Citizen Cyber Aqualand Nx Test Dive

I knew exactly what I wanted for my sixth birthday: a dive watch. A real waterproof model with a rotating bezel and a black rubber strap, just like Lloyd and Jacques wore.

Didn't matter that I was too young for scuba. A dive watch was as cool as it got. That watch survived my youth and was put into actual underwater service during my teenage years. Then a new gadget surfaced.

It was the age of the dive computer, and in due time, they shrank from the size of a brick to devices not much larger than watches. They became sophisticated instruments that could predict, monitor and remember every aspect of the dive.

Now, we have products that blur the distinction between watch and dive computer. Products like Citizen's Cyber Aqualand Nx.

The Nx is both a precision chronograph and a cutting-edge dive computer, with features you would expect to find on a premium computer full decompression information, nitrox capability, 100-dive memory, PC download capability, alarms the Nx has it. It monitors and remembers everything from nitrogen and oxygen loading to time, date, depth changes and water temperature, and shares this information via either an infrared port or an optional USB connection.

A number of dive computers do the same. None, however, pack as many features; and none offer on-the-fly recharge capability.

The Nx is the first user-rechargeable dive instrument. Its internal battery provides about one month of continuous service, and incorporates a charge-level indicator and a low-power survival mode to prevent surprises.

In addition to the supplied charger, the Nx can be mated to a charging/docking station. Powered by four AA batteries, this accessory allows the user to recharge the Nx anywhere in the world, even where there are no plugs. The charging station also serves as a docking port for high-speed downloads via a USB port.

Who knows, it just might make dive watches cooler than ever. - PH

Citizen Cyber Aqualand Nx
IMPRESSIONS: All the functions of a high-end dive computer in an attractive, high-performance watch. KEY FEATURES: precision chronograph, full nitrox and deco capability, full range of alarms, 100-dive memory with infrared or USB download to PC, rechargeable battery with self-contained charging/docking station. MSRP: $850 / $165 for docking station.