BA111OD - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

BA111OD, founded in 2019, is a Swiss brand based in Neuchâtel and created by Thomas Baillod; it caters to enthusiasts of contemporary Swiss watchmaking who value clean design, Swiss manufacture and a participatory, community-driven distribution model.

Neuchâtel roots, the 4 o’clock crown and a “we-commerce” mindset

The identity is obvious at a glance: a crown at 4 o’clock — a wink to being “one hour ahead” — and a community approach in which customers become “afluendors,” with short, direct sales circuits. This pairing of a clear formal cue and a short sales loop yields a straightforward promise: a Swiss watch that’s easy to wear and easy to buy.

Chapters 3, 4 and 8: from automatic to tourbillon

The range is structured into distinct “Chapters”: the accessible, open-dial automatic (Chapter 3), the long-reserve tourbillon (Chapter 4) and a neo-classical three-hander or moonphase line (Chapter 8), all sharing compact proportions and the 4 o’clock crown. Start by picking the architecture (skeletonized automatic, tourbillon or neo-vintage), then choose dial and strap variants.

• BA111OD Chapter 3 — Swiss-Made automatic with openworked dials; launched from about CHF 495, now commonly around CHF 695 depending on versions.
• BA111OD Chapter 4 — Hand-wound tourbillon developed with Olivier Mory, about 100-hour reserve, cage typically visible at 7 o’clock.
• BA111OD Chapter 4.1 T.V.D. — Emphasis on the Chapter 4 calibre (100-hour spec) and the practical 4 o’clock crown ergonomics.
• BA111OD Chapter 4 Skeleton Tourbillon Ice White — Striking skeleton readout; 100-hour reserve, bright white aesthetic and quick-change straps.
• BA111OD Chapter 4 Infinity Flying Tourbillon — 120-hour movement with Timelab chronometer certification.
• BA111OD Chapter 8 — Neo-vintage three-handers and moonphases assembled in Neuchâtel; balanced proportions and intuitive reading.

Positioning, prices and distribution

BA111OD targets the “accessibly high-end” space: Chapter 3 debuted at CHF 495 (2021) and now sits roughly at CHF 550–695; Chapter 8 lists around CHF 595 for three-handers and CHF 1,100 for moonphases; early Chapter 4s made headlines with a Swiss-made tourbillon under CHF 5,000 before the family expanded (100–120 h, certifications). Distribution is predominantly direct, energized by its afluendor community. The aim is explicit: bring high function (tourbillon, open dials) within measured pricing while remaining firmly in the Swiss ecosystem.

Audience and how to choose

The brand speaks to buyers wanting a distinctive, legible Swiss watch with strong real-world value: Chapter 3 for expressive daily wear, Chapter 4 for a technical statement (100–120 h, visible construction), Chapter 8 for contained, classical elegance. Decide by use case (everyday, technical “statement,” or dress), preferred size, and appetite for skeletonization.

Conclusion

BA111OD is for those who want an instantly recognizable Swiss watch (4 o’clock crown, open dials) without sacrificing everyday reliability. The “Chapters” simplify the path: skeletonized automatic for all-round use, tourbillon for the technical icon, neo-vintage for understated classicism. To ground your selection in long-term wear and owner sentiment, rely on Dialicious customer reviews before purchasing.

(Updated August 2025)