The Genesis: Defining the Independent Path

Last August 28th marked a pivotal moment in my career, not just as a business owner, but as an artisan. During my guest appearance on the Bilyonaryo News Channel’s (BNC) program, Pathways to Success, I had the privilege of formally introducing the world to my personal atelier: Moreno Watch Studio.

For years, I have been known as the founder of Ibarra Watches. Ibarra is a source of immense pride—a brand that successfully brought Filipino timekeeping to a wider audience. But as my journey took me to Japan, my relationship with horology evolved. I found myself seeking something quieter, challenging, and deeply personal.

The Distinction: Brand vs. Atelier

On the show, I spoke about the necessity of this new direction. Moreno Watch Studio (MWS) is not an expansion of Ibarra; it is a distillation of my own artistic voice.

Based in Tokyo, MWS operates under a completely different philosophy. While Ibarra focuses on production and accessibility, my Tokyo studio is an independent atelier. Here, I am able to continue my work in Japan as an artist, dedicating myself to the solitary, time-consuming disciplines of watchmaking.

Think of MWS as a concept laboratory. It is where I explore the capabilities and limits of my own hands—producing only a handful of pieces a year. It is a venture that does not bow to market trends or mass-production schedules. It exists purely for the sake of the craft.

The Debut of "Kaminari"

To illustrate this new chapter, I debuted my first project—the Kaminari (Thunder)—on the program.

The Kaminari is the physical manifestation of my life in Tokyo. It is passionate, raw, and carries the energy of a sudden strike. It was designed and mostly finished here in my studio, while final touches were done in Manila a month before my appearance on the program.

Creating the Kaminari was not a business decision; it was a creative necessity. It proved that a Filipino watchmaker could establish a footprint in Japan, one of the most demanding horological markets in the world, and create something that stands on its own merit.

A Symbiotic Future

During the interview, I alluded to how this independence serves the bigger picture. By sharpening my skills as a watchmaker at MWS, I cultivate a "design eye" that sees finer details.

While MWS remains my personal sanctuary for craft, the design principles I refine here will eventually influence the elevated lines of Ibarra, such as the Deco Ibarra collection. My studio in Tokyo acts as a creative soul; Ibarra acts as a vessel to bring that soul to the Philippines and the world. 

Pathways to Success was the perfect venue to declare this distinction. It was the moment I stopped being just a founder, and publicly committed to the path of a Filipino watchmaker in Tokyo.

See below to watch the full interview: