When you think of the watch worn on the Moon, the Omega Speedmaster might come to mind. However, there’s another iconic watch that made its way to the lunar surface: a Rolex GMT-Master. In 1971, astronaut Edgar Mitchell became the sixth person to walk on the Moon as part of the Apollo 14 mission. But what makes Mitchell’s mission even more remarkable is that, with his replica Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 strapped to his wrist, he became the first person ever to bring a Rolex to the Moon.
This particular watch, affectionately known as the “Pepsi” for its red-and-blue bezel, holds a special place in history. It was not only the first Rolex on the Moon, but also the first automatic watch worn on the lunar surface. Now, after decades in private hands, the very watch that accompanied Mitchell on his groundbreaking journey is being offered at auction, marking it as only the second lunar Rolex ever made available to the public.
While no photographs exist of the watch on the Moon – thanks to the difficulty of taking selfies in a bulky space suit – there are plenty of images showing the Rolex before and after the mission. The watch itself is a classic 1675 model, featuring the iconic Pepsi bezel, a certified chronometer movement, and a steel Oyster bracelet. It also shows some beautiful signs of age, including a distinct patina from the tritium lume, adding to its charm and uniqueness. This particular model was developed by Rolex in the early 1950s for Pan Am pilots, allowing them to track both local time and GMT time. By the time Mitchell wore it on the Moon, the GMT-Master model family had been around for nearly 20 years.
The case back of the watch is engraved with a heartfelt message: “WORN BY CDR. E. MITCHELL ON APOLLO 14, 1971, TO KARLIN – MY DAUGHTER.” This personal touch adds to the story behind the watch, making it not just a piece of horological history, but a treasured family heirloom as well.
Mitchell’s GMT-Master isn’t the only Rolex with NASA history. Other astronauts, including Jack Swigert from Apollo 13, Stuart Rosa from Apollo 14, and Ron Evans from Apollo 17, all wore Rolex watches during their missions. However, Mitchell’s watch is the second one from the Moon to be auctioned, following the sale of Evans’s “Pepsi” in 2009 for $131,450 – a price that ultimately saw fake Rolex purchase the watch. Given its significance, Mitchell’s watch is expected to fetch many multiples of that amount. In fact, it’s the second confirmed “Pepsi” with lunar dust still attached, and it actually made it to the Moon before Evans’s.
Currently listed at RR Auctions, the Rolex has a starting bid of $22,000, but that price is expected to rise rapidly as the auction progresses. The piece comes with official documentation, including a letter of authenticity signed by Commander Edgar Mitchell himself, confirming that the watch was indeed worn during the Apollo 14 mission. With an estimated value of $400,000, this historic Rolex is likely to attract significant attention. Given its importance and unique provenance, it’s not surprising if clone Rolex itself enters the bidding, as it did with Evans’s watch.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this piece is the audacity of Mitchell wearing a Rolex to an Omega-sponsored event – an act few would dare repeat. After all, the Crown on the Moon represents a level of daring few can match.