A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Flyback (Counterfeit/Homage)
Chronograph with Big Date (Imitation) · Non-authentic A. Lange & Söhne (unauthorized manufacturer, likely based in China)
Period: Modern Luxury Aesthetic (Late 1990s - Early 2000s design cues)
Type
Chronograph with Big Date (Imitation)
Brand
Non-authentic A. Lange & Söhne (unauthorized manufacturer, likely based in China)
Movement
Likely an inexpensive Chinese automatic movement (e.g., Seagull TY28xx series) modified for a faux-chronograph or multi-function calendar display
Dimensions
Diameter: 41mm, Thickness: 14mm, Lug-to-Lug: 49mm, Lug Width: 20mm
Description
This timepiece is an imitation of the iconic A. Lange & Söhne Datograph. While it attempts to mimic the German Haute Horlogerie aesthetic with the signature 'Outsize Date' and asymmetrical sub-dials, the finishing, material quality, and typography fall significantly short of the genuine Glashütte standards.
Key Features
Oversized 'A. LANGE & SOHNE' branding; Big Date complication below 12; Flyback text on dial; silvered sub-dials positioned lower than the center line
Dial Description
Champagne/cream dial with printed Roman numerals at II, VI, and X; outsize date at 12; two silver sub-dials at 4 and 8 o'clock; tachymeter scale on the flange
Case Material
Base metal with gold-colored plating (showing wear on the lugs), polished finish
Crystal Type
Likely mineral glass or inexpensive acrylic; flat profile with a high-glare surface
Bezel Details
Fixed, polished thin bezel, integrated with the case body
Crown & Pushers
Fluted yellow gold-tone crown; two rectangular-style pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock; additional recessed pusher or corrector at 10 o'clock for the date
Bracelet or Strap
Brown embossed leather strap (alligator pattern) with matching brown stitching
Caseback Details
Likely a snap-on or screw-down exhibition back showing a low-grade decorated movement with a center rotor
Movement Type
Likely an inexpensive Chinese automatic movement (e.g., Seagull TY28xx series) modified for a faux-chronograph or multi-function calendar display
Water Resistance
Negligible / Not water-resistant; avoid splashes and humidity.
Origin & Provenance
China; this is not a product of the Glashütte-based manufacture
Age Estimate
Circa 2010-2022; consistent with mass-produced counterfeits found on the secondary market
Cultural Significance
Represents the high demand for A. Lange & Söhne designs in the replica market; the original Datograph changed the landscape of modern chronograph manufacturing.
Condition Notes
Fair. Gold plating is rubbing off on the lugs, exposing base metal. The dial printing is misaligned and lacks the crispness of a genuine luxury watch. Crown shows significant wear.
Value Estimate
$20 - $100 USD (nominal value as a novelty item; a genuine version would exceed $50,000 USD)
Care & Maintenance
Minimal value in professional servicing; avoid all water contact as seals are likely non-existent or poor; use a soft cloth for cleaning.
Similar Watches
Genuine A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Ref. 403.032 (Rose Gold); Patek Philippe 5170R; Vacheron Constantin Cornes de Vache
Interesting Facts
The genuine Datograph was released in 1999 and is considered by many collectors to be one of the greatest mechanical chronographs ever made, famous for its 'cityscape' movement view.