BA111OD Introduces The Chapter 4 Skeleton Tourbillon Ice White

BA111OD is a young Swiss brand with a bold mission — to bring high-end watchmaking complications like the tourbillon to enthusiasts at a far more attainable price point. Since its founding in 2019, BA111OD has gained a reputation as a rising force in contemporary Swiss independent watch brands. It blends innovation with a commitment to making higher-end watchmaking more accessible.​ The latest release, the Chapter 4 Skeleton Tourbillon Ice White, perfectly encapsulates that mission. It’s a fresh and bright new take on the brand’s existing Chapter 4 Skeleton model, offering a cooler aesthetic twist while keeping the serious horological chops.

The 44mm BA111OD Chapter 4.1 T.V.D. from 2022

The Chapter 4’s next, er….chapter?

One thing I’ve learned following BA111OD’s journey is that each new Chapter 4 watch feels like a step in an evolving story. I remember seeing earlier iterations of the Chapter 4 Skeleton in person. Those watches were crafted in Grade 5 titanium cases with dark PVD or DLC finishes for a stealthy, technical look. Initially only available in a 44mm form, the brand sized the Chapter 4 down to a more fitting 40mm diameter and reintroduced it at last year’s Time To Watches in Geneva.

Until now, the Chapter 4 Skeleton watches have all featured dark PVD coatings on titanium cases. Those versions had a certain edgy charm, but they were undeniably on the darker side aesthetically. Fast-forward to now, and the new Ice White edition completely flips that script. By switching to a stainless steel case and adding bright white dial accents, BA111OD has given the Chapter 4 Skeleton a jolt of fresh energy. It becomes visibly brighter and lighter. The watch that once appeared dressed for a darker affair now feels just as at home in a crisp, modern setting. I’d even argue this Ice White version might be the most attractive iteration yet, precisely because it shows how the design can evolve and shine (literally and figuratively) in a new light.

The beauty of a skeletonized movement

The first thing that draws you in is the open-worked dial. BA111OD has leaned into transparency here, and it’s gorgeous. Anyone who knows me knows I am a sucker for a nicely skeletonized or open-worked watch. The Chapter 4 Skeleton Tourbillon Ice White features a semi-skeletonized dial that exposes much of its mechanical heart. The lighter color scheme of the Ice White variant does offer less contrast than previous ones, so legibility is perhaps slightly worse here. It’s a minor point, though. There’s still a clear minute track around the dial edge, but most of the dial itself is an intricate web of wheels, gears, and bridges. You’ll notice the crown at 4 o’clock, an unusual placement that has become a signature of the brand’s design. I find this off-kilter crown practical and comfortable since it doesn’t dig into the wrist. Plus, it gives the case a distinctive silhouette.

And then, of course, there’s the star of the show — the tourbillon visible at 7 o’clock. In the Ice White, that tourbillon mechanism is on full display. The hand-wound movement driving this was developed by master watchmaker Olivier Mory, and it offers an impressive 100-hour power reserve. To put that in perspective, that’s over four days of running time — wind it up on Monday, and it’ll still be ticking come Friday, which is helpful for a watch you might not wear daily.

Straps and wearability

A watch may look amazing in the press photos, but how it wears daily is just as important. Previous models always wore well on my 6.75”  wrist, so I’d expect this new version to do the same.

BA111OD offers the choice of four straps/bracelets to tailor the Chapter 4 Skeleton Ice White to your tastes. There’s a polished stainless steel bracelet that perfectly fits the case for a bold and robust all-steel look. Then, there’s a ceramic-link bracelet, which mixes ceramic with steel elements — likely a love-it-or-hate-it option. If you prefer something more traditional, the black Saffiano leather strap offers a dressier contrast to the modern dial. And for a sporty vibe, there’s a white rubber strap that matches the Ice White theme perfectly and gives the watch an instant summer-ready look.

Now, let’s talk about a detail that might not be obvious from pictures. If the Ice White follows the plan of the other 40mm Chapter 4 models, then the strap width at the lugs is only 18mm. On paper, an 18mm-wide strap for a 40mm watch sounds a bit slim, and most 40mm watches use 20mm straps. I have mixed feelings about it. The upside is that a narrower strap can make a watch extremely comfortable. It brings less bulk to the sides of the wrist, directing the focus to the watch head. However, the downside is that, if you’re a strap junkie, you’ll find far fewer 18mm straps out there compared to 20mm options.

Which will be the popular one?

Between the steel bracelet and the white rubber strap, which I suspect will be two of the most popular choices, it comes down to versatility. The steel bracelet will be the go-to for longevity. It also gives the watch a more versatile edge if needed, so you can wear it with a T-shirt or a suit, and it won’t look out of place.

The white rubber strap, on the other hand, transforms the watch into a much sportier piece. That said, a white rubber strap will show more dirt, sweat, and/or discoloration over time. It’s also way more casual. You probably wouldn’t wear the rubber strap to a business meeting, but for weekends, the beach, or just adding a dash of flair, it’s perfect. During the summer months, I wear the majority of my watches on white rubber straps wherever possible. It’s very much a personal preference, though!

The value proposition

Let’s address the happy elephant in the room — the price. BA111OD has been laser-focused on offering Swiss-made tourbillons at unheard-of price points, and the Chapter 4 Skeleton Ice White continues that trend. The official price for the Ice White starts at €8,500 / US$9,500 / £6,895 (with the rubber strap). To put that in perspective, finding any Swiss-made tourbillon under five figures is exceedingly rare. These Chapter 4 models are probably the most affordable Swiss-made tourbillon watches out there (cue me being told in the comments how wrong I am!)

When I learned about BA111OD’s pricing a couple of years ago, I did a double-take. The initial Chapter 4.1 was around CHF 4,500 (before taxes). We’re talking about a complication that many big-name brands reserve for their ultra-high-end pieces. Traditionally, tourbillons from Swiss maisons come with price tags the size of a small mortgage. It’s not unusual to see CHF 50,000 and up for something with a tourbillon on the dial. Even brands known for value, like TAG Heuer, made headlines for releasing a “budget” Swiss tourbillon around $15,000 a few years back. So BA111OD coming in at far less than that is a big deal. The Ice White doesn’t cut corners on the things that matter, either. First, it’s designed and made in the heart of Swiss watch country (Neuchâtel and the Jura Arc). Second, it has an in-house-developed movement by a respected watchmaker. Finally, it’s finished and assembled with an attention to detail you can see through the dial.

Still a fair chunk of wonga

Sure, €8.5K is still a substantial sum of money in absolute terms. Still, in the context of Swiss tourbillons, it’s an absolute bargain. It opens a door for collectors who have always dreamed of owning a tourbillon but assumed it was out of reach. BA111OD’s whole approach is disruptive. The brand isn’t content with the old notion that tourbillons must belong only in €100K+ grail pieces locked away in a safe. Instead, BA111OD can put one on your wrist for the price of an entry-level luxury Swiss watch. From my perspective, that’s huge in terms of democratizing high horology. The big boys likely don’t like me saying that, though…

Final thoughts on the BA111OD Chapter 4 Skeleton Tourbillon Ice White

Despite only having seen the press release and online images of the BA111OD Chapter 4 Skeleton Tourbillon Ice White, I believe this might be the best version of the Chapter 4 series yet. By introducing a brighter aesthetic and sticking to the brand’s core principle of accessibility, it feels like BA111OD hit a sweet spot. The Ice White combines the “wow factor” of an open-worked tourbillon with the everyday wearability of a modern sports watch. It’s the kind of piece that sparks conversations, yet it doesn’t come off as gaudy or overly ostentatious. In a collection, this watch would be a fantastic addition for someone who wants a taste of high-end watchmaking without the usual five-to-six-figure investment. It’s also a great fit for those who love innovative indie brands. I always think there’s a bit of pride in wearing something from a company that does things differently.

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