The intersection of automotive enthusiasm and watchmaking is a well-traveled road, paved with designs that echo the gauges, materials, and sheer mechanical spirit of high-performance machines. Within this popular genre, new contenders must offer a distinct point of view to capture attention. Cadola, a brand with rediscovered roots, steps into this arena with a revamped version of its motorsport-inspired timepiece, the RPM Automatic. This collection seeks to deliver the visual thrill of a revving engine directly to the wrist, backed by upgraded materials and a reliable mechanical powertrain.
To understand the RPM Automatic, one must first appreciate the journey of the Cadola brand itself. Originally founded in the 1960s in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, the company was born during a golden age of mechanical watch design. Like many brands of that era, its story had chapters of dormancy before being revived for a modern audience. Now operating under the stewardship of Dartmouth Brands—a portfolio that also includes AVI-8 and Spinnaker—Cadola has been repositioned with a clear mission: to resurrect classic watch silhouettes and infuse them with contemporary specifications suitable for daily wear. This approach honors its historical origins while embracing the reliability and manufacturing advancements of today.
Courtesy of Cadola
The modern Cadola identity is built upon a foundation of quality components and thoughtful assembly. The brand makes a point of using industry-leading mechanical movements sourced from Japan and Switzerland, ensuring that the engine inside each watch is as robust as its exterior design suggests. Each timepiece is hand-assembled, a practice that allows for greater quality control and attention to detail. This commitment to craftsmanship is applied across their diverse collections, which draw inspiration not just from motorsport, but also from the iconic worlds of aviation and diving, as seen in their Taurus, Paddock, and Buxton lines.
Cadola has further cemented its connection to the world of high-speed competition through strategic partnerships. Most notably, the brand has collaborated with Cosworth, the legendary British automotive engineering firm whose engines have powered countless Formula 1 victories. This partnership has resulted in limited-edition collections, like the DFV-Cosworth series, which pay direct tribute to the company’s racing legacy and the iconic drivers who piloted its machines. By aligning with such a respected name in motorsport, Cadola asserts its authenticity and deep appreciation for the engineering and passion that define the racing world.
Courtesy of Cadola
It is from this rich context of history and motorsport passion that the RPM Automatic collection emerges. The name itself, an acronym for Revolutions Per Minute, is a direct nod to the tachometer, one of the most vital gauges on any performance vehicle's dashboard. It is the measure of an engine's speed and power, a visual indicator of the mechanical fury happening under the hood. The RPM Automatic watch is designed to capture this specific essence, translating the dynamic energy of a rising needle into a functional and expressive piece of wristwear.
The latest iteration of the RPM Automatic is not merely a cosmetic update but a significant technical enhancement over its predecessors. The brand has clearly listened to the desires of watch enthusiasts by incorporating premium upgrades that elevate the user experience. The most significant of these changes are the inclusion of a durable sapphire lens and the addition of a new exhibition caseback. These two features move the watch into a more competitive bracket, offering tangible benefits in both durability and aesthetic appreciation, demonstrating a commitment to refining the product line.
Courtesy of Cadola
The dial is the undeniable focal point of the RPM Automatic and where its automotive inspiration is most vividly expressed. The design is a direct interpretation of a classic tachometer, with its semi-arc scale and bold, clear markings. Rather than a traditional full circle of hour markers, the indices are printed prominently from roughly the 8 o'clock to the 4 o'clock positions, mimicking the sweep of a gauge needle. This layout creates a unique and instantly recognizable look that is both functional for time-telling and thematically cohesive. The dial itself is a brass surface that gives each colorway a distinct and captivating sheen.
Visually, the collection offers five distinct personalities through its color schemes. The Elite Green model (CD-1055-03) features a deep, forest green dial paired with a classic brown perforated leather strap, evoking the spirit of British racing heritage. Two blue variants are available: the Dark Blue (CD-1055-02) on a brown strap offers a more subdued, versatile look, while the Racing Blue (CD-1055-05) on a matching blue strap provides a vibrant, monochromatic appearance. For those preferring a more aggressive aesthetic, the Firebrick Red (CD-1055-04) on a black strap is bold and assertive. Finally, the Viper Black model (CD-1055-01) provides a classic, stealthy option with a black dial and matching black strap.
Courtesy of Cadola
Powering the RPM Automatic is the Seiko NH35 automatic movement. This Japanese-made caliber is widely respected throughout the watch industry as a true workhorse. It is known for its exceptional reliability, robustness, and ease of service. For a watch at this price point, the inclusion of the NH35 is a significant value proposition, assuring the owner of consistent and accurate performance for years to come. The movement provides three-hand timekeeping for hours, minutes, and seconds, along with a date function, which is discreetly integrated into the dial. Its automatic winding mechanism means the watch is powered by the natural motion of the wearer's arm, eliminating the need for batteries.
One of the most exciting upgrades to the new RPM Automatic is the exhibition caseback, which offers a view directly into the mechanical heart of the watch. This feature allows the owner to observe the Seiko NH35 movement in action—the rhythmic swing of the balance wheel, the intricate interplay of gears, and the sweep of the winding rotor. Adding a clever thematic touch, the rotor itself is adorned with a checkered flag motif, reinforcing the racing inspiration down to the smallest detail. This window into the mechanics transforms the watch from a simple tool into an engaging mechanical object.
The case of the RPM Automatic is crafted from stainless steel and possesses a commanding presence on the wrist. It measures 44mm in diameter with a thickness of 14mm, dimensions that give it a solid and substantial feel. An interesting design choice is the lug-to-lug measurement, which is also 44mm. This relatively compact lug-to-lug dimension for a 44mm case means it will likely wear more comfortably on a wider range of wrist sizes than its diameter might suggest, preventing excessive overhang. The case architecture features a fixed, unadorned bezel that keeps visual focus squarely on the dynamic dial.
Courtesy of Cadola
The finishing on the case appears to be a thoughtful combination of brushed and polished surfaces. The top surfaces of the lugs feature a satin-brushed finish, which helps to minimize the appearance of minor scratches and reduce glare. In contrast, the case sides are polished to a high sheen, providing a touch of refinement and visual contrast. The crown, used for setting the time and date, is a standard pull-out type, which is appropriate for a watch with its level of water resistance and contributes to its straightforward, functional design.
Another major enhancement for this new collection is the use of an anti-reflective sapphire lens. Sapphire is one of the hardest materials on earth, second only to diamond, making it extremely resistant to scratching. This is a significant practical advantage for a daily-wear timepiece, ensuring the dial remains clear and unblemished through the rigors of regular use. The addition of an anti-reflective coating on the lens is another premium touch. This coating minimizes glare and reflections, dramatically improving the legibility of the dial, especially in bright sunlight or under direct indoor lighting.
Securing the watch to the wrist is a 24mm genuine leather strap. The defining feature of the strap is its perforated "rally" style design. This pattern of small holes is a direct homage to the leather driving gloves and ventilated seats found in vintage sports cars, which were designed to improve grip and breathability. This detail not only enhances the watch's motorsport aesthetic but also adds a degree of comfort by allowing air to circulate against the skin. The straps come in colors that are carefully matched to complement each dial variant, such as rich browns, deep blues, and classic black.
Courtesy of Cadola
The watch's practical specifications round out its functional profile. It features a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, which translates to 50 meters. This level of resistance is sufficient for everyday exposure to water, such as hand washing or getting caught in the rain. It is not, however, recommended for swimming or showering. The watch has a listed weight of 180 grams, which confirms the substantial feel suggested by its stainless steel case dimensions. This heft provides a reassuring sense of solidity and build quality when worn.
The new Cadola RPM Automatic collection is available for purchase directly from the brand’s official website and through its network of authorized dealers. All five colorways are offered at a retail price of $300. This accessible price point, combined with a 2-year international warranty, makes the RPM Automatic a strong contender for anyone seeking a mechanically powered, motorsport-themed watch that delivers a notable upgrade in materials and a design full of high-speed character.
Case: 44mm stainless steel case, 14mm thickness, 44mm lug to lug. Features a fixed bezel, pull out crown, and anti-reflective sapphire lens. Water resistance is 5 ATM and the watch weighs 180g.
Movement: Japanese Seiko NH35 automatic movement with 3 hands and a date function.
Dial: Brass surface with printed luminous indices. The design is inspired by a vehicle's tachometer.
Strap: 24mm wide genuine leather strap with a perforated racing-style design.
Price: $300
Reference Number: CD-1055-01 (Viper Black), CD-1055-02 (Dark Blue), CD-1055-03 (Elite Green), CD-1055-04 (Firebrick Red), CD-1055-05 (Racing Blue)
Notes: This is an upgraded model featuring a new exhibition caseback that reveals the movement. The movement's rotor is decorated with a checkered flag motif.