Average to Adventurer
Abhishek is an advanced manufacturing subject matter expert with degrees in mechanical engineering and applied physics from the University of Technology Sydney. He launched Nullarbor Watch in 2023 - a passion project to bring haute horology together with the Australian identity. He currently manages the business on a part time basis together with best mate and co-founder, Shrey Anand.
When he’s not championing local manufacturing or leading teams across APAC, Abhi is focused his local community. He has been an active volunteer for Canteen Australia, the NSW State Emergency Service, the Mental Fitness Collective as well as the Head and Neck Cancer Association. Abhi is focused on advocating for issues with deep social impact, something that’s evident through his voluntary engagements.
Extra-curriculars and day job aside, Abhi fancies himself as a weekend warrior capable of taking on any challenge. His marquee achievements include swimming the English Channel and running the Marathon Des Sables.
Millennial Beginnings
Abhi grew up in a young, burgeoning Western Sydney during the mid 90s and early 00s. The small suburb of Seven Hills had green spaces galore. Being outside was a fantastic way to avoid the constant calls for academic rigour from home.
Playing in the streets and parks quickly turned to representing school teams in soccer, cricket and athletics. Abhi’s dreams were big and the possibilities were endless. However like most teenagers the dream of becoming a sportsperson eventually faded and the focus shifted to further education. An obsession with cars and an aptitude in math made mechanical engineering the clear choice at university.
Nothing kicks you into gear like cancer.
The catalyst
At 22, three years into a five year program that now also included a physics degree, Abhi was diagnosed with tongue cancer. The year that followed was filled with countless hospital visits. A major surgery to remove a portion of the tongue. Then radiotherapy everyday for six weeks.
The toll of treatment meant that university lectures were swapped for Friends reruns. Being stuck at home meant the Friends reruns were quickly swapped for episodes of Man vs Wild, adventure YouTube rabbit holes and documentaries on mountains or grand voyages. Suddenly there was a sense of urgency to do more, to see more. To experience these places and achieve something of merit. Nothing kicks you into gear like cancer.
Almost a year on, a full recovery approached in 2017. Full-time study once again became front and centre. Adjusting back into routine wasn’t easy because of that nagging itch for more. Quitting university wasn’t an option, so nothing changed. When 2018 came around, it was time to get real. Continue going through the motions or try to do more? Abhi knew he had to at least try.
Living life with intention and purpose.
Making it happen
The decision was made. A quiet, personal promise - attempt the world’s toughest adventures and leverage them to give back to the community. The first focus would be organisations like Canteen Australia that guided Abhi through his cancer journey.
The adventures? Swimming the English Channel, running the Marathon des Sables and climbing Mount Everest. Completing any one of these adventures would be a monstrous effort for anyone. Let alone someone with no background in endurance sport.
After a year and a half of blood, sweat and tears, Abhi found himself on the rocky shores of Samphire Hoe getting ready to swim from England to France. Finally on his journey of adventure and contribution. Swimming the Channel opened the door for triathlons, ultra running and climbing mountains - but more importantly to living life with intention and purpose.
