself before his passing in 2016. Additionally, the watch is engraved on the caseback with the inscription: “Worn by CDR. E. Mitchell on Apollo 14, 1971. To Karlin [sic] – My Daughter.” This engraving further enhances the watch’s historical significance and personal connection to Mitchell, as it was intended as a gift for his daughter.

The watch is being auctioned by RR Auction, a leading auction house specializing in space memorabilia. RR Auction has a strong track record of handling significant artifacts from the Apollo program, including gold Omega Speedmasters given to astronauts and other space-flown watches. The estimate for Mitchell’s GMT-Master has been set at over $400,000, with the auction set to close on October 25, 2024.

The Condition and Features of the Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675

Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 is in exceptional condition, considering its journey to the Moon and back. The serial number of the watch dates it to around 1970-1971, indicating that Mitchell acquired the watch shortly before the Apollo 14 mission. The bracelet, a 9315 model with a Fliplock clasp, is typically associated with Rolex’s dive watches, adding a unique feature to this particular timepiece.

The iconic “Pepsi” bezel, though aged, remains in excellent condition, with the red and blue colors having developed a rich patina over time. The dial of the watch is a Mark 1 “Long E” variant, known for its distinctive typography. The lume on the dial and hands has aged gracefully, giving the watch a warm, vintage appearance. The case shows minimal signs of wear, with the original bevels still intact, and the folded Oyster bracelet is similarly well-preserved.

These features, combined with the watch’s remarkable history, make it an extraordinary piece for collectors. The combination of the well-preserved condition, the personal engraving, and the accompanying letter of authenticity contribute to the high valuation of the watch.

Other Watches in the Auction

In addition to Mitchell’s GMT-Master, the auction also features several other space-related watches from Mitchell’s personal collection. One notable piece is a custom Bulova, another watch that accompanied Mitchell during his time with NASA. Additionally, the auction includes a gold Omega Speedmaster presented to Dave Scott, the commander of Apollo 15, in celebration of the success of the Apollo 11 mission. These watches, while significant in their own right, are overshadowed by the importance of Mitchell’s GMT-Master.

The significance of Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master extends beyond its association with the Apollo 14 mission. This timepiece represents the close connection between space exploration and the development of horological technology. The fact that astronauts, who were at the forefront of technological innovation, chose to wear Rolex watches during their missions speaks to the reliability and precision of the brand.

The Auction’s Impact on Collectors and Space Enthusiasts

Collectors and space enthusiasts are expected to show immense interest in Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master, given its rarity and historical significance. Rolex watches with connections to space exploration have always been highly sought after at auctions. For example, in 2009, astronaut Ron Evans’ Pepsi GMT-Master, which flew on the Apollo 17 mission, was sold at Heritage Auctions for $131,450. More recently, in 2023, Rolex displayed Jack Swigert’s GMT-Master, which was worn during the Apollo 13 mission, at Watches & Wonders—a prestigious watch exhibition.

Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master holds even greater importance as it is believed to be the first Rolex worn on the Moon. This distinction, along with the watch’s excellent condition and accompanying provenance, ensures that it will attract substantial attention from collectors. In recent years, Rolex has been known to acquire historically significant watches at auction, and it would not be surprising if the brand itself became a bidder for this particular piece. Last year, Rolex purchased Commander Warren’s GMT-Master Ref. 6542 at Sotheby’s, one of the highest-priced results for a vintage GMT-Master.

Given these factors, it is expected that Mitchell’s GMT-Master will reach or exceed the auction house’s estimate of $400,000. The historical significance of this timepiece, combined with its personal connection to one of NASA’s pioneering astronauts, makes it a highly valuable and desirable collectible.

The Broader Significance of Watches in Space Exploration

The association between watches and space exploration has a long history. NASA selected the Omega Speedmaster as the official watch for astronauts due to its durability, precision, and reliability in extreme conditions. However, many astronauts, including Edgar Mitchell, chose to wear personal watches in addition to their issued Speedmasters. These personal timepieces, such as the Rolex GMT-Master, have become symbols of the individual choices and preferences of the astronauts who wore them.

Watches that have been to space carry a special significance, as they represent the intersection of human exploration and technological advancement. These timepieces have endured the rigours of space travel, including exposure to extreme temperatures, pressure changes, and the vacuum of space. As a result, they hold a unique place in both horological history and the history of space exploration.

Conclusion

Edgar Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 is a timepiece that transcends its function as a watch. It is a symbol of human achievement, technological innovation, and the spirit of exploration. As it goes up for auction, this watch offers collectors and space enthusiasts the rare opportunity to own a piece of both horological and space history.

With its impeccable provenance, excellent condition, and personal connection to one of NASA’s most celebrated astronauts, Mitchell’s GMT-Master is expected to be one of the standout items at RR Auction. Whether it becomes part of a private collection or is acquired by Rolex itself, this watch is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Apollo program and the role of watches in space exploration.

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