Francisco “Nico” Moreno was born in 1990 in Manila, Philippines. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physics, specializing in Materials Science, from De La Salle University – Manila in 2013.

Driven by a deep fascination with vintage timepieces and mechanical craftsmanship, he founded Ibarra Watches in 2014 — the first Filipino watch brand to assemble its timepieces locally.
Under his direction, Ibarra gained national recognition when it was endorsed by the 16th President of the Philippines and commissioned to create commemorative timepieces for world leaders during the ASEAN50 Special Celebration in 2017. In 2019, Ibarra was named the Official Commemorative Timepiece of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Seeking to nurture his perspective and broaden his understanding of the watch industry from the Japanese viewpoint, Nico moved to Tokyo, Japan in 2022 to complete his graduate studies in business at Hitotsubashi University. Immersed in Japan’s watchmaking and artisanal ecosystem, he trained through self-study and direct interactions with independent watchmakers and craftsmen — learning from their craft and deep philosophies.

In the same year, he established his personal workshop in central Tokyo, where he began developing his first handmade timepiece, the Kaminari, completed in 2024. The piece reflected his raw skillset, dedication to handcraft, and commitment to continuous learning.

In 2025, he relocated to a quieter space in western Tokyo to focus more deeply on his artistic work and independent creations, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Moreno Watch Studio.

Today, Nico continues to develop his own handmade timepieces while also designing limited-edition pieces for Deco Ibarra — a line that bridges his beginnings in Manila with his ongoing journey in Tokyo.