ROOTED IN 250 YEARS OF HERITAGE

BA111OD is more than a brand; it’s the continuation of a 250-year watchmaking legacy rooted in Neuchâtel. The Baillod family’s connection to horology dates back to 1775, when David François Baillod de St-Aubin was documented as a maître monteur de boîte (master case assembler). Over the centuries, Baillod family members left their mark on the watchmaking world, from crafting fine timepieces to teaching the next generation of artisans.

Key Historical Moments

1341: A stained glass window in the church of Môtiers bears the Baillod family name, marking it as one of the oldest families in the canton.
1775: David François Baillod de St-Aubin signs an apprenticeship contract as a maître monteur de boîte.
1793: A watch created by Baillod of Le Locle is auctioned centuries later by Antiquorum.
1888: Baillod Paul & Charles Baillod register their first trademark.
1914: Jean Baillod contributes technical documentation for chronometers.
1921: Jean Baillod serves as a professor of horology, passing on his expertise.
2019: Thomas Baillod launches BA111OD.

This legacy is now the foundation of BA111OD, a modern brand deeply connected to Neuchâtel’s watchmaking heritage.

The Birth of BA111OD

In 2019, Thomas Baillod, a native of La Chaux-de-Fonds and part of Neuchâtel’s rich horological history, launched BA111OD from his garage. Initially intended as an experimental platform to revolutionize watch distribution, BA111OD quickly grew into a full-fledged brand.

BA111OD redefines watchmaking with We-commerce, a customer-centric model that combines traditional and digital approaches. Founded by Thomas Baillod, this innovative concept optimizes distribution by cutting unnecessary costs and prioritizing the customer experience. At its core is the Afluendor Community, where passionate customers become ambassadors, influencers, and vendors.

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A Journey of Growth and Innovation

Early Success and Experimentation

2019-2020

Launched Chapters 1 and 2: Affordable, high-quality self-winding watches designed in Switzerland and manufactured in Asia, starting at CHF 400.
Sold over 1,500 watches in the first year, reaching CHF 1 million in sales.
Established the concept of Afluendors, creating a loyal and growing community.

The Tourbillon Revolution

2021

Introduced the first fully Swiss Made tourbillon priced under CHF 5,000, a groundbreaking achievement in the industry.
Collaborated with renowned watchmaker Olivier Mory and Jura Arc artisans to combine craftsmanship with innovation.
Sold the first 50 pieces within 24 hours and 220 pieces in four months.

Villa Castellane and Scaling Up

2022

Moved into the historic Villa Castellane in Neuchâtel, signaling growth from start-up to SME.
Expanded production capacity to 2,000 watches annually, with 70% sold in Switzerland.
Team grows to 10 employees.

International expansion

2023-2024

Launch of our first manufacture complication with the CHPTR_Δ collection
Began expanding into Zurich, Paris, Brussels, and Munich.
Inclusion of traditional distribution
Launch of our first métier d'art timepieces with our 5th anniversary tourbillon trilogy celebrating our beautiful region of Neuchâtel.

5TH anniversary celebration 11.10.2024

The exclusive trilogy of timepieces from BA111OD celebrates the brand's core values—Authenticity, Audacity, and Expertise. Each piece in the collection is inspired by the beauty and heritage of Neuchâtel and its surrounding landscapes, honoring the region’s rich watchmaking tradition. As a testament to this deep connection, the BA111OD logo has been adapted to proudly include "Neuchâtel," reinforcing the brand’s roots.