A. Lange & Söhne does not make a watch called the Lange 2. The brand's flagship model is the Lange 1. 'Replica Lange 2' is a search term that refers to counterfeit versions of the Lange 1 or to non-existent model numbers.
The Real Lange 1
A. Lange & Söhne launched the Lange 1 in 1994. The watch has an outsize date, an asymmetric dial, and a 38.5 mm case. The movement is manual-wind. The current retail price for a steel Lange 1 is about $40,000. Gold models cost more. A genuine Lange 1 has a hand-engraved balance cock and a three-quarter plate.
Why 'Lange 2' Appears in Searches
No Lange 2 exists in the catalog. Some replica sellers use 'Lange 2' as a keyword to attract buyers who confuse the model number. Other sellers list a 'Lange 2' that copies the Lange 1 design. The term has no official meaning.
How to Spot a Replica Lange Watch
- Check the caseback. Genuine Lange watches have a sapphire crystal display back with engraved movement details.
- Weigh the watch. A genuine Lange 1 in gold weighs about 100 grams. Replicas use lighter metals.
- Inspect the date. The outsize date on a real Lange 1 jumps at midnight. Many replicas change at 11:50 p.m. or later.
- Look at the hands. Genuine Lange hands are blued steel or rhodium. Replicas use painted metal.
- Test the power reserve. A real Lange 1 runs 72 hours. Replicas stop after 12 to 24 hours.
Legal Status in the United States
US law bans the sale and import of counterfeit watches. 18 U.S.C. § 2320 sets penalties up to 10 years in prison for a first offense. U.S. Customs and Border Protection seizes counterfeit goods at ports. A buyer who imports a replica Lange watch can face seizure and fines.
Price Comparison
A genuine Lange 1 costs between $30,000 and $60,000 on the secondary market. A replica Lange watch sells for $200 to $800. The price gap reflects materials, movement, and finishing. No replica uses a real Lange movement.
What to Do Instead
Buy from an authorized A. Lange & Söhne dealer. The brand has boutiques in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Pre-owned Lange 1 watches appear at auction houses. Christie's and Sotheby's sell them with papers. A service from Lange costs about $2,000.