BA111OD Chapter 8 Moonphase - Sand by MLB

About the Chapter 8 series

The BA111OD Chapter 8 is a watch that returns to the simplicity and elegance of classic watchmaking, but without trying to create a mere copy of the past. The inspiration comes from the aesthetics of mid-20th century mechanical watches, which BA111OD has reinterpreted into a contemporary form. Clean lines, thoughtful proportions, delicate dial textures and distinctive details create a whole that looks elegant, contemporary, yet has an unmistakable neo-vintage style.

One of the most striking 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 double anti-reflective sapphire crystal and a transparent sapphire case back, allowing a glimpse of the mechanical movement.

The dials of the individual variants work with subtle textures and discreet color tones. Sand, White, and Black represent the basic trio, showing how differently the same design can appear depending on the color and finish. Alongside them, the collection also offers more distinctive White Carnation Gold PVD finishes and several models with moon phase complications. The common element remains the cleanliness of the dial and the emphasis on good legibility.

Inside the three-hand models works the automatic Swiss Soprod C105 caliber with date, moon phase, and small seconds functions. The movement has 33 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of 42 hours. Through the transparent case back, one can observe its operation and be reminded that behind the relatively minimalist appearance still hides a true mechanical movement.

Chapter 8 is designed as a watch for everyday wear. Its 5 ATM water resistance, sapphire crystal, and quick-change strap option 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 stainless 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 at Place des Halles. The brand thus relies not only on the Swiss Made label but truly maintains a part of the production and final watchmaking processing right in the heart of Swiss watchmaking.

If you are looking for an elegant everyday watch with a slight vintage touch, but do not 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 looks 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 real Swiss mechanical watches in a different way – with a distinctive design, a more direct relationship with customers, and an emphasis on ensuring that quality watchmaking is not reserved only for traditional luxury brands.

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