Yesterday, I introduced the beautiful Extraordinary Butterfly watches from Van Cleef & Arpels. In fact, they are just the tip of the iceberg of Van Cleef & Arpels novelties for the year of 2010. Except the delicate butterfly watches, there are some other awesome models, including the Midnight Extraordinary Japanese Lacquer Series and the Midnight Extraordinary Landscapes Series.

Van Cleef & Arpels has been inspired by the wonderful scenery in Japan. This is all the more reason to create a series of watches to embody both oriental foundation and western color. Marvels have always appeared in the coordinations between different cultures. And this time is no exception. The brand has invited the Japanese lacquer artwork master Hakose San to create the marvelous dials with his incredible skills. Integrated with the relatively closed beauty of the Midnight watch case and the meticulous handicraft of painted lacquer, the five different dial creations stem from the traditional scenery, including the sakur (cherry blossom) and ryusui (running water). Moreover, the brief bezel in platinum sets off the colorful dial and boosts the beauty.

Coincidentally, the Midnight Extraordinary Landscapes Series also takes the inspiration from the beautiful scenery, only this time the place changes to California. From splendid canyon to rushing waterfall, from mysterious caves to prodigious mountains, the dials of the five watches in the Van Cleef & Arpels Midnight Extraordinary Landscapes Series vividly depict the famous and beautiful scenery of California and express the vulnerability and tenacity of the wild nature. It is admirable and full of visual appeal. The watches are named after the fascinating sceneries – Big Spring, Apache Terraces, Turquoise Canyon, Granite Peak and White Creek, all wonderfully demonstrating the beauty in the sun of the western coast. Only 8 pieces are made available for each design.