Today, we’re taking a closer look at a watch from a brand called Cadola. While it may not be a household name, Cadola is actually a sister brand to well-known names like AVI-8, Spinnaker, Nubeo, and several others. As a result, you might notice some shared design language across these brands — a testament to their common creative roots. Over the past few years, Cadola has been steadily gaining traction, releasing a number of interesting timepieces. One notable recent release was the Testa Di Toro, a homage to the iconic Citizen Bullhead. Cadola’s core identity is centered around vintage and motorsport-inspired designs, often drawing heavily on Italian naming. While the brand embraces an Italian-inspired naming convention and aesthetic, it’s important to note that Cadola is based in China — which is quite common in the microbrand space. This is not a criticism; many respected microbrands operate this way, offering strong value through smart sourcing and design.

The model we’re reviewing today is the Cadola Rally Timer, available in four dial colors: Green, Black, Blue, and the version we have here — listed as Grey, but in person, it leans more toward a creamy champagne or soft gold tone than a true grey. The watch arrives in a minimalist cardboard box, just large enough to house the timepiece, a warranty card, and the instruction manual. Personally, I appreciate this no-nonsense approach to packaging — it’s compact, functional, and avoids unnecessary waste.

First impressions? It’s BIG! I didn’t check the diameter when I received the press release and assumed it would fall in the 40–42mm range. In reality, it’s a hefty 46mm — and you definitely feel that presence on the wrist. One interesting point is the design identity. The Rally Timer seems to blend cues from different genres. On one hand, the case shape echoes that of a super compressor, while the dial and strap lean into automotive styling, with elements like a rally-style perforated strap and a dashboard-inspired dial layout. It creates a bit of an identity clash — a hybrid that doesn’t fully commit to either the diver or racing genre. That said, the build quality feels solid and refined, which is always reassuring at this price point.

The Cadola Rally Timer features a 316L stainless steel case, known for its durability and corrosion resistance. The machining is crisp and precise, with a uniform satin-brushed finish that gives the watch a clean, purposeful look. With a 46mm diameter, 54mm lug-to-lug, and 12.4mm thickness, the Rally Timer wears very large on the wrist. On my 18cm (7-inch) wrist — which is slightly above average — it feels oversized and somewhat unwieldy. This is definitely a watch for those who prefer bold, oversized pieces.

The bezel is fixed, and at 2 o’clock, there’s a secondary crown for the internal rotating bezel, capped with red anodized aluminum. Unfortunately, this crown is not screw-down, so even a light touch can unintentionally move the bezel, limiting its usefulness for accurate timing. The main crown at 4 o’clock is a large, push-pull type, signed with the Cadola logo. It’s easy to grip and operate, with solid tactile feedback. Around back, the screw-down caseback is engraved with the logo and key specifications. Covering the dial is a single-domed sapphire crystal with AR coating. The watch is rated to 100 meters (10 ATM) of water resistance — suitable for handwashing or rain — but since neither crown screws down, I wouldn’t recommend swimming with it. Overall, while the case design is solid and well-built, the sizing and crown choices may limit its practicality for everyday wear.

The dial of the Cadola Rally Timer is as bold as the case itself — large, highly legible, and packed with detail. While the official description lists the dial color as “Dove Grey,” in person it leans much more toward a champagne, cream, or soft gold tone, depending on the lighting. It’s a warmer hue than expected, but one that adds a touch of vintage charm. Surrounding the dial is the inner rotating bezel, angled and featuring a red triangle marker at 12 o’clock, with black-printed minute markers. Between the main dial and the bezel sits a black minute track, highlighted with red accents, which adds depth and visual layering. The center of the dial features a grainy texture, giving it a subtle tactile quality. A sector-style layout is present, defined by red vertical and horizontal line, along with printed red hour numerals. A second set of black minute markers surrounds this inner sector and, notably, these are lumed, enhancing nighttime visibility.

At 6 o’clock, there’s a black date window — a thoughtful touch that blends seamlessly with the overall design, avoiding unnecessary contrast. The Cadola logo sits at 12 o’clock, while “Automatic” and “100m” are printed at 9 and 3 o’clock, respectively, maintaining visual symmetry. The hands are styled in a Broad Arrow design — bold and easy to spot. They are finished in black, with luminous material filling the center portions. The seconds hand is bright red, standing out clearly against the dial for easy readability. Overall, while the dial design feels somewhat conflicted — blending racing and diving watch elements — it’s undeniably distinctive. Despite the eclectic mix, the result is a highly legible and eye-catching dial that offers strong character and practicality.

Inside the Cadola Rally Timer beats the Seiko NH35A, a movement that has become a staple in the world of microbrands — and for good reason. It’s a workhorse automatic caliber, known for its reliability, ease of servicing, and solid performance at an accessible price point. The NH35A features 24 jewels, beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz), and offers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours. It supports both manual winding and hacking seconds, which is a nice touch for those who like to set their time precisely. While not a high-end movement, it delivers consistent, dependable performance that you can count on for daily wear.

In my personal experience with the Rally Timer, the NH35A ran at a rate of +7 to +9 seconds per day, which is well within the expected tolerance for this caliber. For a watch in this price bracket, that level of accuracy is more than acceptable — in fact, it’s quite good. The movement also winds smoothly and the crown action feels confident, which adds to the overall sense of quality. One of the key advantages of the NH35A is its robustness. It’s built to last and can tolerate a fair amount of daily wear and tear without issue. Parts are widely available, and most watchmakers are familiar with servicing it, which is reassuring for long-term ownership. While it may lack the visual flair of higher-end Swiss calibers or the high beat of a Miyota 9000 series, the NH35A delivers exactly what it promises: no-frills, reliable mechanical performance. It’s a smart choice for a watch like the Rally Timer, where durability and dependability are just as important as design.

Straps have consistently been a strong point for Cadola’s sister brands such as AVI-8 and Spinnaker, and the Rally Timer continues that tradition with a well-executed, motorsport-inspired strap design. The watch comes fitted with a rally-style leather strap, characterized by its large perforations — a nod to classic racing chronographs and a fitting complement to the watch’s overall theme. Crafted from brown leather with contrasting white stitching, the strap strikes a nice balance between vintage styling and modern comfort. The underside is lined with black leather, adding a subtle layer of refinement. Curiously, the strap itself is unsigned, with no Cadola branding on the leather, which feels like a missed opportunity given the level of detail elsewhere on the watch. However, the tang-style buckle is made from brushed stainless steel and is signed with the Cadola logo, maintaining visual consistency with the case’s finishing.

The strap measures 20mm at the lugs, tapering to 18mm at the buckle, which contributes to a more refined fit on the wrist. One of the most impressive aspects is how supple and comfortable the leather feels straight out of the box. There’s no break-in period required — it conforms nicely to the wrist and enhances the overall wearability of the watch. At just 100 grams, the Rally Timer is relatively lightweight for its size, and the soft strap plays a big role in ensuring it remains comfortable for extended wear. Whether you’re wearing it casually or as a sporty weekend piece, the strap quality is on par with what we’ve come to expect from this family of brands.

The Cadola Rally Timer is a bold, character-driven timepiece that aims to capture the spirit of vintage motorsport watches while incorporating some contemporary elements. It brings together several attractive features — solid build quality, a well-executed dial, a dependable movement, and a comfortable, rally-inspired strap — all at a price point that remains accessible within the microbrand landscape. However, it’s not without its quirks. The 46mm case size is unapologetically large and may be too imposing for many wrists, even for those used to wearing larger watches. The hybrid design language — part diver, part racing chrono — results in an aesthetic that may feel slightly confused to some, but to others, it might be exactly what makes the Rally Timer unique and visually interesting.

The Seiko NH35A movement is a smart and practical choice for a watch in this category. My personal example ran well within expectations at +7 to +9 seconds per day, which is more than acceptable for daily wear. The movement’s reliability, ease of service, and wide parts availability ensure this watch will continue ticking with minimal fuss for years to come. The strap is another highlight, delivering a blend of comfort and style right out of the box — something Cadola and its sister brands have clearly prioritized. While the unsigned leather is a minor oversight, the overall quality and feel are impressive. In summary, the Rally Timer isn’t a one-size-fits-all watch. It’s a bold piece with a distinct personality — ideal for those who enjoy larger watches and appreciate a mix of vintage styling cues with modern execution. If you’re looking for a standout watch with solid specs and a fun, motorsport-inspired design, the Rally Timer makes a compelling case.

Price 213.95€ at cadola1946.com