Edgar Mitchell, a decorated U.S. Navy pilot with over 5,000 flight hours, joined NASA’s astronaut corps in 1966 as part of its fifth recruitment group. Renowned for his critical role in the Apollo 13 rescue mission – where he developed simulator protocols to guide the stranded crew home – Mitchell earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His career culminated as Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 14 in 1971, where he became the sixth person to walk on the Moon alongside Commander Alan Shepard. While Omega Speedmasters were NASA’s official watches, Mitchell chose to wear his personal fake Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 beneath his spacesuit, cementing its place in horological and space exploration history. 
Now offered through RR Auction, a leading house for space memorabilia, Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master emerges as a singular artifact. Unlike most astronaut-owned watches, which remained aboard spacecraft, Mitchell’s GMT-Master accompanied him during both lunar excursions, likely making it the first replica Rolex to touch the Moon’s surface. The watch is accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity from Mitchell and a poignant engraving: “Worn by CDR. E. Mitchell on Apollo 14, 1971. To Karlin [sic] – My Daughter.” Documentation includes pre-launch, in-flight, and post-mission photographs, confirming its continuous presence during the journey.
Dating to 1970-71, the GMT-Master’s serial number aligns with its acquisition just before Apollo 14. Its distinctive “Pepsi” bezel exhibits a rich, faded hue, while the Mark 1 “Long E” dial remains remarkably preserved, showcasing warm patina on the lume plots. The luminous hands display a subtle color shift, typical of vintage matte-dial Rolexes. Notably, the watch features a 9315 Oyster bracelet with a Flip-Lock clasp – a design typically reserved for Submariner models – adding rarity to its provenance. The case retains sharp bevels and minimal wear, a testament to its careful preservation.
Industry experts speculate fake Rolex itself may bid, following its recent acquisitions of historically significant models, such as Commander Warren’s GMT-Master ref. 6542. The auction, closing October 25th, also features other astronaut-owned watches, including Dave Scott’s Omega Speedmaster from Apollo 11. Yet Mitchell’s Rolex stands apart, intertwining personal legacy with humankind’s lunar achievement. Rolex202503192
Beyond its mechanical craftsmanship, the watch embodies Mitchell’s foresight. By engraving it for his daughter, he transformed a tool into an heirloom – one that now symbolizes humanity’s quest for the stars. As collectors and historians vie for this artifact, its journey from the Moon’s dusty plains to the auction block underscores the enduring allure of exploration and the timeless value of a story etched in steel.