Recommended Free Tools
Edgar Mitchell’s personal Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 sold for $2,163,199, including buyer’s premium, in RR Auction’s 2024 Fall Space Auction. The auction ended October 24, 2024; the watch is no longer available from that sale. The result is notable, but the evidence supports calling it Apollo-flown—not confirming that Mitchell wore it on the lunar surface.
What watch did Edgar Mitchell wear on Apollo 14?
Mitchell’s watch was a personal Rolex GMT-Master, reference 1675, with a black dial and red-and-blue 24-hour bezel. Post-sale coverage described it as 40 mm. RR Auction said Mitchell wore it during his January 1971 flight to the Moon, distinguishing it from the NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster Professional chronographs used by Apollo astronauts.
The auction listing included photographs of Mitchell wearing the watch, an engraved caseback, and a typed letter of authenticity signed by Mitchell. RR Auction’s account of the watch and its provenance is available in its auction listing.
Did Edgar Mitchell wear the Rolex on the Moon?
The auction evidence supports describing the Rolex as flown on Apollo 14 and worn during the mission. It does not establish that Mitchell wore it on the lunar surface. Space.com reported after the sale that it is unknown whether he wore or brought the watch onto the lunar module during the landing, or wore it beneath his spacesuit while walking on the Moon. Fratello’s pre-sale suggestion that it was “most likely” on his wrist during the moonwalk was an inference, not confirmation.
#1 Best Overall
- Pre-Loved Condition: Excellent; Light scratching and tarnishing throughout hardware
- Made in Switzerland
- Flip-lock clasp
- Signature upon delivery required
The caseback dedication was reported as: “Worn by Cdr. E. Mitchell on Apollo 14, 1971, To Karlin [sic] — My Daughter.” Mitchell’s daughter’s name is Karlyn; “Karlin” is the spelling shown in the reported engraving. Space.com’s post-sale account discusses both the auction result and the limits of what is known about lunar-surface wear: Space.com.
How much did Mitchell’s Rolex sell for?
The reported final price was $2,163,199 including buyer’s premium. Space.com reported a hammer price of $1,730,559 before the premium and more than 30 bids. The pre-sale estimate cited in coverage was more than $400,000; an estimate is an auction house’s guide, not a guaranteed value or a prior sale price.
For limited context, Space.com reported that astronaut Ron Evans’s personal Rolex GMT-Master, flown on Apollo 17, sold at Heritage Auctions in 2009 for $131,450 including buyer’s premium. That earlier result involved a different watch, provenance, date, and market, so it is not a like-for-like valuation of Mitchell’s watch.
How the Rolex fits with Apollo’s issued watches
NASA issued Apollo astronauts Omega Speedmaster Professional chronographs for use in space. Astronauts could also wear personal watches under their suits. Mitchell’s Rolex was personal property, not the issued Omega; the available accounts do not establish that it replaced or competed with the Speedmaster as official equipment.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #2
- ULTIMATE DEFENSE : Specially designed for Rolex Watches, this film safeguards against scratches and minor damages, maintaining your watch's pristine condition
- ADVANCED LAYERING: Comprising a premium coating, a durable protection film, and a strong adhesive layer, it offers robust defense without compromising style
- EASY INSTALLATION KIT: Comes with everything needed for a smooth application - film, precision tweezers, a spray bottle, and a microfiber cloth
- KOREAN CRAFTSMANSHIP: Produced using high-grade materials and cutting-edge technologies in Korea, ensuring top-notch quality
- By EXPERTS for ENTHUSIASTS: Developed by ONE OF ONE Inc., leaders in luxury and lifestyle in Korea. We invite watch enthusiasts to our Seoul lounge to explore our exclusive watch collection
RR Auction’s October 2024 account said three Rolex GMT watches of that era were known to have flown into orbit around the Moon, and described Mitchell’s as the last known Apollo-program example. Space.com later called it one of only two known moon-flown Rolexes to have been sold at auction. These statements count different things—known watches flown around the Moon versus known auction sales—and should not be treated as conflicting totals.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the auction price does—and does not—tell collectors
The $2.16 million total is the result for this specific watch, with its Apollo 14 association and documented provenance. It is not a general market price for a vintage GMT-Master ref. 1675. A meaningful comparison between space-flown watches should account for whether the object was personal or NASA-issued, what the flight and wear evidence establishes, the strength of its documentation, the sale date, and whether the stated price includes buyer’s premium.
RR Auction contributor Lawrence McGlynn attributed this remark to Mitchell in an October 2, 2024 article: “I never worried about winding my watch because I wore a Rolex.” The remark is relayed in RR Auction’s article and listing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
