Meet the Ba111od Chapter 7 Skeleton

At the beginning of 2025, Ba111od introduced its first certified chronometer with the Chapter 7 at an accessible price. Three models with colorful dials followed in the summer. Now, the Neuchâtel-based brand founded by Thomas Baillod is expanding the collection with a skeletonized version. The Chapter 7 Skeleton features a 40mm stainless steel case with an anthracite PVD coating, an integrated steel bracelet, and an open-worked dial that reveals the automatic movement beneath. With the Chapter 7 Skeleton, Ba111od remains true to its established formula: distinctive design, Swiss manufacturing, transparent communication, and, not least, strong value for money. The Chapter 7 Skeleton is priced at around 1,600 US Dollars.

Skeletonized Dial

The watch’s defining design element is its open-worked dial. It exposes key parts of the movement, including the generously sized skeletonized mainspring barrel at 6 o’clock, the balance wheel and portions of the escapement at 1 o’clock, and components of the winding mechanism at 4 o’clock, aligned with the crown. As a result, Ba111od places great emphasis on the finishing of the movement components and the elements of the skeletonized dial. Viewed through the anti-reflective sapphire crystal, details such as vertical brushing, polished bevels, and sandblasted surfaces between the hour markers become apparent. The anthracite-grey overall aesthetic is enlivened by brass-colored wheels and visible ruby jewels. The result is a refined, elegant watch with unmistakably sporty undertones. The Chapter 7 Skeleton was designed by Ba111od's Head of Design Liliane Murenzi. According to her, the main challenge was to combine the strict geometry of the case with the more organic appearance of the visible movement.

PVD Coating and Integrated Bracelet

The case is crafted from 316L stainless steel and measures 40 millimeters in diameter. It is available exclusively with an anthracite-colored PVD coating. The surfaces combine vertical brushing - most notably on the upper section of the bezel - with polished facets. This prevents the dark finish from appearing flat, instead creating changing reflections depending on the light. The crown is engraved with the Ba111od emblem. Additional features include an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and a transparent caseback. Water resistance is rated at 10 ATM, or 100 meters, providing ample protection for everyday wear and sporting activities. The Chapter 7 Skeleton is fitted with an integrated stainless steel bracelet. Finished in the same dark tone as the case, it also features a tool-free micro-adjustment system. Both characteristics are noteworthy features, particularly at this price level.

Soprod P024: Swiss Automatic Movement

Like previous Chapter 7 models, the new watch is powered by the Swiss-made Soprod P024 automatic caliber with a 38-hour power reserve. Unlike earlier versions, however, this movement is not chronometer-certified. The caliber provides the classic functions of a three-hand watch, displaying hours, minutes, and centrally mounted seconds.

The hour and minute hands, along with all 12 hour markers, are filled with luminous material to ensure excellent legibility in low-light conditions. Ba111od has deliberately omitted a date display, allowing the skeletonized architecture to remain the undisputed focal point of the design.