Ba111od’s new Chapter 8 duo launches as an entry into the brand’s collections
Borna BošnjakWe’re more accustomed to seeing the Ba111od name on complicated, but surprisingly accessible watches, be it one of its affordable tourbillons or something crazy-looking like the CHPTR_Δ. The new Ba111od Chapter 8, however, heralds a new direction for the brand, offering watches at the entry-level that still carry the brand signatures. The Chapter 8 actually encompasses two models, the simple 3-Hand and the Moonphase, though both share the same case and overall aesthetic.
The dials
Sporting a modernised sector dial, the Chapter 8 3-Hand does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s free of any superfluous design choices and delivers its information in a legible manner. It’s available in three colourways – black, silver, and beige (or sand, if you ask Ba111od) – all featuring a mixed finish that emphasises the sector design. Like most other models from the Swiss brand, the hands are in a lancet style, with their rounded, polished finish matching the indices and rehaut. For a daily wearer, a date complication is useful, but I can’t help but wonder whether the purity of the layout would’ve been better preserved had it been omitted, especially in its contrasting white.
As for the Chapter 8 Moonphase, the uniformity of the sector dial is replaced with an asymmetrical layout featuring the date in a rounded aperture at 4, the small seconds at 7, and the moonphase at 10. Ba111od balances this out by shifting the branding to 2 o’clock, but isn’t afraid of the unevenness of the sub-dials. In fact, they’re emphasised in contrasting colours, with the exception of the white model that has white small seconds to match.
The case
To fully integrate them under one collection name, Ba111od chose to use the same 41mm case for both variants of the Chapter 8. That one measurement in itself isn’t preposterous, but when you consider a 12.75mm thickness and 48mm lug-to-lug for what are effectively dress-style daily watches, it is larger than what some might expect in a horological landscape that could just as easily see these watches measuring 37mm. Nonetheless, it’s certainly an option for those who prefer their watches on the larger size, be it a stylistic choice or having larger wrists, though I do think getting closer to that 10mm mark – especially for the time-only model – would make them even more compelling.
As for the case design, it’s quite a simple, all-polished affair, though some of that thickness will be mitigated by the concave bezel, which is a nice touch. For those looking for a touch of bling, the time-only variant is also available in a rose gold PVD finish. The 4 o’clock crown is also slightly out of the ordinary, both for its positioning and size, but it should offer plenty of grip for manual winding while also adding a touch of branding with an embossed Ba111od logo.
The straps
Looking like it might become a bit of a trend, the Chapter 8 is yet another new release that’s available with a Milanese mesh bracelet. The flat, polished links really do add a classy touch, and they’re available on both the 3-Hand and Moonphase models. For those who prefer something more traditional, Ba111od also supplies grey nubuck leather straps with folding clasps, though changing them around shouldn’t be too difficult: both the bracelet and strap are equipped with quick-release spring bars, and the lugs are 20mm wide.
The movements
To power the Chapter 8, Ba111od went to Soprod, Festina Group’s movement producer. For the time-only model, the P024 – a clone of the venerable ETA 2824 – is a solid choice. You can, therefore, expect similar performance and specs, namely a 4Hz beat rate, 38 hours of power reserve, and automatic winding. As for the Moonphase, the origin story of its Soprod movement is a tad more interesting. The C105 is a modular movement, with Soprod’s own A10/M100 used as the base, which is equivalent to the ETA 2892 in spec, but not in design. One look at a Seiko 4L calibre, however, will reveal Soprod’s original inspiration. Spec-wise, expect a 42-hour power reserve and a 4Hz beat rate, using a Glucydur balance and Incabloc shock protection.
The verdict
Whether you go for the Moonphase or 3-Hand, the Chapter 8 neatly fits into the now-filled niche in Ba111od’s offering. It might not have the immediate wow factor that some of the brand’s haute horlogerie complications do, but it gets around that with well-integrated, but subtle, design choices such as that concave bezel, plus competitive pricing. It also offers something that’s becoming increasingly more rare in today’s market, which is a dress watch over 40mm.
Ba111od Chapter 8 Moonphase and Chapter 8 3-Hand pricing and availability
The Ba111od Chapter 8 models are now available for pre-orders, with deliveries starting in October 2025. Price: CHF 595 (3-Hand), CHF 1,110 (Moonphase)
| Brand | Ba111od |
| Model | Chapter 8 3-Hand Chapter 8 Moonphase |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 12.75mm (T) x 48mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel Gold PVD stainless steel (3-Hand only) |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Sandblasted grey, white, sand |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Strap |
Nubuck leather, folding clasp
Case-matching Milanese mesh, folding clasp |
| Movement |
Soprod P024, automatic (3-Hand)
Soprod C105, automatic (Moonphase) |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours (3-Hand) 42 hours (Moonphase) |
| Functions |
Hours, minutes, seconds, date (3-Hand)
Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, moonphase (Moonphase) |
| Availability | Deliveries in October 2025 |
| Price | CHF 595 (3-Hand) CHF 1,110 (Moonphase) |