RR Auction’s highly anticipated “Space Auction,” held on October 24, achieved a remarkable total of $4.27 million, showcasing a stunning array of space memorabilia, including five extraordinary watches worn by astronauts.
The standout item of the auction was the Rolex GMT-Master “Pepsi” watch, once owned by astronaut Edgar Mitchell. Initially estimated to sell for over $400,000, this rare timepiece fetched an astonishing $2.2 million, marking it as the second Apollo-flown Rolex to be sold publicly. The first was Ron Evans’ Apollo 17 Rolex GMT-Master, which was auctioned in 2009.
The watch, worn by Mitchell during the Apollo 14 mission in 1971, not only serves as a remarkable piece of horological craftsmanship but also carries deep personal significance. Its caseback is engraved with a heartfelt message: “Worn by Cdr. E. Mitchell on Apollo 14, 1971, To Karlin—My Daughter.” This makes it a treasured family heirloom in addition to its historical importance.
“This Rolex GMT-Master isn’t just a watch—it’s a piece of space history, flown on one of humanity’s greatest adventures,” said Bobby Livingston, Executive Vice President at RR Auction. “It represents both the precision of Rolex craftsmanship and the daring spirit of Apollo astronauts.”
The auction also featured Mitchell’s Bulova Astronaut Mark I watch, which sold for $10,981, far exceeding its estimate of $1,000. Additionally, French cosmonaut Jean-Loup Chrétien’s Omega Speedmaster Pro “Moonwatch,” worn during the 1988 Argatz expedition, sold for $106,409, more than triple its estimated value of $30,000. The watch is inscribed with the words, “Flight-Qualified By NASA For All Manned Space Missions, The First Watch Worn On The Moon.”
Other notable items included the TAG Heuer Formula 1 SpaceX commemorative watch, which sold for $19,285, well above its $8,000 estimate. Meanwhile, an Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 commemorative watch belonging to Dave Scott did not sell as it did not meet the reserve price.
In addition to the watches, RR Auction offered other exceptional space artifacts, including a Lunar Module Attitude Controller used by Edgar Mitchell to pilot the spacecraft to the moon’s surface during Apollo 14, which sold for $425,184.
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