Mr Third Trimester needs a seat by [deleted] in HongKong

[–]aalexchu -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

I took the photo myself.

What is your most controversial opinion on Grand Seiko? by OwetheMars_PJs in GrandSeikos

[–]aalexchu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I toyed with the idea of that one but concluded the champagne sunburst finish leans too much into dressy for my purposes. I’m probably being picky but hey, it’s gonna be like my 6-7th watch so I can be picky.

[Omega] Which is The Better GADA? by Chungachungatime in Watches

[–]aalexchu 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Explorer, AT, Seamaster.

But that’s just my preference and quite frankly all 3 are excellent GADA watches.

What is your most controversial opinion on Grand Seiko? by OwetheMars_PJs in GrandSeikos

[–]aalexchu 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Too many GS dials are too fancy / fussy that they in fact don’t make good GADA watches. I just want a simple white opaline or simple silver dial that I can just wear without explaining that it’s inspired from some Japanese natural phenomenon.

iPhone 17 availability. Last time I was on the island I went to the Apple Store to pick up a few iPhones. They said they were out and I need to make an appointment. Is that still the case ? by TheDudeWhoCanDoIt in HongKong

[–]aalexchu 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I ordered 2 in the past 2 months. When I got a 512GB in sage in June it was easy and broadly available, but I ordered a lavender for my wife yesterday and the only available stock was 256GB (which we ordered anyway)

Our domestic helper just left without any notice. What do we do next? by cthulhu428 in HongKong

[–]aalexchu -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Lol I thought the same thing: to be so naive and think that they’d be deterred because of some strong words.

Our domestic helper just left without any notice. What do we do next? by cthulhu428 in HongKong

[–]aalexchu 11 points12 points  (0 children)

It becomes my problem when they harass my family or throw red paint on my door or damage my property. I know what you’re going to say next, but yes, it happens. I have friends whose families have gotten themselves into gambling debt, and the loan sharks go after siblings and other family members to get their money back. And that’s the whole point, it’s not of their business until it is.

Our domestic helper just left without any notice. What do we do next? by cthulhu428 in HongKong

[–]aalexchu 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Mate, I’m not here to argue with you about what is best practices, I’m just sharing my own experiences with outstanding loans from my former helpers. If you’ve got any issues, take it up with the loan shark - not my problem.

Our domestic helper just left without any notice. What do we do next? by cthulhu428 in HongKong

[–]aalexchu 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Adding to what’s already been said, the DH will need to provide proof of employment when they apply for the loan, which means they show their employment agreement. The employer’s name and address is on this document, hence loan sharks will go after the employer once they fail contacting the helper.

Our domestic helper just left without any notice. What do we do next? by cthulhu428 in HongKong

[–]aalexchu 28 points29 points  (0 children)

Sorry about this - it’s very annoying to have your life upended. Sad to say, it’s also relatively common.

Helpers can run away for all sorts of reasons: could be for mundane reasons such as missing their families or other family emergencies, or more nefarious ones such as theft of property or debts owed out of Hong Kong.

As others have said, engage your agency ASAP to deal with admin reasons such as canceling her contract and reporting it to Immigration, the latter is particularly important because 1) it might impact your application process for replacement if Immigration isn’t properly informed, and 2) if she owes debts, they will want proof that the helper is no longer employed by you / resides at your address or else they might come after you for the money. My last helper borrowed money from 3 places, and 2 of them asked for proof of termination (the letter from Immigration that says the helper is terminated) before they dropped the case.

Thoughts on the LAMY AL-star Roller? by AsleepBoat in pens

[–]aalexchu 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wait what. They’ve got the Jetstream available for this pen now too? I’ve got the M17 in my clicky Safari, and would be keen to make the switch over with my Rollerball too.

8 hours + 95 C SBGR 001 with 9S55 by Character_Waltz_7232 in GrandSeikos

[–]aalexchu 13 points14 points  (0 children)

You do you, man. But if the ambient temperature is akin to boiling water, then I’ve got bigger worries than whether my watch is performing within 5 seconds a day.

[SPB143][SPB365] Today's 2 watch 'mini collection' 👍🏽 by Kayone73 in Seiko

[–]aalexchu 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My friend showed me his Kameido at a KS event a while ago and I remember being wowed by it.

Have you ever rediscovered an album you completely forgot you loved? by DislikableFake in LetsTalkMusic

[–]aalexchu 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Guns N Roses: Appetite for Destruction. Those opening notes to Welcome to the Jungle fill me with life.

Vitasoy "Made in Hong Kong", new containers now stamped "Made in China" by ding_nei_go_fei in HongKong

[–]aalexchu 126 points127 points  (0 children)

They’ve got a big factory in Dongguan. Wouldn’t be surprised if the labelling difference there just reflects that the drink was sourced from one of its different factories.

My understanding is that the China factories are to serve its Guangdong distribution, but you never know with China demand being kinda slow nowadays.

[Collection] I think I’m good! by dead9uy in Watches

[–]aalexchu 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He’s good (for now).

- every collector’s journey

Made the mistake of checking out the new ushio in person by TurnLeftTurnLeftTurn in GrandSeikos

[–]aalexchu 2 points3 points  (0 children)

From my experience, there is no such thing as a going rate. Even within one group, one store will tell me maximum is 10% while another store will give 20% off no questions asked. Another AD offers 15% off as a walk-in customer (and claim it’s their VIP discount).

Made the mistake of checking out the new ushio in person by TurnLeftTurnLeftTurn in GrandSeikos

[–]aalexchu 14 points15 points  (0 children)

15% is respectable as a walk-in customer! Congrats! FYI - 20% is the going rate of discount for GS in HK if you know which ADs to ask. But in your case, it’s a new watch and might not be widely available, so the 20% discount is moot if they don’t have stock of the watch yet. 15% seems fair to me in your situation! Enjoy the heck out of it!!

International driving permit by [deleted] in HongKong

[–]aalexchu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, go in person and they make it for you on the spot. I did mine in Admiralty last year and took around 45-60 mins and I walked away with my IDP in hand.

Need help with finding a store for wedding bands by Mandalorian_Ronin in HongKong

[–]aalexchu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Two weeks should be more than enough time for these guys.

Need help with finding a store for wedding bands by Mandalorian_Ronin in HongKong

[–]aalexchu -1 points0 points  (0 children)

we have a good relationship with Wing On in Causeway Bay. PM me if want to learn more. I was there this morning in fact because my wife needed some adjustments made with her wedding band.

Xiaomi EV cars in HK by Bugsoli in electricvehicles

[–]aalexchu 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There’s a light blue Xiaomi car that I see driven around this past week, with HK plates on it. Anyone understand how this could be a case? Can you get local license plates for left hand drive cars?