Apollo 14 LMP Edgar Mitchell's custom-made and engraved Bulova Accutron Astronaut Mark I watch, with "Houston" in orange on the world timer dial, serial no. 138492, engraved on the caseback, "Captain Edgar Mitchell, Congratulations, Bulova Watch Co., Inc., 1971." The standard-issue Astronaut Mark I had a black 'Chicago' on the dial to indicate the central time zone, while this custom example has a bright orange "Houston" in its place. The watch is on a stainless steel bracelet. In fine cosmetic condition, with minor wear from use; the watch's function is untested.
Mitchell's family reports that this was presented to him by Gen. Omar Bradley, who served as Bulova's Chairman of the Board from 1958 to 1973. Under Bradley's oversight, Bulova became a key manufacturer of critical timing instruments for military and aerospace applications, including watches worn on Project Mercury flights, clocks used in spacecraft, and timers used in lunar experiment apparatus. Bradley evidently had a custom dial fabricated for this special presentation to one of America's moonwalkers, highlighting Houston—home to NASA's Mission Control Center—as a significant place. Interestingly, Mitchell got started as a naval aviator in 1953, just as Bradley was wrapping up his tenure as chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, the Korean War having come to a close. The two men clearly shared a mutual admiration and respect—in a 2008 interview, Mitchell mentioned carrying Bradley's five-star collar insignia from World War II to the moon on Apollo 14. A highly desirable, historic timepiece with a storied past.
Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Karlyn Mitchell, the daughter of Edgar Mitchell.
