Rolex that’s been to the Moon being auctioned off

By Dean Murray via SWNS

A Rolex watch that went to the Moon is up for auction.

Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell strapped the timepiece to his right wrist for the 1971 mission.

The Texas-born spaceman became the sixth person to walk on the moon during the mission, and the watch is visible on his wrist as he piloted the lunar module.

Boston-based RR Auction has estimated the GMT-Master 'Pepsi' model could fetch over £304k.

They said: "This incredibly rare watch, part of Mitchell’s personal collection, is one of only two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction.

"A historic timepiece, it symbolizes the intersection of human achievement and precision craftsmanship."

Engraved on the caseback are the words, “Worn by Cdr. E. Mitchell on Apollo 14, 1971, To Karlin—My Daughter,” making it not only a space-flown artifact but also a deeply personal family heirloom. Edgar Mitchell died in 2016 at the age of 85.

Although all Apollo astronauts were famously issued Omega Speedmaster Pro watches, some preferred their Rolex chronometers, with Mitchell wearing both this GMT-Master to the moon along with his Omega.

Featuring the iconic 'Pepsi' watch bezel - so nicknamed for its blue and red colour scheme - the watch was designed for optimal performance in aviation and space travel.

Its rotating bezel, a collaboration between Rolex and Pan American World Airways, allowed pilots and astronauts to track both local time and GMT simultaneously, a crucial feature for long-haul flights and space missions.

The RR Auction sale ends on October 25.

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