If you're a fan of both horology and space exploration, buckle up—this is about as good as it gets. We're talking about astronaut Edgar Mitchell's Rolex GMT-Master ‘Pepsi,’ a watch that's quite literally been to the Moon and back. As one of only two Apollo-flown Rolexes ever sold at auction, it doesn't just tell time; it tells a story of human achievement, pioneering spirit, and a bit of that old-school cool.

The Rolex GMT-Master Reference 1675 is a watch you might recognise instantly, even if you're not a watch aficionado. It features the distinctive blue-and-red bezel—hence the nickname ‘Pepsi’—which was designed to make it easy for pilots to read different time zones. This particular piece sports a 26-jewel Oyster Perpetual Movement, a black dial, and Rolex’s famous ‘Cyclops’ magnifying bubble over the date. The bezel rotates to allow for dual time zones, a feature initially created for Pan American Airways pilots, but let's be honest—it’s way cooler knowing it helped Mitchell keep track of both Earth and Moon time. The caseback is engraved with a touching message: "Worn by CDR. E. Mitchell on Apollo 14, 1971, To Karlin—My Daughter." This engraving adds a layer of personal history, reminding us that even the men who touched the stars had down-to-earth emotions. The watch is mounted on a Rolex Steelinox bracelet with a fliplock clasp, adding both form and function.

This isn't just any Rolex—Mitchell wore it during the Apollo 14 mission, which landed on the Moon in February 1971. Imagine strapping this beauty on your wrist, knowing it's been in the vastness of space and walked the surface of the Moon. Edgar Mitchell, the sixth person to set foot on the Moon, decided to bring his GMT-Master along for the ride despite being issued the standard Omega Speedmaster Professional. Mitchell wasn't the only one—astronauts like Stuart Roosa, Jack Swigert, and Ron Evans also had their trusty Rolexes accompany them on their respective missions.

For a watch collector, the provenance doesn’t get much better. This Rolex has been documented in footage of Mitchell suiting up for the Apollo 14 mission, during the actual spaceflight, and upon his return to Earth. And it comes with not one, but two certificates of authenticity: one signed by Mitchell himself and the other by his daughter, Karlyn, adding a solid verification of its cosmic credentials. It's not just the history that’s intriguing—the watch itself is in fine cosmetic condition, showing the light scratches you'd expect from a life that’s included trips to both space and Earth. The bezel has taken on a beautiful patina, with the red fading ever so slightly—a testament to its age and experience. The 'Long E' dial, typical of the era, is nicely preserved with warm, aged lume on the markers, while the hands are slightly lighter, a natural occurrence for watches of this vintage.

Now, this iconic timepiece is up for auction at RR Auction, and you can imagine the excitement. Estimated at over $400,000, it's a watch that’s likely to generate plenty of buzz—not only for its historical value but also for its place in the pantheon of Rolex's most adventurous pieces. There’s no denying it: owning this watch would be like having a slice of human history right on your wrist.

Images: RR Auction