A fake Lange 2 401.021 is a replica of an A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 style watch sold under that code, not a watch built by the German maker. The number shows up in replica listings as a seller reference, while A. Lange & Söhne publishes its own factory numbering. Buyers who search it want one thing: the off-center dial, the outsize date, and a hand-wound movement at a small fraction of the original price.
What does the 401.021 reference number mean?
In the Lange catalog, three-part numbers group watches by model family and case metal. The 401 block sits outside the best-known Lange 1 references, so the string works as a shop SKU rather than a factory code. Treat any listing that calls 401.021 an official Lange reference as a warning sign about the seller.
What does "first copy" mean in the replica market?
First copy is tier language, not an official grade. Sellers use it for the top replica tier: a mechanical hand-wound or automatic movement, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, and a case cut from 316L or 904L stainless steel.
- Budget tier: quartz movement, mineral glass, stamped dial, plated case.
- Mid tier: automatic movement, sapphire glass, thinner plating or solid steel.
- First copy tier: cloned or decorated movement, solid steel case, closer dial proportions.
How do you spot a fake Lange 401.021?
The outsize date
Genuine Lange date discs snap to the next day in an instant and sit flush inside the frame. Replicas use two printed discs that lag, overlap, or leave a visible gap in the window.
The movement
A real Lange 1 is hand-wound with a power reserve near 72 hours and no rotor. Many fakes are automatic, so an oscillating weight visible through the back is an immediate tell.
Finishing and case details
Genuine watches use untreated German silver plates, blued screws, screwed gold chatons, and a hand-engraved balance cock. Copy dials often print the logo, use flat hands, and mount markers that sit proud of the surface.
What should the measurements be?
A classic Lange 1 case is about 38.5 mm across and close to 10 mm thick, so a replica that measures 42 mm or more is a different watch wearing the name. Weight matters too, because solid steel and a mechanical movement push a first copy past 70 grams on the head alone.
Is buying a fake Lange 401.021 legal in the United States?
No. Trafficking in counterfeit goods is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. 2320, and US Customs seizes counterfeit watches at ports of entry. A personal purchase can still be confiscated, and the buyer gets no warranty, no service network, and no resale value.
FAQ
How much does a fake Lange 2 401.021 cost?
First copy listings cluster between roughly 200 and 800 US dollars, depending on the movement and the finishing. Anything under 100 dollars is a quartz watch with plated metal.
Can a watchmaker tell a fake Lange 401.021 from the real thing?
Yes, and the signs are clear. The date mechanism, the winding feel, the engraving on the balance cock, and the caseback text all differ under a loupe.
Does a replica Lange use a real Lange movement?
No. Replicas use Chinese or Swiss clone movements, sometimes with decorative plates added to imitate Lange finishing.
Why is the Lange 1 hard to copy well?
The asymmetric dial has to stay balanced, the date has to jump in an instant, and the finishing is done by hand. Each of those steps adds cost that a replica factory avoids.