Short answer
A replica Lange 3 101.037 is a copy of an A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1, reference 101.037. The genuine watch is a 38.5 mm manual-wind piece with an off-center time dial, an outsize date, a power reserve indicator, and a small seconds subdial. No replica uses the real L901.0 movement. Most copies run a modified Asian hand-wind or automatic caliber. Prices sit near $250 to $900. "Lange 3" is not an A. Lange & Söhne model name. The line is the Lange 1, plus the Lange 1 Moon Phase, Lange 1 Time Zone, and Lange 1 Tourbillon.
Public spec sheets for 101.037 disagree on metal and dial color. A. Lange & Söhne does not list every historical reference on its site. Confirm the exact configuration with the maker or an auction record before you pay.
What the reference is
The Lange 1 launched in 1994, four years after the brand restarted in Glashütte. The dial follows an offset layout: the time dial sits at the left, the outsize date at the upper right, the power reserve at the right, and the small seconds at the lower right.
- Case: 38.5 mm, round, three-part
- Movement: L901.0, manual wind, twin mainspring barrels
- Power reserve: 72 hours
- Rate: 21,600 vph
- Finish: three-quarter plate, screwed gold chatons, hand-engraved balance cock
- Crystals: sapphire front and back
What replicas get right
Case diameter and lug width are close on mid-tier and higher-tier copies. The outsize date window is present, and the two-disc layout is copied. Better versions use sapphire on both sides and a signed crown. Dial color and hand shape track the original on the good batches.
Common tells
- Date numerals. Lange uses its own numeral set. Copies use generic fonts. The two discs also sit at one height on many copies; the original steps them.
- Balance cock. The original is hand-engraved, so no two are identical. Copies are stamped or laser-etched and repeat one pattern.
- Chatons. Original screws are gold with a polished bevel. Copies use steel or gold plating.
- Power reserve hand. Many copies leave it fixed or tie it to the crown.
- Thickness. Copies add 1 mm to 2 mm. Measure with calipers, not with a photo.
- Dial print. Check the weight of the signature and the spacing of "Made in Germany".
- Movement. Look for the engraved balance cock and blued screws above the chatons.
Price bands
- $80 to $200: quartz or basic automatic, mineral glass, printed date discs
- $250 to $450: Asian automatic, sapphire front, thinner case
- $500 to $900: hand-wind clone, decorated bridges, sapphire on both sides
Prices move with batches. Ask the seller for a video with the seconds hand running and the caseback open.
Inspection checklist
- Measure case diameter and thickness with calipers.
- Time the beat rate on a timegrapher. A 21,600 vph reading matches the original spec. A 28,800 vph reading points to an automatic movement.
- Check the date flip at midnight, not at 11:40 p.m.
- Wind the power reserve and watch the indicator hand over 12 hours.
- Check the crown for wobble and thread engagement.
- Ask for a water resistance test. Most sellers will not provide one.
Limits
Replicas are not serviced by A. Lange & Söhne or its partners. Parts do not interchange with the original. Water resistance claims are not verified. In the United States, selling counterfeit goods is illegal, and customs can seize shipments. Resale value is close to zero.