How to Set a RIMOWA Lock—and Test It before Closing

Open the empty case on a stable surface and compare its hardware with RIMOWA's current collection guide. Original and Hybrid have two latch locks at the frame; Classic also uses latches but a different sliding control; Essential and Essential Lite secure zipper pullers in an integrated combination lock. Older or special models may not match the current mechanism.

Set all three dials exactly at the centre line. The factory code is 0-0-0, but a previously owned case may already have been changed. If 000 does not open it, stop: resetting requires the existing code and these instructions are not a way around an unknown combination. Contact RIMOWA with proof of ownership rather than forcing or drilling the lock.

• Work with the case open, unloaded and resting flat so closing pressure cannot confuse the mechanism.
• Match Original or Hybrid, Classic, Essential or Essential Lite before following a button or lever instruction.
• If the known code does not open the lock, move to troubleshooting rather than beginning a reset sequence.

For current Original and Hybrid locks, select 0-0-0 and push the release button to open. With the lock open, press and hold that same button while rotating the dials to the chosen three digits. Keep the digits centred, then release the button. The release stores the new combination. Turn the dials away from it to secure the open lock for testing.

For current Classic, select 0-0-0 and slide the button towards the outside to open. Move the button towards the inside and hold it there while turning the dials. Centre each chosen number in its window before releasing the slider to save. The direction matters, which is why an Original instruction should not be improvised on Classic's visually similar hardware.

• Original and Hybrid: open at 000; hold the push button; select the code; release; scramble.
• Classic: open by sliding outwards; hold the slider inwards; select and centre the code; release; scramble.
• Set both latch locks to the same memorable code unless a deliberate two-code system is securely documented.

On current Essential, select 0-0-0 and move the lever towards the word 'code' to release the zipper pullers. With the lock open, move the lever so it covers 'code' and hold it while setting the three dials. Release the lever to save. The exact labelling is visible in RIMOWA's current illustrated guide and should govern if the case differs from the description.

On current Essential Lite, select 0-0-0 and move the lever up to release the pullers. Hold that lever up while choosing the new digits, then release it to save. Do not let the pullers fall into the lock while the code is being changed. Keep them free until the reset has survived the complete open-lock test.

• Essential: move the lever towards or over 'code', hold, select the digits, then release.
• Essential Lite: lift and hold the lever, select the digits, then release.
• Keep zipper pullers outside the lock until the saved code has been tested several times.

After saving, turn every dial at least one full number away and attempt the release; it should remain locked. Return the chosen digits to the centre line and open it. Repeat the scramble-and-open cycle three times for each lock. On a latch case, test each side independently before bringing the frame together. On a zipper case, test without the pullers captured, then insert and release them once while the case remains open.

Store the code in a password manager or another secure record available during travel. Do not place the only copy inside the case, write it on the luggage tag or photograph it beside the serial number in a public album. Once the test is complete, close an empty case gently and reopen it one final time. The extra minute is cheaper than discovering a mis-set digit in a hotel room.

• Negative test: scrambled dials do not release the open lock.
• Positive test: centred chosen digits release the lock three consecutive times.
• Final test: the empty case closes without pressure and reopens once before packing begins.