The second part of Panerai’s new Traits ongoing exploration has come to us, and its name is Design.

By exploring the various chosen themes of Light, Design, Innovation, and Mare or The Sea, Panerai is challenging both us and itself. The goal is to find what new possibilities are inherent in their own identity. It’s a journey of self-exploration, you might say, and that’s always a worthy thing.

Of course, all the best journeys had guides. When descending into the Underworld, even Dante had someone who knew the way. And for this particular branch of the journey, Panerai asked for the help of Costas Voyatzis.

Costas Voyatzis is the founder of Yatzer, which is an international website for design enthusiasts. So, you might say he knows the terrain. And he certainly chose some good terrain for his part in this.

Costas shot his short film in Milan, a city constantly known for its leading part in Italian excellence. He wears a Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic (PAM00572) and he takes that watch into some of the most interesting, and unexpectedly whimsical, places.

Part of his series of photos seems to involve a conversation with a statue, who seems equally surprised to be engaged. And yet, the two seem to hit it off. Perhaps the best thing about getting a guide isn’t what you learn about the place; it’s what you learn about the person.

Costas Voyatzis takes some unexpected steps on his photo essay, but it’s a trip you’re delighted to be a part of. Understanding is not the same thing as experiencing; you can enjoy something completely without fully understanding it. With Costas and his work here, it’s as if he’s inviting us to see Milan all over again with fresh eyes. Which, come to think of it, is exactly like what Panerai itself is doing. Of course, that’s probably by Design.