Case back no. 5508, 111–1958. Middle case no. 5508. Movement no. 76649. Serial no. 488979. Bracelet no. 78790. Folding clasp no. 78790. End link no. 501B.

A long-standing historical watch icon, the Rolex Submariner has been produced in several subtly different iterations for the past 67 years, all the while maintaining the models core design elements. One of the earliest iterations was the reference 5508, produced between 1958 and 1962, being the last Submariner model to carry the 100m depth rating and aptly nicknamed ‘’small crown’’ due to the 6 mm. winding crown and absence of crown guards. While collectable enough in itself, this present example comes directly from the family of the original owner, having been purchased by H. B. Jepsen in 1959 with his first wage as a captain. Jepsen began his sailing career at an early age in the 1940s, acquiring top marks at the Danish Navigational Academy and subsequently gaining experience through freight shipments between Denmark and the entirety of Southeast Asia, partially through the Danish East Asian Company in the 1950s aboard the discharged Korean War vessel Jutlandia. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Jepsen would sail all over the world, docking by several destinations in the Americas, North- and South Africa and the Middle East, never taking off his watch. This is evident by the spectacular glossy dial, having gained a unique orange patina from several years of intense sunlight, humid and ocean climate during his long, seafaring travels.

The caseback is furthermore engraved with two interesting inscriptions: the initials and address of the original owner and the date of his death, the latter added during the late 1980s in remembrance of a true sailor. The watch has since 1987 only been used during special occasions and has in the course of this period been equipped with a new bezel insert and a new, more wearable Rolex bracelet.