Our journey with Tom began in summer when we discovered his remarkable GMT Master and its extraordinary story. This led to the creation of the Apollo 14 Ocean Recovery auction, featuring the vintage Rolex 1675 among other significant items. This unique auction is designed as a single-lot event, aimed at showcasing both the historical importance and personal narrative behind these artifacts, while seeking a deserving new custodian. Tom's Role in History Tom joined the Navy in October 1966, piloting the H3 helicopter throughout his illustrious career. He played a pivotal role in numerous special operations, notably participating in the retrieval of Apollo 14 astronauts after their splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean on February 9, 1971. During the mission, Tom co-piloted the helicopter that retrieved the astronauts, including Alan B. Shepard Jr., Edgar D. Mitchell, and Stuart A. Roosa. Apollo 14 marked the eighth crewed US mission and the third lunar landing, famously including the iconic moment of Alan Shepard playing golf on the Moon. Following the splashdown, Tom's helicopter transported the astronauts to the USS New Orleans, the primary recovery vessel. From there, they were flown to Pago-Pago in American Samoa under Tom's command. Life Beyond Service Today, Tom volunteers at the USS Midway in San Diego, where he has served as a docent for 17 years and an instructor for 15 years, amassing nearly 8,000 volunteer hours. Now, he prepares to pass on his cherished possessions to new caretakers. During our recent visit to the USS Midway, we had the privilege of interviewing Tom amidst a setting that included an HS3 Helicopter similar to the one he piloted during the Apollo 14 recovery mission. A Replica Watch and Jacket: Symbols of a Skyborne Career What began as a practical necessity-an essential watch for a Navy pilot-evolved into a lifelong partnership between Tom Finley and his beloved vintage GMT. Purchased in 1969 during a break from the USS Kearsarge, Tom kept the watch meticulously, retaining its original box and papers, marked with his name and rank. Accompanying the watch is Tom's G1 flight jacket, dating back to his early career in 1967, adorned with patches that tell the story of his journey through the Navy's ranks and missions. Archives of Memory Among the highlights of this collection are Tom's vintage Rolex GMT Master and flight jacket, captured in photos from his time in service. These items are complemented by Tom's aviator's flight book, meticulously tabbed to highlight his missions, including the Apollo 14 recovery. Also included is the "Moon Book," a cruise book from the USS New Orleans, providing a unique historical perspective on Tom's service during the Apollo 14 recovery mission. Spotlight on the Kitty Hawk Command Module Skin A unique addition to this collection is a piece of the original gold foil heat shield from the Kitty Hawk command module, gifted to Tom by divers involved in the recovery. Although the original was lost, a replacement was graciously sent to Tom, underscoring the significance of his contribution to space history. Each item in this collection not only holds personal value but also significant historical importance. We are honored to facilitate the transition of Tom Finley's cherished possessions to new custodians who will appreciate and continue to share their remarkable stories. The auction for Tom Finley's Rolex GMT Master 1675 and accompanying artifacts will take place during replica Watches' private Replica Rolex auction from November 10 to November 14, 2024, starting at 9 am PST.