Rolex that went to the Moon sold for over $2 million

By Dean Murray via SWNS

A Rolex watch that went to the Moon has sold for $2.2 million.

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 had estimated the GMT-Master 'Pepsi' model could fetch over £304k.

Bobby Livingston, Executive Vice President at RR Auction, said: "This Rolex GMT-Master isn't just a watch—it's a piece of space history, flown on one of humanity's greatest adventures.

"It represents both the precision of Rolex craftsmanship and the daring spirit of Apollo astronauts."

RR Auction 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 color 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.

Further historic space items sold included an Apollo 14 Moon surface-flown lunar module attitude controller from Mitchell's personal collection, which went for £328k ($425k)

An Apollo 17 command module translational hand controller grip - used by Commander Gene Cernan - sold for £65k ($85k).

The RR Auction sale ended October 24.