Yes, about the Dato, you're right, even if I also appreciate its martial but elegant dial.
About the Perpetual skeleton, this is another story.
The dial is not a simple one, but neede a lot of work, too.
I agree that at the first glance, the back may have more appeal, due to its relative simplicity ( cleaner, would some say? ), but after a while, you love more and more the recto side.
You will have a lot of fun playing with the levels and light, too.
Best, my dear friend.
Nicolas