A fake Lange 3 101.035 is a first copy of the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 in platinum, reference 101.035. The "Lange 3" wording is a search mix-up: the Glashütte brand named its flagship model the Lange 1 in 1994, and reference 101.035 belongs to that series. Every first copy sold under the "Lange 3 101.035" label is a Lange 1 tribute with an off-center dial, an outsize date, and a 38.5 mm case.

Is there an A. Lange & Söhne Lange 3?

No. The brand's main families are the Lange 1, Lange 2, Saxonia, Datograph, and Zeitwerk. No production model carries the name Lange 3, so any listing that uses it describes a Lange 1 tribute or a name invented for search traffic.

What does reference 101.035 mean on the genuine watch?

Reference 101.035 is the Lange 1 in platinum with a silver-toned dial. Core specs of the family that carry over to this reference:

  • 38.5 mm platinum case with a sapphire crystal front and back
  • Manually wound L901.0 movement with a 72-hour power reserve
  • Outsize date at 1 o'clock, subsidiary seconds at 5 o'clock
  • Power-reserve indicator at 3 o'clock and an asymmetric dial layout
  • Hand-engraved balance cock, screwed gold chatons, and Glashütte three-quarter plate finishing

What do first copy Lange 1 101.035 watches get right?

Good first copies match the dial architecture that defines the model. The outsize date sits at 1 o'clock, the offset main dial and small seconds sit where they should, and the case keeps the wide bezel and long lugs of the original. Mid and top tiers add sapphire glass on both sides, applied markers, and a signed deployant clasp.

Where first copies fall short

  • Movement finishing: genuine Lange work uses freehand engraving, black polishing, and blued screws that copies approximate with laser etching
  • Date mechanism: the genuine outsize date jumps as one unit, while many copies show a two-step or offset change at midnight
  • Dial surface: silvered dials on the real piece have a fine grained matte finish, copies often look flat or glossy
  • Caseback engraving, case weight, and crown action are lighter or sharper than the original

How can you tell a first copy Lange 1 from a genuine one?

  1. Look through the sapphire caseback. The real L901.0 is hand wound; a rotor or a battery cover points to a copy.
  2. Study the balance cock engraving under magnification. Freehand cuts show depth and variation, machine engraving looks even and shallow.
  3. Watch the date change at midnight. The genuine outsize date snaps in one motion.
  4. Check dial printing under a loupe. Genuine text has crisp edges and consistent stroke width.
  5. Compare the reference engraving and movement number on the caseback with published records.
  6. Weigh the watch. Platinum feels dense, and most copies use steel or plated brass.

What should a first copy Lange 1 101.035 cost?

Entry tiers with quartz or basic automatic movements and mineral glass run about USD 120 to 250. Mid tiers with a decorated automatic, sapphire glass, and a better dial sit near USD 300 to 500. Top tiers that copy the manual-wind layout, add hand-finish cues, and use a plated platinum tone land around USD 600 to 1,200.

Buying checklist before you pay

  1. Ask for macro photos of the movement and the caseback engraving.
  2. Request a video of the date change at midnight.
  3. Confirm case size, thickness, and lug width in writing.
  4. Check the return window and whether the strap and buckle are included.
  5. Compare seller photos against official Lange 1 images before you commit.

FAQ

Does a Lange 3 watch exist in any collection?

No. The Lange 1, Lange 2, and later families cover the catalog. Treat "Lange 3" as a search term, not a model name.

Is a first copy Lange 1 101.035 a good daily watch?

A mid or top tier copy with a reliable automatic and sapphire glass can serve as a daily piece. Expect service needs and water resistance that trails the genuine watch.

Do first copies of the Lange 1 use hand-wound or automatic movements?

Most use automatic movements that hide the rotor, while a small number of higher tier builds use hand-wound clones. Ask the seller to show the movement before you buy.