The corporate gift industry is projected to reach $312 billion by 2025, according to Coresight Research. Gifting is commonplace among many B2B companies and is used to stay top of mind and show goodwill. According to a LinkedIn survey, corporate gifts can also increase client retention by 5% and improve business profits by 25–95%. Foreshadowing this expanding market and its potential business case, Istvan Mezei founded Evolvens in 2016, focusing on creating customised watches primarily for the B2B market.
Customised Creativity
Recognising the value of personalisation in corporate gifts, Istvan integrated an online configurator into his watchmaking operations, offering over 74 million customisation options for watch designs. This flexibility allows Evolvens to produce bespoke watches tailored to client specifications, from logos to colours, ensuring each piece is unique.
Powering this design flexibility, is the Roland DG VersaSTUDIO BD-8 Desktop UV printer. Its advanced UV printing technology combines various techniques like laser engravings, and paintings, supporting Evolvens’ creative process and allowing for intricate designs without needing to switch technologies.
Production efficiency is another critical benefit, as the BD-8 printer streamlines production by enabling consistent processes and reducing the need for multiple dial types. This operational efficiency is crucial for producing custom watches at scale and for corporate clients in particular.
Additionally, the BD-8 printer offers several specific benefits that are integral to Evolvens’ success. It prints vibrant, detailed graphics and text directly on a vast array of 3D objects up to 102 mm thick, which is perfect for creating intricate watch designs. Its ability to print on a wide variety of materials, including plastics, leather, wood, glass, and metal with onboard primer ink, allows Evolvens to explore diverse design possibilities. The simple operation and included output and design software make product customisation easy, even for those with no prior print experience, which enhances workflow efficiency.
Revolutionising Watch Design
The BD-8’s ability to create changeable back plates for displays and other creative applications extends beyond watch dials, showcasing its versatility in design and production.
Istvan is particularly excited about the new design possibilities unlocked by the BD-8, including creating embossed surfaces and experimenting with ink transparency to achieve unique visual effects. The BD-8’s improved resolution allows for finer details and thinner lines, essential for the intricate designs of watch dials, elevating the overall aesthetic of Evolvens’ products.
Speaking on the printer’s capabilities Istvan said: “The Roland DG VersaSTUDIO BD-8 printer has truly transformed our approach to watch customisation. Its advanced UV printing technology and versatility allow us to create intricate, high-quality designs that were previously unattainable. This has not only enhanced our product quality but also significantly streamlined our production process, enabling us to meet the growing demand in the B2B market with efficiency and precision.”
ECO-UV 5 inks produce vibrant graphics and unique effects while also being GREENGUARD Gold certified, emphasising both quality and environmental responsibility. The printer’s compact design fits easily on desktops, making it ideal for Evolvens’ production spaces as a small business.
Streamlining Workflow
The Roland DG BD-8 printer has significantly simplified Evolvens’ logistics and manufacturing processes. The BD-8 printer reduces the need for multiple dial types and repositioning efforts, streamlining the entire manufacturing process and improving efficiency. By enabling the production of watch dials in one step, the BD-8 saves time and resources, allowing Evolvens to meet high demand without compromising quality.
Istvan adds: “The BD-8 printer has been a game-changer for us. Its ability to handle the entire dial production process in one step has drastically reduced our logistical complexities and increased our production efficiency. The integration of VersaWorks 6 and FlexiDesigner software has made our workflow smoother and more intuitive, allowing us to focus on creativity and quality rather than operational hurdles”. He continues, “this technology enables us to keep up with the high demand while maintaining the exceptional quality that our clients expect.”
Looking Ahead
Following success in Hungary, Evolvens is looking to expand into the US market, focusing on the B2B sector and leveraging the company’s ability to produce custom watches with minimal risk for clients. Expanding into the US market is a strategic move for Evolvens, targeting the largest B2B sector in the world with custom watches, whilst moving forward with Roland DG technology.
