A piece of horological history with an unparalleled tale is about to hit the auction block this week. The Rolex GMT-Master, formerly owned by U.S. Navy Captain Thomas Francis Finley Jr., is making its way to the prestigious Bob’s Watches auction. This particular timepiece holds a unique distinction, having graced the wrist of the heroic pilot during the 1971 Apollo 14 retrieval missions.
The auction lot not only features this iconic watch but also includes an array of Apollo 14 memorabilia that is sure to enthrall history enthusiasts. Among the items up for auction are a framed NASA photo capturing Finley’s helicopter hovering above the Kitty Hawk spacecraft, his 1967 issue G1 flight jacket, and various patches that adorned it.
Accompanying these artifacts is an aviator’s flight log and the detailed flight schedule from the day of the historic Apollo 14 retrieval mission, providing a comprehensive glimpse into this significant moment in space history.
The Rolex GMT-Master itself, dating back to 1968, holds its own allure as a timepiece that embodies the valor of an American hero. Finley procured this legendary watch in Hong Kong during his shore leave, seeking a dependable replacement for his water-damaged standard-issue field watch. Remarkably, he safeguarded the original box and papers of the watch throughout his illustrious 28-year naval career, a testament to the enduring quality of Rolex timepieces.
While Rolex watches are renowned for commanding staggering sums at auctions, this particular timepiece is anticipated to sell for a more accessible price range of $15,000 to $30,000. Bob’s Watches rightly emphasizes that every item within this collection holds not only monetary value but also an emotional resonance that the fortunate new owner will undoubtedly treasure.
With the auction scheduled to commence on November 10th, collectors and history aficionados alike are advised to mark their calendars and seize the opportunity to bid on these priceless relics that encapsulate a remarkable chapter in both watchmaking and space exploration history.
