Moreno Watch Studio

This is a bit of a late post. But I’m glad to share the new home for Moreno Watch Studio.

I’ve put together this small and dedicated space for my journey. There is my bench for working on watches, a quiet corner for my self-study and practice of urushi, and an area where I can focus on design tasks and activities for both my independent work and Ibarra. There’s even a nice spot in the room for quiet reflection.

Grateful for the stillness, silence, and the spaces in between that the new studio breathes.

I’ll be joining two fellow artists this November for a small and quiet exhibition in Tokyo.

If you’ll be in the city from November 10 to 16, I’d love to invite you to visit Gallery Kujaku in Kyobashi. It’s a calm and intimate space, and we hope it offers a gentle moment of reflection through our works and shared stories.

Kami to Kami: Listening to Nature Through Our Hands

Featuring Manelle Asis-Huang (Sculptor), Francisco Moreno (Watchmaker), and Thomas Joseph Huang (Painter)

📍 Gallery Kujaku, Kyobashi, Tokyo
📅 November 10–16, 2025
🕐 13:00–19:00

Making every detail personal.

Since moving to Japan, I have also been learning urushi—Japanese lacquer—drawn to its quiet depth and the patience it demands.

Urushi is alive—it responds to its environment, demanding patience and understanding. It embodies shizen to no chōwa—harmony with nature—where the craftsman and material work together, not against each other.

I am bringing this spirit into my new timepiece, one layer at a time.

すべてのディテールに、個人的な思いを込めて。

日本に来てから、私は漆という日本の伝統工芸も学んでいます。その静かな深みと、忍耐を必要とする過程に強く惹かれました。

漆は生きていて、環境に応じて反応し、理解と根気を求めてきます。それは“自然との調和”を体現しており、職人と素材が対立することなく、ともに形をつくっていくものです。

この精神を、新しい時計に一層ずつ込めています。


#ハンドメイド #時計製造 #アーティザナルウォッチ #独立時計師

⏳ Narratives of Time: フィリピン時計職人によるトーク＆エキシビション ⌚✨

フィリピン出身の時計職人 フランシスコ・モレノ による特別なトーク＆エキシビションを開催！フィリピンから日本へと続く彼の旅路、そして時計製作の進化について語ります。

📅 2025年3月15日（土）| 18:30 – 20:30
📍 Kisui JP, YYビル（2F）, 東京（代々木上原駅徒歩1分）
🎟 入場無料 | トークは英語で実施 | 軽食付き
⚠️ 定員あり！参加には申し込みが必要です。
🔗 [申込フォーム] https://forms.gle/SvC8kq1mujvPq7Ju7

🕰 展示予定の作品: Kaminari | Ibarra Sucesos | Ibarra Gran Luz

🎥 イベントの予告編: https://youtu.be/jtmZIjgDS9Q?si=YHL799wspxm2tNCI

📸 イベント中に撮影が行われ、ドキュメントやSNS投稿に使用される可能性があります。
✅ 参加が確定した方でキャンセルされる場合は、48時間前までにご連絡ください。無断キャンセルは今後のイベント参加に影響する可能性があります。

📩 お問い合わせ: [email protected]

⏳ Narratives of Time: A Talk & Exhibition on Filipino Watchmaking ⌚✨

Join us for an exclusive talk & exhibition with Filipino watchmaker Francisco Moreno, as he shares his journey from the Philippines to Japan and the evolution of his craft.

📅 March 15, 2025 | 18:30 – 20:30
📍 Kisui JP, YY Building (2F), Tokyo (1 min from Yoyogi-Uehara Station)
🎟 FREE Admission | Talk in English | Light snacks provided
⚠️ Limited slots! Sign-up required.
🔗 https://forms.gle/SvC8kq1mujvPq7Ju7

🕰 Featured Works: Kaminari | Ibarra Sucesos | Ibarra Gran Luz

A Sneak Peek: https://youtu.be/jtmZIjgDS9Q?si=YHL799wspxm2tNCI

📸 Attendees may be photographed/filmed for documentation and social media posting. If selected, please cancel 48 hrs in advance to stay eligible for future events.

📩 Questions? Email [email protected]

The Kaminari is a tribute to my deep passion for pocket watches. ⚡️

I chose a large pocket watch movement to showcase the intricate beauty of its mechanics, easily admired through the case back. The gold-plated, frosted movement exudes the charm of vintage and antique pocket watches, while the modified bridges invite you to marvel at the mechanical fundamentals of timekeeping. With its low-beat, the balance wheel moves with a graceful rhythm that captures the essence of classical horology. The dial design blends the traditional beauty of enamel with the timeless appeal of a frosted gold-plated base.

What makes this second Kaminari even more special is that I completed it in my home country, the Philippines. ⚙️🇵🇭

カミナリは、懐中時計への深い情熱を表した作品です。⚡️

大きな懐中時計のムーブメントを選んだのは、その複雑で美しいメカニズムをケースバック越しに鑑賞できるようにするためです。金メッキされたフロスト仕上げのムーブメントは、ヴィンテージやアンティークの懐中時計の魅力を引き出し、改良されたブリッジは時間計測の機械的な基本構造を堪能させてくれます。低振動のムーブメントにより、バランスホイールは優雅なリズムで動き、クラシックな時計製造の本質を捉えています。文字盤のデザインは、伝統的なエナメルの美しさと、フロスト加工された金メッキのベースの時代を超えた魅力を融合させています。

この2作目のカミナリがさらに特別なのは、私の母国フィリピンで完成させたことです。⚙️🇵🇭


#ハンドメイド #時計製造 #アーティザナルウォッチ #独立時計師

Meet Nico Moreno, the founder of Ibarra Watches and the visionary behind Moreno Watch Studio. From earning his Physics degree in Manila to crafting timepieces for world leaders, Nico’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. ✨

After founding Ibarra in 2014 and collaborating with renowned brands and organizations, he moved to Tokyo to deepen his expertise in watchmaking. In 2024, Nico's personal evolution has led him to the finishing his first personal project, the 'Kaminari'—a timepiece that blends his passion for vintage watch design aesthetics and handmade horological techniques. Stay tuned to follow his work and to see future timeless creations. ⌚

Visit https://morenowatchstudio.com for more. ✨

Last August 28th, Pathways to Success on the Bilyonaryo News Channel featured Nico Moreno, a budding Filipino independent watchmaker and founder of Ibarra Watches, which is celebrating its 10th year in the industry.

In this episode, Nico shares his journey from building Ibarra Watches to pursuing his passion for independent watchmaking, which began in Tokyo, Japan. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to craftsmanship.

If you missed the feature, be sure to watch and learn what’s next for Nico as he continues to carve his path in the world of independent watchmaking.

Pathways To Success: Ibarra – A Must-Watch In 2014, a proud Filipino watch brand dedicated to reviving local watchmaking was founded.Drawing inspiration from historical designs, the brand combines vin...