(Photo credit: L: Rolex; R: Jason Heaton. Used with permission)
The GMT-Master exhibition inside Rolex's booth at Watches and Wonders this year is showing pieces never seen before by the public, the latest sign the brand has amassed a collection well suited for a museum. (When asked about plans to build one, Rolex responded, “We do not comment on potential future projects.”)
Apollo 13 astronaut Jack Swigert's GMT-Master is among the watches on display for the first time. The first documented Rolex in space left circulation after Swigert gifted the watch to René-Paul Jeanneret, a Rolex executive, in exchange for a gold GMT.
“Certain GMT-Master watches worn by remarkable individuals have witnessed history in the making,” Rolex said. “Over the years, Rolex has safeguarded this heritage by conserving some of these exceptional timepieces.”
Rolex displayed a collection of vintage Daytonas at Dubai Watch Week in November.