I started my traineeship at ERNST & FRIENDS GmbH on 01.07.2022. My name is Marvin Schröder and I am excited to give you an insight into my time as an apprentice at this diverse company. Switching to ERNST & FRIENDS was an important step for me and I would like to tell you about my experiences and the exciting areas of responsibility I have worked in so far.
ERNST & FRIENDS GmbH, located in Lanken near Hamburg, is a renowned wholesaler of hearing aid batteries and technology for watches and jewelry. The company is characterized by its wide range of products and its expertise in various technical areas. Apprentices at ERNST & FRIENDS have the privilege of working in an environment that places great value not only on high quality, but also on the further development of its employees.
My training began in the warehouse, where I developed a broad understanding of the products and their handling. This phase was essential to lay the foundation for my later work in sales. I spent most of my time in sales, as it was my main role. This is where I learned how important it is to understand customer requirements and offer suitable solutions. Direct contact with our customers by phone was a valuable experience that strengthened my communication skills.
Another important area was the handling of forwarding shipments for large orders. This gave me an insight into the logistics processes and the efficient coordination of deliveries. On the other Hand the accounting department allowed me to get to know the financial aspects of the company and understand the importance of accurate and careful accountancy.
In the marketing section, I was able to give free play to my creativity and work on various social media projects. Another particularly interesting aspect was further training in the use of engraving lasers, a technique that is particularly important in the jewelry sector. This training showed me how important technical know-how is in combination with creativity. Following this training, I was able to apply my knowledge directly in customer appointments.
The international nature of ERNST & FRIENDS also brought me into contact with the areas of import and export. Here I learned how complex international business relationships are established and maintained.
What I particularly appreciate about my traineeship at ERNST & FRIENDS is the high degree of personal responsibility that is given to the trainees. We are constantly encouraged to develop our own solutions and solve problems independently. This approach has not only helped me to acquire professional skills, but has also significantly promoted my personal development.
In conclusion, I can say that my time at ERNST & FRIENDS has been extremely educational and inspiring so far. I look forward to continuing to master new challenges and further develop my skills in this dynamic environment.
Welcome to ERNST & FRIENDS, your official EU hub for mechanical watch movements and quartz from the renowned MIYOTA (Citizen) – made in Japan. When it comes to first-class movements, look no further, because we offer you a first-class selection of products that stand for quality and precision.
As a European customer, you benefit from a wide range of advantages offered by ERNST & FRIENDS:
- Straightforward communication: Our team speaks several languages, including German, English, French and Spanish. No matter which language you feel most comfortable with, we are there for you and can answer your questions and concerns clearly and comprehensibly.
- Avoidance of currency risk: Thanks to our local presence in the EU, we can offer you settlement in euros, which minimizes the risk of currency fluctuations and offers you transparent pricing.
- Extensive stock: We keep a large selection of MIYOTA top sellers in stock to ensure that you can get the movements you need quickly and reliably. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and extensive stockholding is an important part of our commitment to excellent customer service.
- Individualization of movements: At ERNST & FRIENDS, we understand that every customer is unique and has individual requirements. That’s why we offer extensive movement customization options, including laser marking, CNC and hand engraving on plates, bridges, balance cocks and rotors, as well as thermal bluing of screws. These personalized details give your watches a unique touch and help to differentiate your brand and build long-term customer loyalty.
Our special service at ERNST & FRIENDS is the tailor-made individualization of movements, including engraving and printing of rotors. We understand that branding and customization are essential tools for customer loyalty. Our experienced team is on hand to ensure your requirements are met and you get the best possible solution for your needs.
Examples of surface finishing services include:
- Laser lettering: Precise and durable lettering that optimally represents your brand.
- CNC and hand engraving: The finest engravings on plates, bridges, balance cocks and rotors that add a touch of elegance and individuality to your watches.
- Thermal bluing of screws: A special treatment that gives your watches a unique color and highlights your craftsmanship.
If you are looking for the highest quality and a service that exceeds your expectations, then ERNST & FRIENDS is the right place for you. Discover the world of mechanical watch movements and quartz with us and be inspired by our passion for the art of watchmaking and precision.
From the IHK-MAGAZIN (February 2024): “The tailwind of the best in Germany”
Julia Jacqueline Ernst is training Marvin Schröder for
wholesale and foreign trade management.
Julia Jaqueline Ernst, Managing Director at ERNST & FRIENDS GMBH, and Torben Meyer, Co-Founder and Managing Director, see one reason for the good performance of their trainees in the support they give their trainees. “Offering support and coaching on the one hand and giving room for ideas and mistakes on the other is a special opportunity for every young person,” says Ernst. “We believe there is more to training than simply teaching the content according to the training plan. The personal development of the trainees is important to us. We try to take our time and look closely at where their strengths lie and where there are still certain weaknesses or uncertainties,” adds Meyer.
The internationally active trading company in the field of watch and jewelry technology and microbatteries in Elmenhorst in the district of Herzogtum Lauenburg wants to challenge and encourage its trainees. The prospective wholesale and foreign trade clerks are right in the middle of the action from day one – with the opportunity to make a direct contribution. “If an apprentice signals to us that he or she wants to take on more responsibility, we give them more challenging projects early on. That’s a special feature of our company: we quickly gain a lot of trust,” says Ernst. ERNST & FRIENDS has had positive experiences with this approach. “For example, we set up a new returns process,” continues Ernst. “We sat down with two trainees without any specifications and I was simply impressed by the great suggestions they came up with.”
Ernst and Meyer help cautious trainees who initially shy away from their own projects to find their personal strengths. “It’s completely normal to be nervous. It’s precisely at this point that it’s our job to help trainees leave their comfort zone,” says Ernst. For Meyer, being able to talk to each other rationally is part of this collaboration with his trainees. “We want to give them the confidence to address difficulties. We can’t find a solution if we don’t know the problem,” he says.
For Ernst and Meyer, support, freedom for their own ideas and trust are the right mix for a good apprenticeship. “The baggage we give our trainees is a great basis for the start of their career. They are well prepared,” says Meyer and Ernst adds: “That is always the aim when we train people. To gain committed people we can build on.”
To the article: How good training works – IHK Schleswig-Holstein
The Ernst & Friends team is convinced of this. As a long-standing partner of the watch industry, wholesalers and specialized service companies, the northern German company supplies watch and jewelry technology, watch movements, microbatteries and complete workshop equipment to over 80 countries worldwide.
Highlights of the product range are e.g. ergonomic workbenches made in Germany, high-performance polishing motors with powerful suction and dust collection rates of over 98%, high-quality lapping machines and other quality equipment from BERGEON, ELMA, WALDMANN, GREINER and SWISOTECH, among others.
In addition, Ernst & Friends is the official EU distributor of VARTA Micro Power, has the general agency in Germany with distribution rights in EU and EMEA for SEIZAIKEN watch batteries and is the official european HUB for MIYOTA watch movements. The company also markets SMARTPRO gemmological testing equipment exclusively in Europe and distributes its own registered brands SWISOTECH, PRAC-TEC and XX-Treme.
The ERNST & FRIENDS team presented its competencies, article diversity and service strength at the international trade fair for high precision, EPHJ, at the Geneva Palexpo site from June 6 to 9, 2023.
Matthias Noack, Division Manager Watch Technology at ERNST & FRIENDS:
What is currently in particular demand from specialist retailers with watch workshops?
When planning and setting up workshops, the topics of workplace safety and health management are playing an increasingly important role, in addition to the high quality of the tools. Watchmakers in particular are at risk of developing muscular neck/shoulder tension or back problems in the cervical spine. Our own work table line-up – made in Germany – under the brand SWISOTECH therefore offers innovative padded 3D adjustable arm rests in combination with an electrical stepless table height adjustment. Another example are our high-performance polishing motors with 3,000 rpm and an extremely powerful dust extraction and separation performance. These devices, which we carry under our own PRAC-TEC brand, are currently among our absolute top sellers. Likewise the innovative diamond testers from SMARTPRO, with which you can test whether the diamonds on dials, bezels & co. are natural or synthetic diamonds – including certificate issuance.
What current highlights or new products was E&F presenting at EPHJ?
At this year’s EPHJ we presented, among other things, our workbench range made in Germany with our new Laminar Flow Boxes. The combination of table and box offers a perfect workstation with integrated cleanroom features. A continuous air flow ensures that no dust or dirt can settle in the work area.
Another highlight is our new ergonomic Neon 2 chair, which not only adapts perfectly to the working environment, but also offers a particularly large number of adjustment options to provide optimum support for the watchmaker’s individual body. The easy-to-clean, washable seat cushions are another major benefit.
Dear business partners and friends
We heartily invite you to visit our booth at EPHJ Geneva – the famous international trade show of high precision from June 6th – 9th 2023.
On our booth no. R23 we will present you our best-selling products as well as innovative novelties developed for watch manufacturers, service centers and wholesalers. Some highlights will be:
- SWISOTECH Watchmaker Benches made in Germany with 3D armrests, air pressure and vacuum distribution, professional lighting
- PRAC-TEC high-performance Polishing Benches with ultra-durable design, stepless speed adjustment and health-friendly dust extraction.
- SMARTPRO Diamond Testing Tools, e.g. AURA and OPTIMUM – highly reliable and easy to use with touch-display and fully automatic test procedures.
- NEW: Laminar Flow Box – the combination of bench and box provides a perfect workstation with integrated cleanroom attachment. A continuous air flow ensures that no dust is deposited in the work area.
For further information pls. check our catalogues on our website or contact us: https://uhren-schmucktechnik.de/services/
Buying conditions and discounts as per well-known discount key.
Please contact us to arrange an appointment so we can schedule enough time for you.
Looking forward to welcoming you, we remain with best regards
Your ERNST & FRIENDS Team
Dear Business Partners and Friends,
it would be a pleasure for us to welcome you at the JCK Las Vegas Show from 2nd – 5th June at our partner booth with SMARTPRO no. 53092.
At the show we are going to present our full SMARTPRO range, such as:
- SMARTPRO OPTIMUM – the „3 in 1 innovation“, designed to identify natural diamond, CVD/HPHT and all types of Moissanite, various shapes
- SMARTPRO AURA – the first synthetic diamond scanner that can analyse automatically mounted jewelry and loose stones with various test results
- NEW: SMARTPRO AIR DO S/X – a compact pneumatic engraver with built-in 40 bar compressor, optionally incl. micromotor
Looking forward to receiving your suggestion for an appointment, we remain with best regards,
Your ERNST & FRIENDS Team
Better on the safe side with SMARTPRO diamond testers
Read the article from the latest edition of the magazine “Juwelier Business”!
Diamonds that are artificially produced in a laboratory are on the rise. The differences from a natural stone cannot be detected with the naked eye or even a magnifying glass. So anyone selling watches and jewelry with diamonds should be sure whether they are dealing with natural stones or synthetic diamonds such as CVDs/HPHTs.
With the high-tech devices from SMARTPRO, ERNST & FRIENDS exclusively offers gemological testing equipment to distinguish between natural and man-made diamonds.
The portable SMARTPRO OPTIMUM (2855), for example, distinguishes between natural and synthetic diamonds as well as synthetic moissanites between 0.015 to 10 ct. – colorless to faint yellow (D-M).
The SMARTPRO AURA (2856) can analyze entire batches. It scans loose and set stones, identifies diamonds, CVDs and HPHTs, cubic zirconia (CZ) and synthetic moissanite incl. Forever One Stones, all colorless to faint yellow (D-K).
TIP: For the most reliable results, ERNST & FRIENDS recommends the 2-phase testing procedure.
Step 1: The popular SMARTPRO Multi Reader (2850) is used to distinguish diamonds from moissanites, simulants and cubic zirconia. The result “diamond” can be a natural or synthetic stone.
Step 2: Therefore, the SMARTPRO Optimum (2855) is then used to analyze whether the tested stone is a natural or synthetic diamond.
Both devices can be controlled with the intelligent SMARTPRO App – including a practical certificate to hand out to the customer. The application is very intuitive and simple. The result is given in seconds.
Our absolute bargain price for the combination set of READER and OPTIMUM (Art.nr. 2855.c):
Just 1195.00 EUR!
Of course we won’t miss the opportunity to be present at this year’s INHORGENTA with an impressive booth and our competent sales team. Having already warmed up with our booth at the T-Gold in Vicenza, our team is now fired up to present you amazing product highlights from our TOP brands.
The great number of our trade show appearances each year shows: We keep our finger on the pulse of the industry and continue to value “face-to-face” communication. Of course we appreciate and use the opportunities of digitalization in our daily work to professionalize our processes. But that is precisely why the personal encounters with customers and partners during trade shows are a very special highlight in our calendar. Nothing creates more trust and shows more appreciation than a personal conversation, a friendly smile or a firm handshake. Visit us at booth A2.222 and convince yourself of our quality, competence and service!
At our booth, you will discover a multitude of brand-new innovations to marvel at, in addition to our well-known best-sellers. Special highlights at our booth will be the freshly released SMARTPRO AIR DO for pneumatic engraving and stone setting, our SWISOTECH height adjustable workbenches (fully equipped with air pressure and vacuum), professional WALDMANN workshop lighting, our MAGIC laser and CNC engraving machines, the extensive range of SMARTPRO diamond testing devices, the famous premium watch tools from BERGEON and many more.
We look forward to seeing you in Munich!
You want to engrave jewelry? You want to engrave products like knives, lighters, key chains, necklaces, etc. and individualize them for your customers? You want to engrave easily with your computer or laptop?
Our MAGIC CNC engraving machines are perfect for engraving a wide variety of items. The compact tabletop engravers are equipped with a powerful diamond, which allows single line engraving, double line engraving and even hatching. However, the winning argument for the MAGIC series is the simple and intuitive MagicArt engraving software. Because with it, anyone can easily design motifs and texts for engraving and transfer them onto the workpiece with a simple mouse click.
With our MAGIC CNC engraving machines, you can rely on proven brand products with a TOP price-performance ratio!
Feature Overview:
- Easy to use, surprisingly powerful
- For engraving, milling and cutting
- Multifunctional engraving machine for engraving rings, pendants, chains, bracelets, name tags, etc.
- Ideal for flat, slightly curved and even round objects made of various metals or plastic
- Integrated camera and laser pointer for easy workpiece positioning
- Max. engraving area 238 mm x 178 mm x 39 mm
- 110-240 Volt, 47 watts
- Device dimensions: 40,2 x 37,6 x 35,2 cm
- Simple but powerful operating software MAGICART7 included
- Lots of expansion possibilities and a large selection of original accessories available
Further types on request.
7.400,00 EUR
Contact
ERNST & FRIENDS GMBH
Kannengießerstraße 2
21493 Elmenhorst/ Lanken, Deutschland
Phone: +49 (0)4151 – 879 46 72
Fax: +49 (0)4151 – 879 46 92
E-Mail: info(at)ernst-friends.com