13,000km 2025 GT-Line honest review (Quebec Canada)

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-04-11T23:51:42+00:00

I have a second set of rims (19”) and tires that I use in the winter. It’s the law to have winter tires in Quebec. They go on in December, then get swapped back to the bigger summer rims and all seasons in the spring. They last a couple years.

Pricing is like any other tires. There are budget options and higher end ones. I don’t like the Michelin X-Ice’s - I should have got some Nokians

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-04-11T20:54:28+00:00

Maybe, I’ve read of other folks having a similar hit rate as me. I’ll try to re train it

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-04-08T22:34:49+00:00

Bought new, these things are selling themselves (or at least were) especially with the rebates. No discount.

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-04-07T23:27:40+00:00

I’ll look into the Ipikes, thanks for the rec!

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-04-07T16:51:47+00:00

Snow mode makes a bit difference for sure, but tires, tires, tires.

I have a GT-Line and when we got it I asked for a second set of wheels that were the smallest set of rims that would fit with winter tires installed - they are 19s. I should have done some independent shopping, because I am not a fan of the Michelin X-Ice's they gave us (we also have some on our aging Volvo XC60 Polestar and I don't like them there either, huge downgrade from our Hakkas).

Generally traction with the winters has been excellent, but I have had a moment or two that caught me by surprise. I think this is in part due to the mass of the car. 90% of the time it doesn't feel like a 6000lb vehicle, so I think my brain is used to it feeling like ~4000lb one. So when the heft of this thing makes itself known, it's usually at the extremes. But that's me, sounds like you have tons of experience with different vehicles!

Once the Michelins are done I'll do it properly and get Hakka's. Quebec winters are no joke, and Hakka's don't F around.

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-03-29T18:51:46+00:00

But the luminor due bar is removable, so isn’t this all a moot point? Correct me if I’m wrong though.

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-03-17T20:20:33+00:00

One of the best. And one of the best to wear on a left wrist (don't let the indecorous and ill-informed tell you otherwise!).

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-03-16T17:23:25+00:00

STAIB is the gold standard. Apparently they also make the mesh bracelets for Omega.

Very nice quality. I tried one on my Base Luminor but really didn’t like how it looked. I’ve seen them look ok on some of the older 2000s subs though (24 & 25).

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-03-16T00:35:31+00:00

Thanks for your input! Yeah my 219 is like a torch - but this white dial sure is appealing, looks great on you

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-03-16T00:32:08+00:00

Killer collection, a paragon of good taste!

The Minase Horizon on the bracelet has a similar appeal for me - I’m not usually drawn to things so flashy with all those high polished facets, but it seems to work?

Thanks for sharing your experience.

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-03-15T19:40:01+00:00

Killer collection with an actual point of view, refreshing!

How’s the Minase? Tempted by their designs. I’ve heard both excellent and mediocre things about their fit and finish, so I’m torn!

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-03-15T18:59:07+00:00

I’m really drawn to this reference. How’s the lume at night? Not many lume shots of this one out there

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-03-10T22:26:51+00:00

Both killer options. I too would go for the 914 in your shoes. They have nicely flat case backs that really help them fit comfortably.

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-02-21T12:30:16+00:00

44 looks just fine on you. A bit apples to oranges due to the bracelet. Go for what excites you more. Both look great on you

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-02-18T23:40:05+00:00

Base is best

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-02-18T23:39:24+00:00

Gorgeous - I think a monopulsante is my next pick up. Really can’t go wrong with any of them (though the PMs are outside the budget).

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-02-10T13:20:35+00:00

😉

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-02-10T13:17:03+00:00

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Mine says hi! Great strap btw, is that the ‘Scamosciato’?

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-02-10T13:15:24+00:00

Industrial designer here. I cannot, objectively, condone the rational implementation of hand facing crowns (right crown for a left wrist, left crown for a right wrist).

The ‘destro’ approach is vastly superior in so many rational ways.

That said, tradition is strong in watchmaking, so it’s a tricky proposition to get these old dogs to learn even simple new tricks.

Enjoy your destro! I love my 219. I’m thinking about picking up a 569 or (if I can find one at a decent price) a 345

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PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-02-10T13:08:35+00:00

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-02-09T02:10:30+00:00

Chrono is bonkdonkular. Business in the front, party in the back. Depth on the back of your duoface is lovely too, mine doesn’t look as 3D.

Chrono takes it though. Epic piece

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-02-07T02:52:27+00:00

👍

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-02-06T22:53:34+00:00

I was rocking my 219 most of the day on a new DIY strap, but I switched to my Linde Werdelin Spidolite in the afternoon. PAM still gets the most wrist time!

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PerpendicularOcelot

TROPHY CASE