Answer
A fake Lange 1 Daymatic is a replica of an A. Lange & Söhne automatic watch. The company builds watches in Glashütte, Germany. The Daymatic arrived in 2010 as the first self-winding model in the Lange 1 line. The maker no longer lists it. Retail for the pink gold version was close to $40,000. Replica listings run $180 to $900. Supply is thin because demand for Lange copies sits far below demand for Rolex copies.
Real watch facts
The case measures about 39.8 mm across. Calibre L021.1 holds 426 parts, 67 jewels and a 50-hour power reserve. The balance beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour. The dial flips the hand-wound Lange 1 layout. Hours, minutes and the outsize date sit on the right. A subdial sits at 9 o'clock. Two discs form the date, one for each digit.
What replicas copy and miss
Copies repeat the case shape, the dial print and the two-disc date. They miss the movement. No replica runs L021.1. Common movements are a Miyota 9015 or a 2824 clone from China. Decoration plates hide the base movement on many builds. Lange hand-engraves the balance cock on each watch. Replicas print or stamp that engraving.
Details to inspect
- Caseback text: "Made in Germany" and "Glashütte i/SA". Misspellings show up on low tiers.
- Date discs: two separate discs. Check font weight and alignment between digits.
- Screws: blued steel on the real movement. Paint on many replicas.
- Jewel settings: gold chatons on the real watch. Plated rings on copies.
- Rotor: engraved on the real movement. Printed text on most replicas.
- Case size claims: seller listings range from 38.5 mm to 41 mm.
Prices and market
Replica prices rise with claimed Swiss movement and added boxes. Sellers who use that language charge $500 and up. Secondhand real Daymatics change hands in the $30,000 to $50,000 band. Metal, service history, box and papers move the figure. Prices shift, so check current dealer and auction results. Public records do not list replica production numbers, and factory names change with each batch.