Cadola Rally Timer Automatic Review: A Mechanical Throwback with Modern Muscles
Hi watchfam,
If you’ve got a soft spot for vintage rally watches, this one’s going to speak your language. The Cadola Rally Timer Automatic is a mechanical alternative to the quartz-powered Toro—and while both sit firmly in the retro lane, they take very different routes getting there. I’ve been wearing the Dove Grey version for the past week, and it’s left a lasting impression as a bold, well-built timepiece that blends character, quality, and wearability with vintage motorsport charm.
Specs at a Glance
Model: Cadola Rally Timer Automatic (CD-1059 series)
Case Diameter: 46mm
Thickness: 12.4mm
Movement: Japanese Automatic (Seiko NH35)
Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 10 ATM (100m)
Strap: Thick, genuine leather rally strap, 20mm
Weight: 100g
Warranty: 2 years
Available in Ink Black, Dove Grey, Denim Blue, and Bottle Green.
You can view the full specs and buy the Rally Timer in Dove Grey here.
Retro Meets Rugged
Cadola has doubled down on the vintage theme, but the Rally Timer feels distinctly different from the Toro. While the Toro wears like a bold 1970s bullhead chronograph, the Rally Timer takes its design cues more directly from dashboard-mounted rally timers of the past. The straight-lugged case and clean lines give it a tougher, toolier feel—like something you’d expect to see bolted onto the dash of a Lancia or a classic Mini Cooper.
In terms of presence, this one delivers. On wrist, it’s solid. Like, really solid. It carries noticeable heft and wrist presence, even more so than the Toro, thanks to its 46mm case and broad, flat dial. The short, curved lugs go a long way in taming the size, and despite being 12.4mm thick, the case sits comfortably on the wrist without feeling top-heavy.
The inner rotating bezel is another nod to vintage functionality. It operates via the crown and allows for easy timing without a full chronograph setup. It turns smoothly and feels purposeful—not loose or flimsy like on some more affordable offerings. It’s a great touch that reinforces the Rally Timer’s motorsport personality.
A Dial That Delivers
The Dove Grey dial has been a real highlight for me. The finish is subtly textured, which adds a sort of satin metallic sheen that catches the light beautifully. Depending on how the light hits it, you get tones of steel, silver, and even a faint champagne warmth that really suits the vintage vibe.
The hour markers on my version are a very light red, which gives the dial a pop of colour. If I were being super critical, I’d probably prefer them a few shades darker for added contrast. That said, they don’t hinder readability thanks to the excellent use of lume in the hands.
The hands are large, bold, and generously filled with lume—making legibility a non-issue in both bright daylight and low-light conditions. I’d describe the lume glow as greenish in tone, with a fast charge and a steady, useful fade.
Another standout detail is the 6 o’clock date window. More and more, I find myself preferring this layout. It creates symmetry on the dial and feels intentionally placed rather than squeezed in. The slightly enlarged oblong cutout Cadola has used here also improves at-a-glance readability—no squinting needed.
Overall, this dial hits the right balance: detailed enough to be interesting, but not over-designed. It feels vintage in the right way, without being retro for retro’s sake.
Sapphire Crystal and Solid Strap Game
Let’s talk materials—and Cadola have made a smart move here. The Rally Timer comes fitted with a sapphire crystal, complete with anti-reflective coating. It’s a big upgrade over the mineral glass used in the Toro, and it’s great to see Cadola upping the spec where it really counts. It’s resistant to scratches, keeps glare under control, and reinforces the Rally Timer’s daily-wear credentials.
The strap deserves its own shout-out. This is a thick, rally-style leather strap with perforations that look the part and keep the wrist ventilated. It’s soft enough to wear straight away—no break-in needed—but thick enough to feel durable and substantial. That’s not always an easy balance to get right. The stitching, particularly in white, plays beautifully with the Dove Grey dial and gives the whole package a cohesive, motorsport-ready aesthetic.
The buckle is solid, feels well-machined, and doesn’t dig into the wrist. Even after extended wear, the strap remained comfortable and secure. I imagine this will only get better with age as the leather develops a bit of character and softens further.
Movement and Everyday Wear
Inside, you’ve got the Seiko NH35—a tried-and-true workhorse that’s become the go-to automatic movement for many microbrands. It’s automatic, hand-winding, hacking, and well-known for its long-term reliability. I’ve owned a fair few NH35-powered watches over the years, and I’ve consistently found them to perform well—and the Rally Timer has been no different. Over the course of my week with it, timekeeping has been solid and dependable.
One of the perks of the NH35 is its wide availability. Should anything go wrong down the line, parts are easy to come by and servicing is straightforward—making this a practical choice for anyone who wants a watch they can wear without worry.
As for the inner rotating bezel, I’ll admit I haven’t used it much day to day—but it’s surprisingly fun to fidget with. It rotates smoothly via the crown, offering tactile feedback and a sense of mechanical interaction that’s quite satisfying. Historically, these bezels were used by rally drivers and co-drivers to track elapsed time or reference intervals during timed stages. In modern life, it can just as easily be used to time parking meters, brewing tea, or tracking a rest period—so while you might not use it every day, it’s a functional and period-correct feature that adds to the watch’s charm.
The Rally Timer has held up beautifully throughout the week. It’s not a dress piece, but that’s not the point. This is a fun, chunky, sporty tool watch that leans fully into its identity.
Final Verdict: A Fresh Take on Retro Racing
This is Cadola continuing to do what it does well—blending old-school design language with modern construction and accessible pricing at £267.00. The Rally Timer Automatic feels like a natural progression from the Toro. It’s less flashy, more traditional in layout, and just as satisfying on the wrist.
If you love watches with character, vintage motorsport charm, and reliable specs, the Rally Timer is an easy recommendation. Personally, I’d be very tempted by the Denim Blue or Bottle Green version too—Cadola’s done a great job with colourways here.
You can explore the Rally Timer collection here, or check out Cadola’s current sale event.
FAQ: Cadola Rally Timer Automatic
What movement does the Rally Timer use? The Rally Timer features the Seiko NH35 automatic movement—a reliable, hackable, and hand-windable calibre known for everyday dependability.
Is the Rally Timer water-resistant? Yes, it’s rated to 10 ATM (100 metres), making it fine for swimming and general use.
Does it have a sapphire crystal? Yes—unlike the Toro, the Rally Timer comes with a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.
How big is it on the wrist? At 46mm, it’s a large watch—but thanks to well-designed lugs and 12.4mm thickness, it wears better than the dimensions suggest.
Where are Cadola watches made? Cadola watches use Japanese movements and are manufactured in Asia, with a focus on vintage European styling.
If you enjoy the Rally Timer’s vintage appeal, you might also enjoy these other retro-inspired watches I’ve reviewed:
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