Rolex watch worn on Moon by Edgar Mitchell to be auctioned
Edgar Mitchell's Moon-flown Rolex 'Pepsi' model may fetch over $400,000
A Rolex watch that travelled to the Moon is set to be auctioned, with an anticipated high price. The auction house is featuring the GMT-Master ‘Pepsi’ model, originally owned by the late astronaut Edgar Mitchell, the sixth man to walk on the Moon. Photos depict the distinguished watch on the Texas-born aviator, who wore it while piloting the Lunar Module during the Apollo 14 mission in 1971.
Mitchell’s personal collection includes this rare watch, one of only two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction. It symbolises the blend of human accomplishment and precision engineering. Though Apollo astronauts were issued Omega Speedmaster Pro watches, some, including Mitchell, opted to wear Rolex chronometers. He wore both the standard Rolex and his own ‘Pepsi’ model.
The ‘Pepsi’ watch is named for its distinctive blue and red bezel. This design was a collaboration between Rolex and Pan American to allow pilots to track both local time and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). An engraving on the watch reads: “Worn by Cdr. E. Mitchell on Apollo 14, 1971, To Karlin – My Daughter.” Its personal nature is expected to significantly boost its value.
The first-ever @ROLEX worn on the moon is up for auction and could set a new record for the most expensive GMT-Master ever sold – https://t.co/5flZpccNUI pic.twitter.com/OT4TiaH8tZ
— Luxurylaunches (@luxurylaunches) October 3, 2024
Bidding currently stands at around $60,000 but is predicted to soar past $400,000 by the auction’s close on October 24th. Mitchell played a crucial role in rescuing the Apollo 13 crew after their module’s electrical system failed, earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Richard Nixon in 1970.
Upon his return from the Moon in 1971, Mitchell experienced a profound spiritual revelation, realising that the molecules of his body and the spacecraft were formed in ancient stars. He described this as a “subjective visceral experience accompanied by ecstasy.” He later wrote of the Moon’s stillness as if it had been awaiting human arrival for millions of years.
Mitchell founded the Institute of Noetic Sciences, a nonprofit research centre focused on the intersection of science and profound human experience. He also believed in UFOs and was involved in advocating for the release of federal government records on alien contact and “Zero Point Energy” in emails released by Wikileaks.
Mitchell passed away on February 4th, 2016, in West Palm Beach, Florida, at the age of 85.
What Other Media Are Saying
- RR Auction features Edgar Mitchell’s Apollo 14 flown Rolex GMT-Master ‘Pepsi’ watch, one of two such watches ever sold, with documentary and cosmetic details highlighting its historical significance and authenticity.(read more)
- Hodinkee highlights Edgar Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master, the first Rolex on the Moon, in an auction featuring personal space memorabilia, emphasizing its historical significance and unique provenance.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is special about the Rolex watch going up for auction?
It was worn by astronaut Edgar Mitchell on the Apollo 14 mission to the Moon.
Why is the Rolex GMT-Master called the ‘Pepsi’ model?
The ‘Pepsi’ model features an iconic blue and red bevel used for tracking local and GMT time.
How much is the Rolex watch expected to sell for at the auction?
The auction house expects it to sell for over $400,000.
What other watch did Apollo astronauts typically wear?
Apollo astronauts were typically issued Omega Speedmaster Pro watches.
What personal engraving is on Edgar Mitchell’s Rolex watch?
The engraving reads: ‘Worn by Cdr. E. Mitchell on Apollo 14, 1971, To Karlin – My Daughter.’
