This Affordable Sports Watch Boasts Serious Royal Oak Vibes for Less Than $1,000

Swiss microbrand BA111OD has achieved an admirable milestone with the newest generation of its Chapter 7 watch: an Observatoire Chronométrique de Genève (TimeLab) certification.

BA111OD was founded in 2019 by Thomas Baillod, whose family has deep roots in horological history. The brand is headquartered in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, not far from some of the most prestigious names in the industry.

BA111OD

It hasn’t taken long for the young watchmaker to gain respect with bold designs that meet exacting timekeeping standards. But it isn’t unwarranted. Few other startup brands offer a tourbillon and manufacture their own complications.

Baillod established a Chapter naming system when he launched his company, and the Chapter 7 is his newest creation. First released in 2023, the newest generation features an updated dial, a slightly smaller case size and a movement that belongs in a much higher price tier.

A certified movement

TimeLab tests Swiss-made watch movements for accuracy, craftsmanship, durability and water resistance. The Geneva-based institution is the world’s most respected arbiter of timekeeping precision.

BA111OD

Landing this certification means that BA111OD can place “Officially Certified Chronometer” on the dial, a badge of honor typically found on luxury-tier timepieces. It is a small detail that most shoppers won’t appreciate, but it is a big deal for a brand positioning itself as an affordable alternative that doesn’t sacrifice performance.

BA111OD

The movement used in the newest Chapter 7 is a Swiss-made Soprod caliber P024. It is based on the ETA 2824, boasting 26 jewels and a 38-hour power reserve. The TimeLab certification affirms an accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day.

A serious alternative

BA111OD clearly took inspiration from the Aidemars Piguet Royal Oak with the Chapter 7 case and integrated bracelet design. The watch industry is rife with copycats and if you’re going to “borrow” design elements, it should come from the best.

BA111OD

Dismissing the new Chapter 7 as a microbrand dupe would be a mistake because this watch can hold its own. The impressively accurate movement mentioned above operates a meticulously crafted dial with descending lines of varying lengths etched into it, resembling icicles hanging from a roof.

BA111OD

The dash applied indices and pointed hour and minute hands are coated in Superluminova. Covering the dial is a sapphire crystal window with a quadruple anti-reflective coating.

The stainless steel case is 40 millimeters with a comfortable 47-millimeter lug-to-lug measurement. A ten-sided bezel displays smoothly polished rounded surfaces and vertically brushed flat surfaces.

BA111OD

Vertical brushing covers the rest of the steel case and integrated bracelet with H-shaped links. BA111OD stepped outside modern sports watch design trends with a large crown placed at four o’clock and ornately signed with the brand’s logo.

Availability and pricing

The newest generation of the BA111OD Chaper 7 is available for pre-order now and will launch in May 2025. Four dial colors are available, each with the same vertical etched pattern: ice blue, royal blue, forest green, and black.

You can choose between a brushed steel bracelet for $920 or a rubber strap that matches the dial color for $850. Either way, you’re getting a watch that looks and performs at the luxury level for a fraction of the price.

BA111OD

BA111OD Chapter 7

Specs

Movement	Soprod caliber P024 automatic
Case Size	40mm
Water Resistance	100m

• $920 at Ba111od

Related Topics