Cressi Neon Wrist Computer

When one compact watch needs to cover both scuba and freediving, the Cressi Neon earns its place in the range. It sits above Cressi's simpler three-mode watches by adding Free mode and two-gas Nitrox support. That makes it useful for divers whose activities or training are becoming more varied but who do not want a large rectangular computer.

Air, Nitrox, Gauge and Free modes cover standard recreational diving, enriched-air use, depth-and-time monitoring and breath-hold sessions. As the diving develops, Neon uses the Cressi RGBM decompression model and can be configured with two gas mixes for an in-water change. The first mix supports oxygen settings from 21 to 50 per cent, while the second extends from 21 to 99 per cent. For a trained Nitrox diver, that is a useful step beyond a basic single-mix computer without moving into a four-gas technical platform.

Two buttons keep menu navigation manageable within the compact case. The high-contrast backlit display presents dive information clearly, while the onboard memory can retain 40 hours, with a ceiling of 50 entries in each mode. That is enough history for meaningful review without making the computer feel oversized on the wrist.

Neon uses a user-replaceable CR2450 battery, with Cressi estimating up to four years under its stated usage assumptions. Actual life will vary with diving frequency, backlight use and storage conditions. User replacement avoids an internal charging routine, although careful installation and seal maintenance remain essential.

Neon is often the right choice when a compact watch format, Free mode and two-gas Nitrox capability all matter. Goa is simpler and better suited to straightforward Air or Nitrox diving with no need for Free mode or gas switching. Donatello offers four modes in a larger, easier-to-scan format but does not provide Neon's two-gas flexibility. Da Vinci is the stronger choice when colour information, four gases and compass navigation are required.