Grand Seiko Skyflake versus JLC Reverso

I would personally pick the Grand Seiko just because it looks more I don't know how to explain but more for your money but the JLC is also soo cool and I would choose both but the Grand Seiko just had an extra 💥

Both look good on your wrist.  If it were my money, I would go for the GrandSeiko, but I may be a little biased 😀

Tough call to make - I hope to one day own both (except I want the Snowflake GS) I'll answer it this way - if you were to ask me which one I'd buy first, knowing I'd have both eventually, I'd say the JLC. The Reverso is the quintessential dress watch in my mind 😊 but there's no denying the beauty of the GS either!

Those are great options. If it’s not for personal triumph or occasion, I would go with the one you connect with the most. JLC classic  polo sports watch with the utilitarian duo face or the euphoric spring drive with buttery smooth second hand on the GS. Flip a coin, if you don’t like what it lands on, then get the opposite choice.

My vote would be the Reverso. Such a classy and elegant watch that can also be dressed down (with strap change, etc). I had a Grande Taille for awhile and I do miss it.

I would go JLC, but I have small wrists, on the larger wrist, Grand Seiko.

Definitly a JLC recommend from me. If you have the money go for the duoface. Incredible watchmaking right there. But i dont really see the usecase if you are not one of the 0,0001% people who can really use it often (flying through different time zones often)

Also u can engrave the other side. I know thats not for everyone. But if there is ever a watch to do it, it would be the JLC Mono for me. Best of luck with your decision.

I'm biased for GS in general but of the two on your wrist I think the sky flake looks best 

Honestly - I'm going to deviate here and go with the JLC (and the monoface at that).  I love GS but the Skyflake never quite hit home for me and I think the reverso is such a distinctive shape and looks great on your wrist.

They are two completely different watches. Do you want a round watch or a square watch? There's your answer. And if you want one of each, then get both.

And definitely JLC mono over duo. Gives you two different looks.

If you want a dressier vibe, go with the JLC. If looking for something you can jump in the pool with, I’d say the GS.

JLC all the way. skyflake looks too big for your wrist in my opinion (many will take objection to that). JLC is a classic that will never go out of style and looks great on your wrist. 

 My take, which may apply only to me: I'm a Grand Seiko guy. I own one, and I want more. But honestly, when I saw the Snowflake, I was... underwhelmed. I had heard lots about it, of course, but when I tried it on, it just seemed dull, bland. Same with the Skyflake. If I go for one of their unique dials, I'll go for something bold. I have the Shunbun, and I'm keen on the White Birch and the Shosho. I can also see a case for their more classic designs.

When I tried the Reverso, I didn't know what to expect, and at first I didn't know what to make of it, but it grew on me. Something about it's deco refinement now speaks to me. If I get one, it has to be the duoface, but that's in grail territory for me.

Thanks, Jason! Quick question - you said the mono over duo because it gives two different looks. I'm assuming you mean the two different looks between the watch face and the steel back? Just wanted to make sure I didn't misunderstand. Much appreciated!

Yeah, you can flip the face and then it's an unusual, functional, historical piece of jewellery.  Flip the duo and you're still wearing a rectangular watch - what's the point!

Roger that - thanks, Jason!

The JLC is so classy (and seems to fit your wrist well) - but that Skyflake dial will never get old!

First and foremost you have to love it - you should buy whatever you feel brings most joy to you! Both watches will lose value when you walk out of the shop so if you’re not buying from a purely investment perspective, you should buy what you love, what you think you will get the most wear out of, and what would suits your style and character. 

I have the Skyflake and have been tempted by the Reverso Duoface for years. I ordered the GS bracelet that will fit the Skyflake (it may take a few months) and am excited because it will give me the option of going dressy with the strap or more sporty with the bracelet. The Reverso is always going to look dressy in my opinion, so the GS is perhaps a little more versatile. Additionally, if you have never experienced a Spring Drive, you really need at least one in your collection. It is mesmerizing!

I’m in a similar place, I own a Skyflake and a Winter GS. Very good dressy/sport combo, although both actually look dressy. I like the picture of the Skyflake on the bracele, nice look. I think the JLC will be a future addition for me and I often compare very different watches when making a decision. My, also biased, opinion is the GS will be a better daily wear. If you a looking to expand your collection by getting new types of drives, its the GS; if you want a new look, JLC. Personally I’d get the Duo, as I love dual time zone watches and they are very useful to me, so also a bias. 

Good luck, both great watches!

Thanks to everyone who weighed in with their generous advice as I was trying to decide whether to go with one of these watches. The Grand Seiko Skyflake is definitely going to remain on my shortlist of watches to consider for the future, but I ended up taking the plunge on the JLC Reverso classic duoface small seconds (medium size) for now. Happily I was able to pick it up just before JLC upped the price, so that was lucky! Anyway, thanks again to everyone who weighed in with comments and recommendations - much appreciated! :-)