New: Ba111od Chapter 4.5 The Velben Dilemma Tourbillon, now in 40mm

We covered the Ba111od Chapter 4.1 in detail, and the watch has garnered great success with many requests for a smaller case. This is now introduced as Chapter 4.5 in a 40mm case instead of the 44mm of the 4.1.

Press release information with commentary in italics.

New: Ba111od Chapter 4.5 The Velben Dilemma Tourbillon, now in 40mm

The new Ba111od Chapter 4.5 The Velben Dilemma Tourbillon is now on sale as a numbered edition for CHF 5,540. Deliveries expected from December 2023.

Commentary

We covered the Chapter 4.1 Tourbillon in a detailed review earlier this year. This is not the first watch in the Chapter 4 collection to be encased in a 40mm size. Chapter 4.2 Lily had a 40mm titanium coated with 4N rose gold and pitched as a ladies watch. The next two had black DLC and was released in 40mm as Chapter 4.3 and in 44mm as Chapter 4.4. These two black DLC models were also available as a twin set. This novelty is the release of the Chapter 4.1 (which we reviewed) in a 40mm case size, and marketed by Ba111od as unisex. This is exactly the same watch, but in a smaller case, including the same Ba111od BA.01 movement, the same materials selected and the colourway.

Interestingly, when we received the release information and technical details, the Chapter 4.1 was to be a limited edition of 220 pieces. Chapter 4.2 Lily was released after and had an edition size of 111. Chapter 4.3 and 4.4 were released after, and were limited editions of 111 each, bringing the total to 663 pieces with the BA.01 movement. This novelty’s release documentation only states this is a numbered limited edition with no mention to the number, but we assume, based on historical behaviour, that the Chapter 4.5 will be a limited edition of 111 pieces.

Prices have risen with each iteration. The Chapter 4.1 had a retail of CHF 4,920. Chapter 4.2 retails for CHF 5,850 and Chapter 4.3 with 4.4 retails for CHF 5,300 (CHF 10,000 as a set of two) and now the Chapter 4.5 is set at a price of CHF 5,540. Despite this price hikes, the Ba111od Chapter 4 tourbillons are still the least expensive Swiss made ones in the market. The closest we have encountered is from Horage Tourbillon 1 and the Lensman 1, now also in new releases at higher than the reviewed price.

Release information

Following the big success of its first tourbillon, Chapter 4.1, The Veblen Dilemma*, which has sold more than 600 pieces to date, and in response to recurring demand, BA111OD announces the launch of its 40mm version. This bestseller – entirely designed and produced in Switzerland, with the renowned watch designer Olivier Mory – integrates NFC technology into the watch glass. A feat that the brand was the first to offer.

Since 2019, Thomas Baillod, the daring entrepreneur at the helm of BA111OD, has been shaking up the conventions of watchmaking, which are sometimes too conservative for his taste. After rethinking the margins linked to distribution channels and demonstrating that it was possible to innovate in the watchmaking industry’s business model, he went even further by combining one of the most prestigious watchmaking complications, the tourbillon, with a technological feat: the very first NFC-connected sapphire crystal in the history of watchmaking. This convergence of art and technology strengthens the bond with customers and pushes the boundaries of the customer experience.

With the Chapter 4.5 “The Veblen Dilemma “* Tourbillon, BA111OD combines the quintessence of Swiss haute horlogerie with customized services for its clients. This exceptional watch, entirely made in Switzerland, offers a unique design and an innovative approach. Unlike traditional connected watches, the technology is integrated only into the sapphire crystal, preserving the aesthetics and integrity of the mechanical movement. With features such as a concierge service, private invitations and a personalized user experience, BA111OD strengthens the special bond with its customers.

A perfectly unisex design

In response to numerous requests, BA111OD introduces the all-new 40mm case size for the Chapter 4.5 “The Veblen Dilemma “* Tourbillon, offering a perfectly unisex design. This versatile size ensures that both men and women can enjoy the elegance and sophistication of this extraordinary watch.

The Chapter 4.5 “The Veblen Dilemma “* Tourbillon, with its contemporary beauty and high-end finishes, embodies the excellence of fine watchmaking. With a 40mm grade 5 titanium case with an exclusive tantalum grey DLC treatment, a hand-wound movement and a 105-hour power reserve, this exceptional timepiece demonstrates BA111OD’s commitment to quality and innovation.

Ba1110d Chapter 4.5 T.V.D. Tourbillon – technical specifications

Technology	ID Glass technology with a non-invasive NFC tag inserted into the curved sapphire crystal. BA111OD was the first watchmaker to use the NFC function in the glass.
Case	Titanium grade 5, tantalum grey DLC, 40mm
Dial	Semi-openwork, white SuperLuminova hands and markers
Movement	Mechanical hand-wound movement BA.01 (base BCP Tourbillon), 21,600 vib/h (3hz), variable inertia balance, 19 jewels. Tourbillon at 7 o’clock.
Functions	HMS
Power Reserve	105 hours
Bracelet	Saffiano textured leather, night blue stitching, made in Italy, folding clasp
Water resistance	50m
Magnetic resistance	2000 Gauss
Shock resistance	5000G
Edition	Numbered
Warranty	2 years