Space and Rolex
A quick history of Rolex trips to space on different missions.
2 min read
The allure of outer space is difficult to overstate, right? We’re fascinated with astronauts and with all of the missions. We watch rockets launch and we pay close attention. Movies express the drama and the triumphs, and we’re on the edge of our seats. There aren’t a great many people who have been to space, and they’ll always be legends. One interesting thing is that Rolex was not NASA’s official watch but is still associated with the U.S. Space Program.
Jack Swigert, the command module pilot on the Apollo 13 mission, wore a Rolex GMT-Master while in space. Swigert wore his Rolex as a good-luck charm throughout the mission and was photographed wearing his Rolex in photos taken seventy-two hours before the launch.
After the mission, Swigert gifted his Rolex to Rene-Paul Jeanneret, the Director of Rolex Public Relations. Rolex displayed Swigert's Rolex at Watches & Wonders 2023, indicating that it is still part of their collection.
NASA astronauts often wore Rolex watches, but the Omega Speedmaster was the NASA certified timepiece and the first watch on the moon. While Omega Speedmaster Pro watches were issued to all Apollo astronauts, some chose to wear Rolex chronometers nonetheless.
Edger Mitchell's Rolex GMT-Master was the first automatic watch and the first Rolex to be worn on the moon.
Rolex was involved in the Apollo program again when astronaut Edgar Mitchell wore a Rolex GMT-Master "Pepsi" on the Apollo 14 mission in 1971. Mitchell's Rolex sold for $2.2 million at auction, becoming the most expensive astronaut timepiece ever sold.
We’ll always be fascinated with the stars, won’t we? If you’re looking for a pre-owned Rolex in San Diego, I hope you’ll get in touch. I can help you find the perfect GMT-Master or any other model you’re looking for. Drop by. You’ll be glad you did.
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