News 
The Neuchâtel-based company ended 2022 with a doubling of its turnover, even though it is in a segment that is seeing somewhat relative growth for many brands.
This result is explained by the success of its innovative we-commerce business model. The brand has also succeeded in raising funds in an unprecedented way: customers, friends, watchmaking enthusiasts represent an array of “sponsors” who have responded massively to an appeal by Thomas Baillod launched on LinkedIn.
Founded in 2019, the start-up was self-financed from the start, thanks to the pre-sales of its various models. Based on an organic growth model, Thomas Baillod decided at the end of 2022 to speed up and test a call for private investors on LinkedIn. He stated: “Instead of resorting to banks or traditional investors, the goal was to voluntarily turn to consumers to help finance BA111OD’s growth. In addition to attractive returns, these people will sponsor the next chapters. They will experience a unique immersion experience with the Team, from model design with the Senior Designer to the model launch.” Far exceeding expectations, results reached over CHF 900,000 in just a few days. Beyond innovating with this double financing model, this success allows the brand to launch production of the new chapters ahead of time and shorten the period between the official launch in financing new products and deliveries. But most of all, it confirms the arrival of spectacular models this year, some of which are developed exclusively with Olivier Mory.
BA111OD has strengthened its teams to tackle the challenges ahead. Twelve employees now work within the company, located at two sites in the city of Neuchâtel. The headquarters in the prestigious Villa Castellane encompass the design, communication, sales, human resources and finance departments. The facilities on Rue des Moulins house a watchmaking workshop for T2 (dial, hands, casing) and T3 (bracelets assembly), as well as the after-sales service and brand’s logistics department. This integration showcases the dynamism of the young company, its Neuchâtel roots, and allows for full control of the creation process, thereby enhancing its autonomy.
March 02, 2023