BA111OD Chapter 8 - Black

About the Chapter 8 Series

The BA111OD Chapter 8 watches return to the simplicity and elegance of classic watchmaking, but without trying to create a mere copy of the past. Inspiration comes from the aesthetics of mid-20th-century mechanical watches, which BA111OD has reinterpreted into a contemporary form. Clean lines, thoughtful proportions, subtle dial textures, and characteristic details create a whole that appears elegant, contemporary, yet with an unmistakable touch of neo-vintage style.

One of the most distinctive features of Chapter 8 is its 41mm 316L stainless steel case. Rounded lugs and a concave bezel soften its proportions and give the watch an elegant profile. The crown positioned at 4 o'clock is not just a design detail—it also contributes to comfortable wear. The overall look is complemented by a sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating and an exhibition sapphire case back, allowing a glimpse of the mechanical movement.

The dials of individual variants feature subtle textures and delicate color tones. Sand, White, and Black form the basic trio, showing how differently the same design can appear depending on color and finish. Alongside these, the collection also offers a more striking White Carnation Gold PVD version and several models with a moon phase complication. The common element remains the cleanliness of the dial and emphasis on good legibility.

Inside the three-hand models beats the automatic Swiss Soprod P024 caliber. The movement has 25 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of 38 hours. Through the exhibition case back, one can observe its operation and be reminded that a true mechanical movement is still hidden behind the relatively minimalist appearance.

Chapter 8 is designed as a watch for everyday wear. Water resistance of 5 ATM, sapphire crystal, and the option for quick strap change give the model sufficient practicality, while its design allows it to seamlessly transition from jeans and a T-shirt to more formal attire. Leather straps, nubuck, and a steel Milanese mesh bracelet are available.

Hand-assembled in Neuchâtel

One of the most interesting aspects of Chapter 8 is that the watches are designed, developed, and hand-assembled directly in Neuchâtel. Each piece passes through the hands of Regi and Rebecca, father and daughter, who assemble the watches in the BA111OD workshop on Place des Halles. The brand thus relies not only on the Swiss Made label but genuinely maintains part of the production and final watchmaking processes right in the heart of Swiss watchmaking.

If you are looking for an elegant everyday watch with a slight vintage touch, but don't want another retro copy of a well-known historical model, the BA111OD Chapter 8 is a very interesting alternative. It is a modern interpretation of classic watchmaking, built on simplicity, quality, and detail—and precisely because of this, it feels natural and timeless on the wrist.

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About the brand

BA111OD is an independent Swiss watch brand founded by Thomas Baillod in 2019. Its name comes from the Baillod surname, which has roots in the Neuchâtel watchmaking tradition dating back to 1775. The brand was created with the ambition to offer true Swiss mechanical watches in a different way—with a distinctive proprietary design, a more direct relationship with customers, and an emphasis on making quality watchmaking not exclusive to traditional luxury brands.

Chapter 8 embodies this philosophy perhaps better than any other BA111OD model. It is an entry point into the world of Swiss mechanical watchmaking, but it certainly doesn't feel like a "basic" watch. It offers a true automatic Swiss movement, sapphire crystal, thoughtful design, hand assembly in Neuchâtel, and above all, its own character.