How Much Will Rolex Pay For The First Rolex on The Moon?

Edgar Mitchell, Apollo 14 astronaut and the sixth person to walk on the moon, didn’t just make history in space; he did so with a Rolex GMT-Master 1675 on his wrist. Now up for auction, the legendary watch has a current bid of $175,692, with an estimate reaching $400,000. The auction, held by RR Auction, ends on October 24th.

Though NASA officially equipped its astronauts with Omega Speedmasters, Mitchell, like some of his colleagues, chose to bring a personal watch on his mission. His Rolex GMT-Master 1675 wasn’t just a companion during spaceflight—it accompanied him on the lunar surface. While this watch is the second Rolex (and second GMT-Master) to fly in space, it is the first worn on the moon.

Jack Swigert had previously worn his GMT-Master on Apollo 13: a mission that orbited the moon but didn’t land due to a number of unforeseen circumstances. That watch, ostensibly in Rolex's possession, was recently displayed at the brand's Watches and Wonders exhibit dedicated to the GMT-Master.

Now, with Mitchell's GMT-Master up for auction, collectors are eager to see who will walk away with such an important piece of history.

Spoiler alert: it's probably going to be Rolex.

Rolex's Quiet Hunt for History

Rolex has become increasingly active in acquiring historically significant watches that showcase the brand’s storied past. A salient example is Pan Am pilot Captain Clarence Warren Jr.'s GMT-Master 6542 (the first GMT-Master reference, the predecessor to Mitchell's), which Rolex recently bought for ~$207,000. This was a notable acquisition given Warren's role in cementing the relationship between Pan Am and Rolex, a partnership that ultimately gave us the GMT-Master.

My mind goes to Rolex's recent purchase of a Milgauss reference 6541 for $2.5 million. This example lacked any significant historical provenance, but was perhaps the best known example of the ultra-scarce ref. 6542. It’s clear that Rolex is building a collection of artifacts that represent key moments in their history. Some speculate that these acquisitions may one day feature in a dedicated Rolex museum (finger crossed--this feels more plausible following the shocking transparency of their recent Submariner book), or perhaps they will be displayed exclusively at events like Watches and Wonders.

Given this trend, it's hard to imagine Rolex would pass up the opportunity to own yet another piece of history, especially one worn on the moon. Mitchell’s watch, engraved "Worn by CDR. E. Mitchell on Apollo 14, 1971. To Karlin – My Daughter,” would make a perfect companion to Swigert's Apollo 13 GMT-Master.

What Will It Sell For?

As the bidding continues, all eyes are on what the final price of Edgar Mitchell’s GMT-Master will be. Some might call $400,000 a conservative figure given the watch’s status as the first Rolex on the moon. Others are bearish, citing a deflating watch market across the board. 

Rolex’s interest in acquiring historically significant pieces only adds fuel to the fire. If recent purchases are any indication, they will likely be the ones driving up the price—and possibly emerging as the highest bidder when the auction comes to a close.

What do you think Mitchell’s moon-worn Rolex will sell for? Will Rolex sweep in and add another piece of history to their growing collection, or will a private collector swoop in with a higher bid? Let us know in the comments below, and if you’re interested in customizing your Rolex (including but not limited to the GMT-Master 1675), check out our selection of curved end straps for Rolex watches.