What a Copy Lange Söhne Is
A copy Lange Söhne is a replica of a watch made by A. Lange & Söhne. The brand started in 1845 in Glashütte, Saxony, Germany. It closed in 1948 and re-opened in 1990. Replicas copy models such as the Lange 1, Saxonia, and Datograph. The copies use similar case shapes and dial layouts. They do not use the same movement or materials.
Models Copied Most
Three models appear in the replica market:
- Lange 1: outsize date at 1 o'clock, off-center dial, power reserve at 3 o'clock.
- Datograph: chronograph with two subdials and a date.
- Saxonia: thin dress watch with small seconds.
Case and Dial
Genuine Lange 1 case measures 38.5 mm. Datograph measures 41 mm. Replicas match these numbers in many listings. The metal differs. Genuine cases use yellow gold, pink gold, white gold, or platinum. Replicas use 316L stainless steel with gold plating. Weight differs. A genuine Lange 1 in gold weighs about 100 grams. A replica weighs less.
The outsize date is a key test. Genuine Lange 1 date uses two separate discs. One disc shows the tens. One disc shows the units. Many replicas use one disc or a printed date wheel. The font also differs. Genuine date font has serifs. Replica font is plain.
Movement
Genuine A. Lange & Söhne movements are in-house. The Lange 1 uses the L121.1 manual wind calibre. It has a 3/4 plate, screwed gold chatons, and a hand-engraved balance cock. Power reserve is 72 hours. Replica movements are Asian automatic or hand-wind calibres. Common bases include Seagull and Hangzhou. These movements have plated plates. They lack gold chatons. The balance cock has machine engraving or no engraving.
Price
A new genuine Lange 1 costs about $40,000 to $60,000. A Datograph costs about $80,000 or more. Replica prices run from $150 to $600. Price depends on movement type and finish. Higher-priced replicas may use a sapphire crystal and a decorated rotor. Lower-priced replicas use mineral glass and a plain caseback.
Legal Status in the US
In the United States, selling counterfeit goods violates 18 U.S.C. § 2320. Importing counterfeits violates 19 U.S.C. § 1526. Customs officers can seize replica watches. Buyers face no criminal charge in most cases. Sellers face fines and prison time.
What to Check
Check the date window first. Check the movement engraving. Check the caseback engraving. Check the serial number font. Check the crown logo. Check the weight. Check the movement finish. Replicas often repeat one serial number across many units.