What a Fake Datograph Up/Down Is
A fake Datograph Up/Down is a replica of the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down. The genuine watch has a flyback chronograph, an outsize date, and a 60-hour power reserve. Replicas range from cheap toys to high-end copies that look close on the wrist. The best fakes get the case shape, dial layout, and pusher feel right. They still do not match the in-house movement. To judge one, focus on the chronograph action, the date jump, and the finishing.
How to Evaluate a Fake Datograph Up/Down
- Measure the case. Genuine is 41mm wide and 13.1mm thick. A replica that is 2mm thicker will sit wrong on the wrist.
- Check the dial layout. The outsize date sits at 12 o'clock. The chronograph minutes are at 4. The small seconds are at 8. The power reserve indicator is at 6. All four must be in the right place.
- Test the chronograph pushers. Push the top pusher to start. Push it again to stop. Push the bottom pusher to reset. A good fake snaps back to zero. A bad one drags or fails to reset.
- Watch the date change. Set the time to 11:59 PM and wait. A genuine date jumps in an instant. A fake may creep or stick.
- Look through the case back. The genuine movement has a hand-engraved balance cock and a column wheel. Replicas often use a modified ETA 7750 or a Chinese clone. Look for a smooth finish and correct jewel count.
- Weigh the watch. Genuine is platinum or rose gold. A steel replica will feel light. A gold-plated replica may feel close but will wear off.
- Compare the engravings. Check the logo, 'Made in Germany', and serial numbers. Replicas often use wrong font weight or spacing.
- Ask for a video. Watch the chronograph start, stop, and reset. See if the hands snap to zero. Listen for a crisp click.
Common Tells of a Low-Quality Fake
- Subdials that do not move or move with the wrong function.
- A power reserve indicator that is painted on, not working.
- Pushers that feel mushy or do not screw down.
- Date window that is too small or misaligned.
- Case back with wrong engravings or a solid back on a watch that should have a display back.
What to Expect from a High-End Replica
A high-end replica can cost several hundred dollars. It will have a working chronograph, a correct date, and a power reserve indicator that moves. The case will be close to 41mm. The dial will have the right subdial positions. The movement will be a clone, not the genuine L951.6. It will not have the same hand finishing. If a seller claims a fake is '1:1' or 'identical', ask for proof. No replica matches the genuine Datograph Up/Down in every detail. Use the steps above to separate a good fake from a bad one.