Erken Watches. 

These low-end watches are sold on eBay as high-end watches.  If you notice, the seller lists his watches under names such as IWC, Patek, or any other true high-end watch.

After reading the sellers Me Page, and giving the seller, or supposed "Master Watch Maker" the benefit of the doubt, I actually purchased one of his watches.

The watch was listed as having a custom movement, in my case a Swiss movement.  In reality, it was nothing more than a Myota (Citizen) 21 Jewel Movement.  Now do not get me wrong, the Myota movement is a great movement, and is on par with many of its 21 Jewel Swiss Counterparts.  However, it was not what it was stated to be in the auction...21 Jewel High-End Movement...when one hears these words, they automatically think Swiss, not Japanese.

I put the watch in my watch winder, and forgot about it, until one day I noticed it was no longer moving.  The winder was moving, but the watch has stopped all together.  I sent an email to the seller, Mr. Lamberti, owner of the Lamberti Orologiai, explained the situation to him, and asked for a return and an even exchange.  He immediately responded with a yes.

Hence, the problems, after his agreement to exchange the watch, bear in mind it has a two-year International Warranty, I did not hear anything else from Mr. Lamberti.  I sent dozens of emails, and made several phone calls to Italy to discuss the problem.  Every time I called, I received nothing but excuses.  Such as it is a holiday, we are not working today, or Mr. Lamberti is on business.

This prompted me to do an online search.  I found a retail outlet, and called.  Turns out the retail section of Lamberti Orologiai, is located in Spain.  This is the only good part of the operation.  The Spanish operation is run by a gentleman named Juan…Juan, is an honorable man, and has great interpersonal skills, and his customer service skills are phenomenal.  He informed me that since, I purchased the watch directly from Mr. Lamberti that I had to contact him.  He did give me his number where I could reach him.  Unfortunately, it was the same old song and dance.

Finally, I was able to get in contact, months later I might add, with Mr. Lamberti.  He was no longer in agreement with the trade we had agreed upon, and now wanted me to send the watch back.  He requested, that I send the watch back to him and I quote...Please in the customs declaration ( Watch Gift, value USD.20,00) NO RISEND THE INVOICE…yes, you are correct he wanted me to falsify the customs statement in order to avoid duties.  I knew immediately that there was going to be a problem.  If you would like to see our correspondence please feel free to email me.

Long story short Mr. Lamberti's guarantees, promises, and warranties hold as much value as the paper they are written.

If you think you are going to buy a high-end special watch from Erken or its trade name of Lamberti Orologiai, you are not.  You are going to end up with a low-grade watch that even Timex outperforms, in workmanship, warrantee, and customer service.  What is truly sad is that when you buy one of his watches, you actually have to purchase the box seperately!  This is the actual quote from his auctions...The watch box is not inclusive in this Item , If you want the box it is on sale in our eBayStores...

My advice is to save your money.  There are many Swiss and Japanese Watch Companies that not only compete in his price range, but are higher in quality, service and satifaction. 

In the end, the old adage, that you get what you pay for, rings true with Erken Watches.

John Vargas