WHO ARE THE 9?
NATHAN
With a technical mind, a passion for design, and a keen interest for watches, Nathan chose to study Horology at Birmingham City University, now in his third year, currently undertaking the designing and making of a horological timepiece, alongside completing a selection of complex services to aid his portfolio. This allows him to have an understanding for the inner workings of watches, of which he is eager to share and raise awareness.
With a longstanding intrigue of photography, Nathan looks to further his appreciation of capturing watches and the mechanical side that makes them tick, in a manner that is accessible for all, of which he does so on his Instagram channel @nathanhardyhorology
OWEN
Owen is currently studying Materials Science at St Catherine’s College, Oxford. He runs the page on Instagram @_oxwatch and enjoys considering and sharing thoughts on the social meaning of materials, particularly how materials can change the emotional connection we can have with an object. He is passionate about developing his watch photography and is an aspiring patent attorney.
Away from watches and his studies, Owen swims competitively for Oxford under the Blues Performance Scheme, competing annually in the Varsity Swimming Match against Cambridge. This event is the oldest swimming match in the world and predates the modern Olympics.
FRANCIS
Francis is a final year Economics student at the London School of Economics and Political Science. With a broad interest in watches from corporate business affairs to niche vintage dress pieces, he actively follows the latest industry updates.
He was twice elected president of the LSESU Watch Society during his time at the university. As a member of committee, managing and building relationships with brands, retailers and external collector’s groups. He also oversees internal communications and exclusive event logistics.
Aside from watches, he has experiences in finance and charity fundraising.
PERTH
Perth is a final year student at the University of Edinburgh. He brings to the team an in-depth and constantly growing understanding of watches and the horological industry. While he places a particular focus on independent watchmaking, his expertise also extends to vintage and contemporary watches.
His experience includes an internship in the Watches Department of Bonhams auction house, as well as from being a regular contributor towards online watch publications. As an active member of the collectors community, he has taken on roles in the RedBar Organisation, the world’s largest collectors group, including the position of events organiser and co-head of the Edinburgh Chapter.
Outside of the industry, Perth has extensive experience in events organisation, having led a team of students to organise a 400-person conference. He is also an aspiring solicitor, having experience interning at an international law firm.
BERNARDO
Bernardo is a final year Management and Finance student at the University of Warwick. He is a self-taught fashion and luxury enthusiast, greatly admiring not only, the exclusivity and detail that goes along this line of work but also, the work ethic displayed by the most successful maisons. He finds particularly compelling the intricacy and complexity of watch designing but also, the emotional connection that comes with owning one of these pieces.
Aside from watches and his studies, Bernardo is a business-driven individual, having acquired different experiences in managing and designing, bringing something new and exciting to this project. He vows for a more inclusive industry, bringing the community closer together, making it more easily approachable.
TIM
Tim is a penultimate year BSc Management student at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Watches have been a matter of his interest for many years, which now he has the opportunity to develop by being an active member of the LSE Watch Society. During the past few years, he has not only discovered his passion for the fine craftsmanship and lasting tradition of watchmaking but also got an insight into the business and industrial aspects of horology.
CARLO
Carlo is a second year Management and Finance student at the University of Warwick. Born and raised in Belluno, a small town in Northern Italy, he moved to the UK at the age of 15 to go boarding school. His passion for watches starts at a young age and has progressed during the past decade. A great fan of modern chronographs and vintage diver’s, he is fascinated by all aspects of the watch industry. He is also obsessed with vintage cars, a decent tennis player and a self-proclaimed masterchef.
JONATHAN
Jonathan is a final year Management undergraduate student at the University of Warwick. Of dual nationality and having lived in several European countries, his international background and upbringing have undoubtedly broadened his cultural horizon and overall creativity. His passion for watches finds its roots in his appreciation of fine craftsmanship, their overwhelming mechanical complexity and the strong emotional attachment that is derived. As a self-taught watch enthusiast, his journey has motivated him to perpetuate this passion.
His business-like mindset and his more recently acquired rich and diverse experiences in marketing and design brings to the team a new and fresh perspective on the watch industry. He advocates for a more inclusive and approachable watch industry – one that conveys horological value that can resonate with every curious soul.
KACPER
Shh! Kacper is keeping his bio a secret for a while.
GRANT
Grant is an ‘IWC Schaffhausen (IWC) Co-Founder’ of 9byIWC in conjunction with Adam Woodall and holds the role of Brand Director for IWC in the UK. After finalising his studies at Bournemouth University, Grant entered the automotive business working for BMW Group at their UK HQ. In 2004 he moved to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars HQ in Goodwood and held various roles, notably General Manager Sales and Marketing for Western Europe and Head of Retail Experience as part of the Groups Future Retail strategy.
In October 2019 Grant pivoted from the luxury automotive industry to pursue his passion for Horology by joining the IWC family. Grant’s fascination for mechanical watches accelerated in 2008 following the exposure he had to this World during the multiple trips he took to Zurich, Geneva and Monaco in his role within the automotive business. Provenance, craftsmanship and mechanical innovation are the facets of the watch industry that excite Grant the most.
Within Grant’s role as an ‘IWC Schaffhausen Co-Founder of 9byIWC’, he will be offering support and mentorship to the Founding Member Students, and new members alike, to develop the reach of 9byIWC and ensure that the student members are able to realise their passion for watches and beyond through the 9byIWC project.
ADAM
Adam is the Club Secretary of 9byIWC and the ‘IWC Schaffhausen (IWC) Co-Founder’ in conjunction with Grant Wilson. As Club Secretary, Adam is responsible for operationalising the inception of 9byIWC, providing strategic direction to the current Founding Members Students through regular club committee meetings and ad-hoc advice, and is the point of contact for additional students wishing to join 9byIWC as a new member.
Adam’s passion for mechanical watches is linked to his interests in design and collectable objects, and for products which provide respite in an increasingly digital World. Within the IWC line-up, the Portugieser represents Adam’s favourite product family. In his role as Club Secretary, Adam will also be helping both current and new members produce passion-driven content, through access to resources at IWC and beyond.
Outside of the watch industry, Adam’s interests lie in art, wine, fashion and tennis. Prior to joining IWC, Adam’s background is in Corporate Development and Mergers & Acquisitions. He studied at the University of Bath (UK), Queen’s University (Canada) and Lund University (Sweden).