OT watch/space geeks: Apollo Ocean Recovery Rolex GMT

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The original owner, Tom Finley, purchased the watch in Hong Kong at Artland Watch Co. in 1969. He was on a week-long "shore leave" during the Vietnam War. The opportunity lined up as his issued field watch had flooded, and he recognized the importance of investing in a reliable watch. He was not well-versed in watches at the time, but he had heard from other service members that if he wanted a reliable watch, Rolex is the one to get. Taking their advice, he purchased this GMT 1675, and it has remained as his prized possession until present day.

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Tom continued to wear the watch throughout his 28-year career, during every mission and exercise. He also wore this GMT 1675 during one of the most significant moments of his career, which was also one of the most historically important missions, the recovery of Apollo 14 astronauts on February 9, 1971. Apollo 14 was the eighth crewed mission by the United States and the third to land on the moon. The prime crew members of the Apollo 14 were Alan B. Shepard, Jr, Stuart A. Roosa, and Edgar G. Mitchell. On February 9th, the astronauts returned to earth and landed in the south Pacific ocean. Tom was assigned as the co-pilot on the helicopter to recover the astronauts from the ocean and back to the USS New Orleans aircraft carrier. Days later, Tom transported the crew members to American Samoa.

This watch along with the box and papers is being sold with an assortment of items that Tom collected over the years from his career from his G1 flight jacket to photos of him personal and from the Navy where the watch is visible. This also comes with a notarized letter of provenance from Tom.

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