Milan Design Week was held in early April 2018, and this year marks the debut of Officine Panerai as participants of the exhibit. There brought together a trifecta of talent in the persons of the British talents Felix de Pass, Michael Montgomery, and Ian McIntyre, and their collaborative piece, Candela. Each artist brought their best to the fore: de Pass as a designer, Montgomery in the field of graphic design, and McIntyre as a ceramicist.

Candela was originally presented at the world-famous Victoria & Albert Museum during the London Light Festival. Now the masterpiece graces the Italian countryside at la Triennale de Milano within ‘Light in the Darkness.’ This new art installation gives the art connoisseurs a new concept of time and light. Interestingly enough, the art installation epitomizes that which Panerai holds dear: design, research and innovation, time and its continuity, and luminescence. Lest we forget, Panerai traces its connection to the Royal Italian Navy. The luminescent quality was, and still is, critical when it comes to seeing time at night or in the depth of the ocean.

The installation itself is spellbinding. It is a circular framework that rotates while suspended above the gallery floor. As time passes, the disc passes through concentrated light causing the disc to glow. The glow fades bit by bit until all that remains is utter darkness.

The Panerai Submersible watches are an integral part of the installation, in part for their technical characteristics and design. The special visibility helps too, of course. Panerai is rooted in the past but clearly looks to the future. The Luminor Submersible 1950 CarbotechTM 3 Days Automatic watch and the Luminor Submersible 1950 Amagnetic 3 Days Automatic Titanio watch are both examples of this. They are solid and robust, and the functionality is excellent.

Panerai has envisioned a long-term partnership with the world of art and design, and they have donated Candela to the Triennale for part of their permanent collection.