I can definitely tell you that Rimowa is the 'it' luggage to have in China / HK. It shows that you've made it - along with the other name brand they tote. The service centre in Kowloon, has a long strew of luggages to be re-banged back into shape almost after every flight when I was last there. The service centre is at least central. Not so in Singapore where they are way out in the boonies.

I have two of the aluminium suitcases. I bought them believing that they would be more durable than the old Samsonite Oyster hard shell suitcases after someone tried to pry open mine at JNB airport a couple of years ago.

They were nice at first but then things started going wrong. The wheels are damaged very easily. They can't turn properly if dented just a bit. I've replaced so many wheels that I stopped counting. Then the combination locks somehow autolocks when your finger brushes them just as you're closing them. Another trip to the repair shop !

I've never ever brought my Samsonites in for any repair ! Unless it was severely damaged by the airlines.

Rimowa is touting themselves very heavily in Hong Kong and China. I was standing by the road in HK one day waiting for a taxi, and the taxi stopped and the driver shouted in putonghua that he can't take me to Kowloon. It was only when I replied back in Cantonese that all I wanted to go is HK Station, that he complied.

Oh dear... if you're Chinese, and you have a Rimowa.. you might be mistaken for a mainlander !