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Effortless Elegance: The Vintage Patek Gondolo and the Luxury We Love

  • Writer: JungYeol Kim
    JungYeol Kim
  • Oct 19, 2024
  • 2 min read


I have a thing for old-school yet sexy pieces like this. This vintage Patek Gondolo? It has that deep charm when worn by a stylish grandma or grandpa. But on someone like Yoo Won, it’s just straight-up sexy.


Recently, I’ve been unexpectedly posting a bunch of watch content on YouTube... but honestly, I’m not one of those people who really digs into watches. I just instinctively know when a watch is beautiful. And I have a rough idea of what a watch means in the broader history of watchmaking. But when it comes to knowing every little detail about the movement or all the technical specs, that's not really my thing.


Of course, my suppliers know everything inside and out. I just don’t feel the need to memorize all that and repeat it to you like a parrot. Soobaak is about experiencing watches through the lens of fashion, not just technical specs.



Now, don’t get me wrong—Soobaak isn’t into watches that scream, “Look at me!” But that doesn’t mean we’re against luxury. We just admire a different kind of luxury, with our own set of standards. And trust me, we love that kind of luxury. Take the AP Bamboo we sold recently, or this white gold Patek Gondolo with original diamond settings I’m showing you today.


That’s what I find so fun about this. How cool is it to casually introduce something like a 'vintage Patek Philippe white gold + original diamond-set Gondolo' at a place like Soobaak, and have someone casually pick it up? That whole vibe is what I live for.

Enjoy, as always, and thanks for the continued support.


🍉 70s VTG Patek Philippe Gondolo

🍉 White Gold + Original Diamond Setting (Not Aftermarket)

🍉 Archive Certificate

🍉 14,000,000 KRW, cash only

  • Suitable for men with slimmer wrists

  • Effortless Elegance: The Vintage Patek Gondolo and the Luxury We Love



 
 
 

Steve McQueen’s Submariner: The Ultimate Vintage Rolex

  • Writer: JungYeol Kim
    JungYeol Kim
  • Oct 15, 2024
  • 2 min read



Hello! Welcome to Soobaak Vintage, the vintage shop in Korea known for selling the most Rolex watches. Our main focus has been on vintage Explorer 1 models from around the early 2000s, with a few Submariner 14060s in the mix.




  1. I’ve always preferred getting that one perfect piece rather than collecting many, especially when working with a limited budget. And if you're like me, the vintage Rolex Submariner 5513 might just be the perfect choice.



Roger Moore’s Submariner, Sean Connery’s Submariner, Paul Newman’s Submariner, and above all… the king of cool, Steve McQueen’s Submariner!


If you Google Steve McQueen with the 5513, you’ll easily find him wearing it. The photo of him in a simple navy t-shirt, sipping coffee during the filming of Papillon is so effortlessly cool that I believe every vintage Rolex shop should frame it.


  1. Every vintage watch has its own unique charm. While enjoying a vintage piece often involves some level of maintenance, I usually recommend more reliable ones for beginners. The 5513 is definitely one of the best vintage Rolex watches to wear daily, making it into my top 3 vintage Rolex picks.


  1. It’s hard to find another 5513 in this condition and at this price. You could always pay more, of course. One unique feature of this piece is its ‘blank warranty card’. Back in the day, Rolex watches weren’t just sold at luxury boutiques. Our fathers used to buy them at local watch shops, and the blank warranty card was hand-filled by the shop owners.


  1. Now, let’s get into the details of this specific watch: a 1972 Rolex Submariner ref. 5513.


The 5513 was produced from 1962 to 1989, but I have a particular preference for the Mk2 model from the late 60s to mid-70s. It features a matte dial and luminous markers made from tritium, which was the standard at the time.


What’s special about tritium? Over time, the luminous material turns a beautiful yellow patina. And the aluminum bezel, which fades with age, only adds to the watch's charm —and value.


From its domed acrylic crystal to the thin lugs and 40mm case, this watch carries a distinct vintage charm that sets it apart from modern models.


The dial, hands, and luminous markers are all original, with no replacements. It’s likely only been polished once or twice, and it had a full overhaul at a trusted service center last year.


🍉 1972 Rolex Submariner 5513

🍉 With original blank warranty card

🍉 22 million KRW (FYI, the previous owner bought it for 26 million KRW at the most famous vintage Rolex shop in Korea) – cash only.


For those who want to both start and finish their vintage Rolex journey with a single piece, I highly recommend this one. Enjoy it, and thank you as always!



 
 
 

Notes from My Soobaak Buying Trip to New York

  • Writer: JungYeol Kim
    JungYeol Kim
  • Oct 2, 2024
  • 2 min read

Memo 1: Soobaak’s Identity – Clean and Energetic Vintage Shop


Soobaak is about being clean, vibrant, and approachable, with products ranging from $10 to $10,000. For context, there are shops that deal in items priced from $1 to $1,000,000, but our identity is more about balance and range.


Memo 2: Soobaak – Like the Easygoing Older Brother


Soobaak takes the role of a laid-back older brother—not overly serious, but still able to offer guidance. There are other "big brothers" in the industry, but we’re here to help when we can. While we can’t be everyone’s best friend, forming a solid "neighborhood" around shared values is our aim.


Memo 3: From My Small Shop to a Company


For Soobaak to grow from a small shop to a thriving business, I need people, systems, and a simple yet effective philosophy. Growth needs to happen at the right pace, ensuring that as we expand, we don’t overextend.


Memo 4: Store = Space + Goods + People


A store is a balance of space, products, and people (skill, style, friendliness). Here in Manhattan, I’ve seen a lot of great spaces filled with average products. Soobaak aims to keep all three aspects in balance.


Memo 5: Have We Properly Communicated Our Curation?


While I’ve done well in curating native brands and styles that I love, have we really communicated this passion to the broader public? Maybe it’s been like asking them to lift weights that are too heavy. But still, I ended up buying more of what I love today.





Memo 6: Brands That Keep Repeating Themselves


I visited stores like Filson, J.Crew, Orvis, and Muji—all brands I admire. Their common trait is that they keep selling the same items as if they’re always new, and somehow, they manage to keep selling them well.



Memo 7: The Jeweler with 31 Years of Experience


I met a Jewish jeweler who has been in the same spot for 31 years. When we shook hands and exchanged a brief hug, I could feel his strength—standing tall at around 190 cm, energetic, and loud. Even though I didn’t immediately buy the watch he recommended, the price kept dropping the more I hesitated. My pride wouldn’t let me ask for more discounts, though. I just kept tapping on my calculator


Memo 8: Exhaustion from the Day


By 7 p.m., I was completely wiped out and went back to my accommodation without eating dinner. I slept until midnight. Now it’s 2 a.m., and I’ll do a bit more reflecting before going back to bed.


Memo 9: Manhattan – Expensive and Dirty


Manhattan is dirty and expensive. It’s absurd how pricey everything is, yet I still end up taking taxis and buying meals. It’s chaotic, but it’s got a certain charm.


Memo 10: Walking with Silent Prayers


As I walk, I silently pray for strength, for good people and good products to come my way, for clarity, and for the ability to appreciate even the smallest details.





 
 
 
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