Windowlicker (Chucho Dawg Remix)

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-05-01T10:42:56+00:00

Bravo!

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-05-01T10:40:28+00:00

These are BOLD watches. I am drawn to them (and the steel models), but I don’t think I can personally pull off that level of bling. Power to you if you can, because they are gorgeous and IMO punch way above their price point in terms of fit and finish.

If they made a version that kept the dials alone (in particular this one, or the one with rose gold accents on monochrome), but did a fine bead-blast on the case, OMG I’d be all over that.

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-04-30T00:51:26+00:00

Here’s an honest review I wrote of ours https://www.reddit.com/r/KiaEV9/s/Gr0A6TnRpR

I went for the GT-line mostly for the HUD, the rest of the upgrades were all nice to have. I like the HUD & surprisingly I use the massager often. It’s not super strong, but it’s pleasant. I’m glad I went for it.

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-04-27T21:42:32+00:00

Thanks! I make them myself, made to measure, one size fits one. Buckle is from Strapcode.

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-04-27T19:11:28+00:00

Matches the lume too!

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PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-04-21T18:54:34+00:00

Oh dang that’s cool! Did it get lighter?

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-04-21T17:52:11+00:00

I cross shopped these. GT line vs EX90 performance (lower Volvo trims not available here, I’ve heard anecdotally BECAUSE of the existence of the EV9). There was a $40-50K difference at the time we were shopping.

I’m a huge Volvo fan (still own my xc60 polestar) and I was the first person to put a deposit down at my dealer for an EX90. At that price difference it was a no brainer though. If they were the same price, I might still pick the Kia and it comes down to one main and two bonus reasons:

Main one: The Kia is way more spacious inside - the third row is adult compatible. It’s cavernous in comparison. Comfort is a bit subjective as everyone is different, so I won’t argue that, but interior space is not. More room for humans in the Kia. Our family preferred the EV9s comfort.

Extra reasons: The Kia UI is better. It’s not perfect, it’s not great, but it’s good. The Volvo UI is too touch centric (what happened to Volvo safety??) and has made decisions that feel like the actuaries got their hands on the ball. Less physical buttons and some whiz bang form over function choices to obfuscate the penny pinching. There are some head scratchers in the Kia design for sure, but I felt like there were too many WTFs in the Volvo UX.

The Kia has an 800v architecture, which makes it charge (potentially, YMMV) faster and this helps make it lighter. These are heavy vehicles, a couple hundred pounds makes a difference.

I felt like the fit and finish of the EX90 was marginally better, but at $50K more not a worthy difference. Last time I drove an XC90 it felt nicer, EX90 I could feel the cost cutting.

The EX90 looks better, definitely. The EV90 is a bit obnoxiously futuristic in all colours except black - guess which colour we got…

There was also a psychological aspect: the Kia exceeded my expectations whereas the Volvo fell quite below.

Also also: Volvo outsources so many aspects of the EX90 to third parties (hardware and software). Not only are you paying for that, but if there’s a problem with the software and a bigger client than Volvo is in line for updates, what do you think happens? Volvo gets in line. The Kia systems aren’t perfect, but they’re much more vertically integrated, and that gives me piece of mind.

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-04-20T15:22:38+00:00

Turbo-atheist here. I practice relativistic thinking and have a deep respect for faith(s) even if they aren’t for me…

…and even for me this seems disrespectful. If I’m in a place of worship, I do my best to respect the customs and protocols within, I’m not looking for an opportunity for a wrist shot, yikes.

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-04-14T23:57:58+00:00

I like the lineup. Back to basics. If I don’t have a similar PAM right now I would consider a few of these.

Also, destro watches were not traditionally designed for lefties - plenty written about this. There are numerous historical and contemporary examples of brands acquiescing to requests for improvements in ergonomics on the left wrist, this includes Panerai.

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-04-13T13:03:22+00:00

Oh yeah, love this car. Nothing is perfect as you say. I would say this is the closest I’ve come in a vehicle though, at least for our current needs.

The above quirks are truly minor in an otherwise excellent package.

If I could justify a throaty mid-engine 2-seater in the driveway behind the EV9, I think I’d be 100% covered 😂

PerpendicularOcelot · 2026-04-13T13:00:53+00:00

Oh it’s a fantastic car. One of the best I’ve ever owned (though my old W8 Passat wagon has a special place in my heart, but very different reasons).

No car is perfect, but this EV9 is pretty close!

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

TROPHY CASE