patrick_y
[PuristSPro Moderator]
31882
A Thorough Review of RIMOWA ORIGINAL Cabin 92553004 and FPM BANK 55M Carry On Luggage
Moderator Patrick_y is also a fan of luggage. He's a huge fan of RIMOWA, but was wondering if he ever had RIMOWA fatigue, were there any other good alternatives? In this Review, Patrick_y gives a thorough review of both the FPM Bank 55M and the RIMOWA Original Aluminum Cabin and compares and contrasts the two pieces.
INTRODUCTION
Icons. Well-to-do people all over the world want the same things. The same iconic watches - Rolex Daytona, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, and Patek Philippe Nautilus are sought after all over the world. Social media and the internet has spread the word of what is popular in the fashion capitals faster than ever before. Rap musicians now wax poetry about specific watch brands by name. And if there was one brand of luggage that is favored by star-architects (like Tadao Ando), famous celebrity chefs (like Nobu Matsuhisa), and scores of athletes (like Roger Federer) - it's RIMOWA. RIMOWA is an iconic German luggage brand; the brand popularized corrugated aluminum suitcases during the golden age of airplane travel and also invented the polycarbonate suitcase in year 2000.
THE LANDSCAPE
Hard cases are becoming popular again! For many years, especially in the 90s, 2000s, and 2010s ballistic nylon soft cases were the top choice for many business travelers. Many airport lounges seemed to be filled with TUMI, Hartmann, Briggs & Riley, and other brands - at this time RIMOWA wasn't completely mainstream yet. However, after RIMOWA was acquired by LVMH in late 2016 for 640 Million Euros (for an 80% stake) from the founding Moreszeck family, RIMOWA became the hot travel accessory for many well-heeled travelers. LVMH's Alexandre Arnault revamped the RIMOWA distribution, cut out many luggage stores and instead choosing to retail the products only in department stores and RIMOWA boutiques - making the distribution more direct and controlling the consistency of the distribution. He also didn't spend a large amount on traditional advertising, instead going the guerrilla route with more targeted internet advertising.
SOME NUMBERS
While LVMH does not specifically report the revenue from RIMOWA operations, I estimate that the three factories produce 8000 pieces a day in total, around 2 million cases a year, and at the retail level (LVMH does not capture all of the retail-level revenue as it sells to distributors and franchisees), an average of around 1000 Euros per case, and thus generating around 2 Billion Euros a year!
RIMOWA FATIGUE?
I like luggage - I almost have a passion for luggage. I started investigating if there were other cool pieces of luggage that were in the market place. TUMI, an American brand had the beautiful and sculptural 19 Degrees case. The locks on this case also feel very nice. But the piece had a very polarizing modern feel - and while I liked it - I felt that I was looking for something more architectural.
I was in Mayfair, London 2018 when I first saw the FPM Bank luggage, designed by Marc Sadler, I barely noticed it. It had caught my eye but it was placed too high on a shelf, and I didn't know the brand at the time - tight on time for an appointment, I didn't investigate further. But I remembered the case - and I eventually found the brand. I've tried to contact the FPM brand for media inquiries, but FPM didn't respond. I visited the FPM boutiques in Milano and Taipei - and I acquired two FPM Bank 55M suitcases for this review.
THE REVIEW/COMPARISON
The information is presented in raw data and a plethora of details are observed. It's important to note that there is some bias in favor of the RIMOWA - the author has been using his RIMOWA case for many years and more recently started using the FPM case. But, the same author used a Patek Philippe Nautilus for a decade and upon using the Bulgari Octo Finissimo, realized the strengths of the Octo Finissimo in short order.
RIMOWA Original Cabin 92553004 (equivalent) | Topic | FPM Bank Spinner 55M |
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| EXTERIOR PERFORMANCE |
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$1430 plus tax | USA Price in US dollars | $1950 plus tax |
55 cm | Height | 55 cm |
40 cm | Width | 40 cm |
23 cm | Depth | 24.5 cm |
35 liters | Capacity | 37.5 liters |
4.3 KG – already too heavy, but at least lighter than the FPM | Weight | 5.5 KG – much too heavy. |
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| Wheels |
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Rimowa has smooth wheels that need periodic cleaning. Lack of periodic cleaning will result in build up that will cause the case to go sideways. Wheels are supplied by TENTE. | Wheel design | FPM appears to likely use Hinamoto wheels. Hinamoto wheels are known to be high quality and reliable. |
Should a wheel be damaged, it can easily be removed with a single screw. Screwdriver is supplied inside the RIMOWA's lining. | Ease of wheel replacement in case of damage. | It is difficult to determine, but the wheel does not look like it is easily removable. Wheel looks to be riveted into the case and would thus require formal servicing. |
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| Handles |
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Silver painted plastic | Top Handle | Leather |
Silver painted plastic, placed on the correct side allowing the case to rest on the feet. | Side Handle | Silicone rubber, placed on unintuitive side. On the side of the feet. |
Very good | Handle Ergonomics | Good |
Yes, both top and side handles are relatively centered. | Balanced and Centered Handle? | No, both top and side handles are biased to one side. |
| Telescoping Handle |
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Grip is long in width but hard plastics can get tiresome. The long width allows more easy to turn the case and control the case. | Telescoping Handle Grip | Grip is too small, both in diameter and in width. The small grip makes it harder to turn the case. The smaller diameter grip also means it’s better for those with small hands but for those with normal hands it’s not a very commanding feel. The grip does have a soft silicone cushion for comfort. |
Has infinite locking heights. | Telescoping Handle Adjustability | Has twelve locking heights. |
Close to the back of the case, does not protrude too much inside of the case. | Telescoping Handle design | Close to the back of the case. Does not take up too much space in the case interior. |
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Slightly more effort required on Rimowa. | Cobbled Road Performance Using Telescoping Handle | FPM wheels feel superior on cobbled roads. |
Very similar. | Thick Carpet Performance Using Telescoping Handle | Very similar. |
Somewhat rigid, allows the user’s intention to be well translated into movement with less energy lost due to chassis flex. | Chassis Rigidity | Significantly more chassis rigidity in FPM allows for user’s intention to be translated to movement with virtually no lost energy. |
Lower than FPM due to more ergonomic telescoping handle-bar. | Overall User Effort Using Telescoping Handle | Higher than Rimowa, due to less ergonomic telescoping handle-bar design. |
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| Use In Hotel Room Or At Home |
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Both sides are relatively the same depth so opens flat. Which is very beneficial when having the case on a table or on a floor. | Opens Flat? | FPM has one side that’s deeper and one side that’s shallower, thus, does not lie completely flat. Try to open this case on a thick carpet to mitigate unevenness. |
Two compression panels each with a nylon Velcro strap. | Interior strap configuration description. | One compression side and one open side, each with two leather straps. |
The two straps take around 15 seconds to secure and 5 seconds to undo. | Ease of use of straps. | The four straps take around 40 seconds to secure or undo. |
Almost no risk. Rimowa’s Velcro is a type that is not likely to snag on sweaters. | Interior sweater snag risk? | No risk absent misuse. Interior liner held in with normal Velcro that can snag sweaters – but unlikely. |
Not Padded | Interior liner material | Padded |
Glued to metal case, not wash-able. | Interior liner removable | Removable and can be washed. |
Two Large pockets, easily accessible. | Interior zippered pockets | One large pocket, less easily accessible. |
Normal luggage tag. Dust bag – very high quality. | Included accessories | One packing cube, for shirts. A cylindrical luggage tag that doesn’t look like a luggage tag. Dust bag. |
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| Security |
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Two 3-digit locks included, 2000 possibilities. | Locks | One 3 digit lock included, 1000 possibilities, with possibility of two additional padlocks locks. |
Two plastic locks. ABUS design. Fairly secure. | Closure | Two Butterfly locks, all-metal. Very secure. |
Has a silicone rubber seal. But not airtight. | Airtight? | Has a deep metal on metal frame with highly protruding convex and deeply concave sections. But not very airtight. |
Has silicon rubber seal. But not water tight. Highly water resistant. | Watertight | No silicone rubber seal. Highly water resistant. |
High | Overall Strength/Likely Protection | High |
Slightly thinner aluminum on Rimowa than FPM. | Material Thickness | Slightly thicker aluminum on FPM than Rimowa. |
| Lifetime; all functional items, including limited damage from baggage handling services. | Warranty | Lifetime; all defects on all functional items. Damage by baggage handling is not covered. |
Starts off as one large flat sheet of aluminum that is curved into shape and riveted. Two corner protectors added and riveted. Two wheel housings added. Held together with a few rivets and a frame. Main shell is made from one piece of aluminum. | Construction Principle | One flat aluminum sheet per shell, four curved aluminum sheets per shell, four flat small aluminum sheets to make up the side panels of the shell, two aluminum corners per shell, and two plastic wheel housings per shell. And two shells. Held together with many rivets and a frame. Main shell is made from about a dozen pieces. |
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| Customer Service |
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With many stores and a long history of use, most problems are known problems and can be easily remedied. | Ease of Service | With very few stores, most problems are not well known and cannot always be easily remedied. |
One or two service agencies in every major cityworldwide. | Service Network | One or two service agencies in every major countryworldwide. |
LVMH is the primary managing partner. Morsczek family owns ~20% of shares. | Ownership | Fremder Family and possibly outside Investors |
Significant 30% increase in past 5 years. | Price Increases? | Significant 30% increase in past 2 years. |
Premium to Luxury | Market Positioning | Luxury |
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| Intangibles |
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Very commonly seen at airports in Europe, Asia, and becoming more popular in USA. Well over a million cases made per year. | Rarity | Very rare. |
Haptics aren’t stellar. But not lacking in any way. | Haptics | Beautiful mechanical haptics with metal on metal sounds to match. Butterfly locks are especially mechanical. |
No unique sounds. | Sounds | Butterfly locks make “clack” sounds in normal operation which remind me of a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen jeep door closing. |
Very good and consistent build quality. However, each case is unique – as each case is folded slightly differently and the tension in the metal of each case is slightly different. | Build Quality | Telescoping Handle on FPM doesn’t fit perfectly in resting position; one is higher than the other. This is apparent on two FPM Bank suitcases that were ordered for this test. |
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Notice the handle on the FPM is not centered. Also notice, the handle is on the same side as the feet! The RIMOWA handle is centered and on the opposite side of the feet.
The interior of the FPM is beautifully made, but less practical. The four straps take 40 seconds to secure. The RIMOWA is somewhat industrial but very practical; the dividers have transparent pockets and can be used to compress the contents. The two velcro straps take around fifteen seconds to secure.
The FPM’s Butterfly Locks are wonderfully tactile. You can also add your own padlock for further security. They can also make a clack sound which reminds me of a the Mercedes G-Wagen jeep doors. Using this case is just a delight. You can also use it quietly if you don't want to disturb your travel partner.
This is the view of the inside of the FPM case with the interior lining removed. You can see the wheel is riveted into the metal case. Without any obvious screws on the outside or inside, it would require a professional with a workshop to change a damaged wheel. Also notice how many aluminum panels there are here.
The very deep main compartment. The depth of this compartment is slightly deeper than the RIMOWA.
The panel and the second compartment. The depth of this compartment is equivalent to the RIMOWA.
The FPM frame has a tall convex groove.
The FPM frame has a deep concave groove here but no silicone rubber seal.
The middle hinge area of the case is not covered on the FPM. Most other brands cover this middle hinge area.
The interior lining is removable for washing.
A shirt bag is included in the FPM.
The leather straps are beautiful, but the four leather straps take 40 seconds to fully secure. The gray plastic cylinder is an impractical luggage tag.
The FPM does not open flat and sometimes will wobble.
RIMOWA Case interior is highly functional. Note the hinge area is covered.
With the dividers removed, you have a highly usable space. But the dividers must be put back in for the straps to be effective. The FPM’s straps can be effective without the dividers.
The RIMOWA has velcro interior straps that are designed to snag sweaters less. I tested it on a cashmere sweater and it didn’t snag too badly.
Note the silicone rubber seal on the RIMOWA.
The RIMOWA handle bar is wider and also thicker than the FPM handle bar.
Inside the lining of the RIMOWA there is a tool for emergency repairs. This tool can be used to remove the wheel, should you have a spare.
MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS
The FPM does look more impressive; much more architectural, and the butterfly locks give the case a strong and unique look. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The interior has beautiful leather straps. But the interior is not as practical as the Rimowa. One half of the FPM is significantly deeper than the other half, so the case doesn't lie flat on the ground. Also, each half of the FPM has four fussy leather straps with a pin and buckle which takes much longer to close up than the Rimowa single velcro strap. The FPM does have an incredible feature though; an interior liner that is removable, washable, and replaceable - in case you ever accidentally soil the interior of your case (some people let dirty clothes touch the interior of their cases and have to replace the case if they can't replace the interior). The handles on the FPM aren't as pleasant to use as the RIMOWA. Lastly, the FPM is much heavier than the already heavy RIMOWA, which really hurts the practicality of this case. Some airlines like EVA Air and Qatar Airways has a 7 KG limit; many airlines like SWISS, Lufthansa, Austrian, and more have an 8KG limit. The FPM weighs 5.5 KG empty. And with my packing style; shoes (with shoe trees) and clothes, my case comes out to around 10.5 KG!
The RIMOWA is the more practical case. Weighing in at 4.3 KG, it's heavy but among the lightest in the aluminum case world. The wheels are wonderful, the telescoping handle is wonderfully big for a commanding grip, the grab handles are relatively centered so the case goes straight down when hand carried (the FPM's handles are not centered and the case goes down at an angle), and the no-fuss interior is easy to use. Combined with the better service network for repairs, the RIMOWA is the more dependable case while on the go.
Which one would you prefer? The FPM Bank (left) or the RIMOWA Original (right). To put it in an integrated-bracelet watch-collector context, would you prefer the Bulgari Octo Finissimo or the IWC Ingenieur?
OVERALL CONCLUSION
The iconic RIMOWA definitely deserves its icon status. The RIMOWA Original Aluminum case is definitely a well rounded and practical case and the clear winner in this comparison. The FPM is definitely the much more difficult case to construct - by precision joining of two dozen aluminum pieces vs RIMOWA's two major flat panels that are folded to obtain the 3D shape. But despite the beautiful craftsmanship behind the FPM case, the practical RIMOWA is clearly the preferred travel partner for most. This doesn't mean the FPM isn't a great case - it's definitely the more luxurious case and the better choice for someone looking for something different than a RIMOWA. But with the stresses of travel, the no-fuss RIMOWA is likely the better choice for most people.
That being said, while the FPM Bank 55M did not take the crown from the RIMOWA, the FPM Bank suitcase is still an amazing suitcase - and does appeal to the right side (the emotional side) of the brain. I just really enjoy this FPM luggage despite its quirks! There's a lot of things to like about the FPM! And it's been a delight to use! The FPM has some special delightful touches that show Italian emotion and it really brings a pleasure to the user.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Thank you for reading. I look forward to your comments!
Disclosures: WatchProSite moderator Patrick_y purchased two RIMOWA identical carry-on cases and two FPM identical carry-on cases. All four cases were purchased by Patrick_y. WatchProSite nor Patrick_y received any compensation for this review. The author's bias towards the RIMOWA cases were announced earlier - as the author has used RIMOWA cases for many more years than FPM cases. WatchProSite did try to contact FPM multiple ways to obtain more data, but FPM did not respond, despite multiple attempts. WatchProSite did not contact RIMOWA. The RIMOWA used is a 2016/2017 model (model #92353004) but is almost exactly equivalent to the current 92553004 model. The major difference is the earlier model is corrugated aluminum whereas the latest model is super-formed aluminum which creates a small aesthetic difference that does not affect performance.
The author has a variety of luggage for various missions.
Moderator Patrick_y also reviewed AWAY Luggage. Here's a link to that review: www.watchprosite.com
A Thorough Review of RIMOWA ORIGINAL Cabin 92553004 and FPM BANK 55M Carry On Luggage
Wow, wow and wow. what a masterpiece writeup.
You are absolutely right!
That's some good looking luggage!
Thank you, Patrick, for such a detailed report.
Can't fault you there!
Wow a review! Thank you
Did I see it at the JLC factory event?
Thanks for the detailed report Patrick.
Thank you M4!
Lucky kids! That's so nice of you!
Amazing review…
A lot of people swear by Briggs and Riley. Definitely a quality piece of luggage.
The internal compression mechanism used by Briggs & Riley is quite effective.
The Rimowa one works fairly well too.
Nice one Fastwong! You got the very new Classic Flight in black!
Very nice!
They still make it!!!!
The current Classic Cabiin versus the old two-wheel Cabin question?
Yes. 52 vs 53 is fairly substantial difference.
I skipped the entire post and looked for your reply....
One of the coolest watches by Glashutte Original!
Thanks, what a great review! I considered all the options when I finally bought a four wheel carry on and as much as I really really didn't want to give LVMH my money I ended up with a Rimowa
Oh! Wow! I didn't know you were a multi-million-mile-flyer!
You need to turn that zero attache into a watch box if you're not using it!😍
You've inspired me to go dig the Zero attache case out!
Thank you for the detailed review!
Thank you for reading!
Yup!
Oooh! I don't mind the big boxes. I like the pomp and circumstance in the packaging!
They sure do! It's super cool!
Luggage is really a partner in travel.
You piqued my interest with this review
Good luck! I hear MONOS is quite good.
Patrick, very very nice write up. Appreciate it.
Very nice! I've been to the Yoshida store.
Just wondering if you’ve ever come across Carl friedrick
Honestly. It looks good.
Thanks for your thoughtful reply Patrick!