by Tyler Frederick
The 70s called
I’ve built a pretty strong relationship with the folks from Cadola over the last few weeks, and as that relationship develops, they get closer and closer to a watch that’s up my alley; they may have hit the mark with the Buxton—a ’70s inspired square-cased time-only watch that’s smaller in diameter and thickness and has a bracelet. That’s a whole lot of check marks compared to the things that have changed in my previous reviews of the Taurus and Farina. They’re getting closer watch by watch, millimeter by millimeter. I’m not going to waste time with a long intro; let’s just get into it.
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“Like wild ferocious animals”
Cadola is a brand with motorsport in mind, and while the first two had a whiff of motorsport influence, the Buxton definitely feels more “lively.” It’s a much more compact design from all angles and has more of that edginess that comes from the tough and sometimes cruel world of motorsport, but it comes from an era when cars were built, as Jeremy Clarkson once put it, like wild ferocious animals. If we look at Formula One from the ’70s and ’80s, there was absolutely no room for error, or it was game over. Rally racing had one of the most terrifyingly beautiful classes to ever exist in motorsport: Group B rally. For those unaware, here’s a comparison for you: the Bugatti Veyron can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 2.4 to 2.5 seconds on your standard road. The legendary Group B car, the 1985 Lancia Delta S4 Corsa, would do 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds ON GRAVEL. Let that sink in for a minute. The Buxton pulls inspiration from a time when race cars were stupidly fast with a lack of traction control or power steering, and thrown around by what we call legends today.
Key Features of the Cadola Buxton Automatic
Nailed the era
If it’s inspired by motorsport, there’s a 99% chance I want to check it out. There are plenty of brands making watches inspired by motorsport, automotive themes, and anything to do with cars, really, but there are few that make a watch that’s well-priced and actually reflects the era the brand is looking to target. The Buxton is a watch I could genuinely see on the wrist of a driver from the ’70s or ’80s. It gives that feeling of carefree speed–when motorsport was about the blend of who could stare fear in the face while manipulating the forces of physics and pushing the limits of speed and safety, compromising with a machine with too much power and not enough aerodynamic grip. Less champagne and caviar, more scotch, steaks, and cigars. Know what I’m saying? It looks fast, it looks captivating, and when a watch this beautiful exists at a price point like $290 (approx. $400 CAD), it’s tough not to talk about it.
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Nailed the case
My experience with Cadola has greatly improved watch by watch; the first being the Farina, which was too big in all instances, the second being the Taurus, featuring a smaller form at 39mm compared to the previous 44mm, but it was still a bit too thick. The Buxton, though? Much better: wearability, sizing, aesthetic—across the board, a great improvement. Measuring 38mm in diameter with a lug-to-lug of 45mm and a thickness of 13mm, it’s a more compact wearing experience, and it’s my comfort sweet spot. I think 38mm x 45mm is fantastic sizing, and while the watch is a tad thick at 13mm, especially with the implementation of the Seiko NH35A, it feels and looks great on my wrist. It’s the most comfortable watch I’ve experienced from Cadola thus far, and I couldn’t help but pick it up to start my day. I should mention the improved water resistance as well, since the Buxton provides 100m compared to the previous 50m from other models. I can safely say this is a watch that would make a great daily for someone looking for a budget-friendly and comfortable watch.
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Nailed the aesthetic
While specs are fun, I think many are here to read about the aesthetics and thoughts regarding the design, and I’ve summed it up in three words: classic, clean, and sporty. The Buxton is pretty textbook compared to other watches of the era and is a fantastic example of a modern-contemporary take on a design that goes hand in hand with motorsport. The all-stainless steel construction, with the brushed bracelet and case, and the mix of brushed and polished finishes on the bezel, gives a tool watch vibe with a bit of shine. The dial has so much going on with intricate details; the deep lines and texture, the raised indices, and the white/silver, black, and red color scheme that just pops—it’s a watch that keeps on giving. From a distance, it looks like a simple off-white dial, but up close, it’s a whole different experience. It gives a similar feel to seeing what you think is a regular car, but then someone lifts the hood and you see an absurdly beautiful engine bay with a whole lot of horsepower. Subtle from afar, yet conspicuous once you get a little closer.
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SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 38mm Diameter 45mm Lug to Lug 13mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Caseback 100m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Mineral Crystal Dusty Silver Dial Dauphine Handset Applied Markers |
| Movement | Seiko NH35A 24 Jewels 21,600vph 41 Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Stainless Steel Bracelet |
Cadola Buxton Automatic
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Quibbles
I don’t have many issues with the Buxton. It’s a great watch and a returning favourite for Cadola, and I can see why they brought it back. It’s comfortable, it looks great, the pricing is realistic, and I think it’s a great watch for the money. There are a couple of things I’d like to point out, which are small. The first is the black date window with the red font; cool concept, but I think white with red would have suited the dial better and been easier to see. Next is the bracelet. Don’t get me wrong, the bracelet is comfortable and feels great; I just wish it was available with a jubilee or maybe beads of rice. Both options would really bring out the ’70s charm, but the current bracelet is an awesome choice too. All around, it’s a solid watch with a couple of small things, but other than that, I’m pretty smitten.
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Final Thoughts
Do you like modern watches that have a vintage look? Do you like things that go fast? Do you like unique watches that are wallet-friendly and look more expensive than their price tag dictates? Then look no further than the Cadola Buxton. I’ve had such a blast with this watch, and I was surprised from the initial unboxing through the wearing experience and even the responses from those around me. Seriously, this watch got a lot of attention, which was surprising and cool to see. Apart from a couple of small design choices and me being picky, it’s a fantastic watch for the money, and I think you’ll have a lot of fun with this on your wrist.
For more information or to get a Buxton on your wrist, please feel free to visit our friends at Cadola. As always, thank you so so much for taking the time to read my review of the Cadola Buxton. I’ll see you in the next one. Have a great day!
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About the author
Born into a family obsessed with motorsport, Tyler Frederick became enamoured with speed and beautiful cars at a young age. His love of Formula 1–and all things mechanical–eventually lead him to horology. You can follow him on Instagram.
Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.
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