Spring! Joy of Well-Worn Things

Today, it felt like spring!

Sometimes, I wonder—who is truly rich, and who is truly successful? Maybe the wealthiest person is the one who can step outside on a sunny day, bask in the light, smile, and simply feel happy.

Lately, I’ve been wanting a couple of things:_ Porsche 911 997 MK2_ Leica Q2

One costs around 50 million KRW ($37,000), the other around 5 million KRW ($3,700). Since I don’t yet have the financial freedom to buy them on a whim, I’m still happy. I spend my time browsing listings, watching related YouTube videos, and learning more about them.

Of course, I do aspire to reach a point where I can fully appreciate and be content with just the sunlight. But I don’t believe material things and consumption are meaningless. In fact, I think the physical world matters a lot. You could say I prefer a firm handshake over a metaphorical one. Well-made, well-aged, and reasonably priced items—things that reflect one’s taste—can bring joy even before the purchase, during the purchase, and long after they’ve been used over time.

vtg dr marten

vtg dr marten

dr martens oxford

vtg dr martens oxford

dr martens vintage

dr martens oxford

drmartens oxford

Here are some items I’ve recently listed:

🍉 80s L.L. Bean Warm-Up Jacket (Olive Green/Purple, XL size, recommended for 110–105)🍉 Well-worn condition

🍉 Missing zipper head, but zipper still works

🍉 190,000 KRWMade in USA

🍉 Dr. Martens 1461 (UK 10, recommended for 285mm)🍉 Well-worn, with foot imprint inside🍉 160,000 KRWMade in England

🍉 1988 PIAGET Ref. 9251 Bark Finish 18K White Gold (Manual, 26mm x 30.5mm) Full Set

🍉 Piaget 9P2 Ultra-thin movement

🍉 6,700,000 KRW (cash only)Made in Switzerland

#SoobaakVintage

#TheJoyofObjects

#TheJoyofUsingThingsUntilTheyWearOut

Expanding Soobaak Vintage's Curation: The Timeless Rolex Explorer 1

2004 Rolex Explorer

2004 Rolex Explorer

2004 Rolex Explorer & Late 1960s Rolex Explorer 1 Ref. 5500 (34mm)

Rolex Explorer

Late 1960s Rolex Explorer 1 Ref. 5500 (34mm)

At Soobaak Vintage, there are a few key items that have truly broadened the horizons of our curation, and one that can never be overlooked is the Rolex Explorer 1.

It was the vintage Cartier Tank that first showed us that Soobaak could sell pieces priced in the 1 million KRW range, and it was the Explorer 1 (Ref. 114270) that revealed Soobaak’s potential to offer pieces worth up to 10 million KRW.

Whether expensive or affordable, we at Soobaak have a special fondness for simple, understated pieces. Of course, there are times when we can’t resist the allure of extravagant, flashy items—like a Piaget studded with diamonds, for example!

Looking at the list of celebrities who have worn the Explorer 1 with affection, our respect for this watch only grows: from Takuya Kimura and Matt Damon to Brad Pitt. When you think of these icons, it’s hard not to notice a common thread tying them together.

Rolex Explorer 1: Ref. 14270 / 114270 / 214270

They share many similarities, but the 114270 stands out for its slightly lower dial face density compared to the other references (see the 7th photo). Personally, I love that subtle empty feeling it gives.

I’m just speculating, but I highly doubt there’s any shop in South Korea that’s sold more Explorer 1s than Soobaak Vintage. In fact, this full set is only the second one we’ve had in 3 years. If you've been eyeing the Explorer 1, this is definitely a recommendation. Please enjoy it, and thank you as always for your support.

Available Now:

🍉 2004 Rolex Explorer 1 Ref. 114270 (36mm) - Full Set

🍉 Certified by Viber

🍉 9,900,000 KRW (Cash only)

🍉 Late 1960s Rolex Explorer 1 Ref. 5500 (34mm)🍉 9,000,000 KRW (Cash only)

#SoobaakVintage

#SoobaakRolex

#RolexExplorer1

#Rolex114270

#VintageRolex

#Explorer1

Timeless Craftsmanship: Vintage Ortega’s Wool Jacket

Some brands have been in business for 100, 200, even 300 years, dedicated to a single craft. While Korea doesn’t have brands like that, it’s not really our fault—we went through Japanese colonization and the Korean War. Ortega, on the other hand, has been producing the same incredible textiles since the 1700s and is still going strong today. That kind of longevity speaks for itself. Respect.

Now, let me introduce the oldest Ortega piece in Soobaak’s collection. I can’t say for sure exactly how old it is, but I estimate it to be from before the 1950s. If anyone out there has more precise information, drop a comment! This vintage Ortega jacket is a women’s piece with a beautifully defined waistline. And despite all my years of sourcing and hunting, I’ve never come across something like this before. A label I’ve never seen, a silhouette I’ve never encountered... How could I possibly pass it up?

Ortega

vtg Ortega

Ortega

Ortega wool jacket

Vintage Ortega

Ortega

Ortega Jacket

Ortega Wool Jacket

Ortega Wool Jacket

Ortega

If you know Soobaak, you know we love curating the perfect balance of "product, artwork, and folk craft." This Ortega piece sits somewhere between artwork and folk craft—something truly special. Imagine pairing it with contemporary pieces; the styling possibilities are endless. If I had to put together a look with this jacket, the first thing I’d reach for is a suede Chanel bag.

Ah—seeing it on the mannequin, this jacket almost feels like an interior design piece. It has a presence, a power to it. Hope it finds its way to someone who truly appreciates it.

🍉 Vintage ORTEGA's Wool Jacket for Women (Recommended for size 55~66)

🍉 ₩1,100,000

#SoobaakVintage

#Ortega

#Ortegas

#Vintage