Swiss indie BA111OD has introduced a new version of their Chapter 7 integrated bracelet sports watch featuring a skeleton dial. BA111OD has quietly been building a reputation these last few years for challenging long held conventions about value and what can be expected at certain price points (they make tourbillons starting at around $10,000). While the brand was founded in 2019, the family behind it has a watchmaking lineage that goes all the way back to the 18th century, so their perspective is shaped by both traditional Swiss watchmaking values and modern design sensibilities.
I’ll be honest, my first reaction to the core Chapter 7 watches when they were initially introduced was essentially a shrug of the shoulders. Certainly there was nothing wrong with it, but it seemed to me to be yet another integrated bracelet design, an idea that has quickly become generic in these years following the Royal Oak and Nautilus boom. Somehow, though, with the skeleton version of the Chapter 7, first seen with an anthracite PVD treatment, the watch seemed to come together for me. I’m a sucker for a well executed skeleton treatment on a sports watch, and BA111OD’s approach, with cantilevered indices over a solid rehaut surrounding the open dial, makes for a legible and easy to digest presentation.
Last week, BA111OD unveiled a new version of the Chapter 7 Skeleton with a natural steel finish that they say is inspired by the summer light in Neuchâtel, where the brand is based. This new reference is available on a frost blue rubber strap in addition to the integrated steel bracelet, which plays up the summery sportiness to a considerable degree.
The case measures 40mm in diameter and features vertically brushed surfaces on the case surfaces and bracelet, with contrasting polished facets. That finishing style is carried over to the skeleton dial as well, where the Soprod P024 movement is exposed. This automatic caliber has 38 hours of power reserve and and visible from both sides of the case. Unlike some skeleton watches at competitive price points which merely feature an open dial over an essentially off the shelf caliber, it appears that the movement itself in this case has been lightly skeletonized, which is impressive for a watch at this price point (it retails for $1,295 on a rubber strap, and is $1,380 on a bracelet).
We expect to have a sample of the new Chapter 7 in the office soon and will bring you hands-on coverage of this watch in the near future. The new Chapter 7 Skeleton is expected to be available in August. More information on BA111OD’s website here.
