Mido Bodyguard (Ref. M1350.4.11.x)
Complications Watch / Personal Alarm Tool Watch · Mido (Swatch Group), a Swiss brand positioned in the entry-level luxury to mid-range tier
Period: Neo-Vintage / Early 2000s Modern (post-1990 design language)
Type
Complications Watch / Personal Alarm Tool Watch
Brand
Mido (Swatch Group), a Swiss brand positioned in the entry-level luxury to mid-range tier
Movement
Quartz movement featuring a specialized personal alarm complication (ISA 8154 or similar)
Dimensions
Case diameter: 38-40mm; Thickness: 12-13mm; Lug-to-lug: 46mm; Lug width: 20mm
Description
The Mido Bodyguard is a unique and rare horological curiosity designed for personal safety. It features a built-in alarm that emits a high-decibel (100 dB+) screeching sound when both pushers are pressed simultaneously, intended to deter attackers or attract attention during an emergency. Its design is typical of late-90s aesthetics with its rounded, organic case shapes and functional pushers.
Key Features
Dual-pusher activated 100+ decibel personal safety alarm; distinctive four-notched bezel; asymmetrical crown/pusher layout.
Dial Description
Silver/White dial with Roman numerals at 6, 9, 12; applied luminous baton indices; skeletonized sword hands with lume; date window at 3 o'clock; 'BODYGUARD' text at 6 o'clock.
Case Material
Stainless Steel with a brushed and polished finish
Crystal Type
Sapphire crystal, flat, likely with an internal AR coating
Bezel Details
Fixed integrated stainless steel bezel with four distinctive 'claw' or 'clasp' indentations at 2, 4, 8, and 10
Crown & Pushers
Main crown at 4 o'clock; two dedicated alarm activation pushers located at the 2 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions
Bracelet or Strap
Brown textured leather strap with contrast stitching and a standard Mido tang buckle
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down caseback with brand engravings and 'Bodyguard' logo
Movement Type
Quartz movement featuring a specialized personal alarm complication (ISA 8154 or similar)
Water Resistance
100 meters (10 ATM); suitable for swimming but the alarm function may be muffled if internal ports are wet.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; manufactured in Le Locle, Switzerland
Age Estimate
Circa 1999 to early 2000s
Cultural Significance
A byproduct of the late 90s 'personal safety' tech trend, it remains one of the few examples where a luxury timepiece was marketed as a self-defense tool.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in very good condition; dial is clean, indices show no signs of aging; strap shows mild wear; metal finishing remains sharp. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$300 - $600 USD depending on functional state and whether original packaging is present.
Care & Maintenance
Battery should be replaced every 2-3 years; avoid activating the alarm for prolonged periods to prevent battery drain; check gaskets regularly to ensure the alarm speaker port stays water-resistant.
Similar Watches
Fortis Alarm, Omega Seamaster Apnea, or various Seiko Bell-Matics; however, these provide wake-up alarms rather than high-decibel sirens.
Interesting Facts
The alarm is powered by the same battery as the movement but utilizes a piezoelectric element to reach its extreme volume, far louder than typical mechanical or digital alarm watches.