The Canberra Grammar student started his own watch label, Millennial Watches, after not being able to find one that he wanted for himself.

"Having looked around on the market for about six months, I couldn't find anything that I really liked. I've always had a bit of a passion for business so I just decided I'd look into it," Tanton said.

Six months later, Tanton had come up with own design, using Microsoft Word no less: "I just used all the different shapes and put a design together."

From there, he did his research, approached manufacturers - finally deciding on one in Shenzen, China - then learnt to build a website, finalised his design and raised the funds.

As simple as it all sounds, it's been no easy feat for Tanton, who has also had rowing training at 5.45am and a casual job at Hotel Realm, which helped raise money for the venture alongside crowd funding.

"It has required a lot of commitment and same with school. Mum and Dad like to stress that my education's just as important. And I guess managing it all has been pretty tough," he said.

"But I planned my days. So I would look at emails before I went to rowing, and then I'd do it again just before I went to bed and during lunch time at school, so I'd make the most of that time when I was free at school."

His range has six unisex watches in black, silver and rose gold. They're made from a light alloy, are water-proof, high-grade leather, have batteries which last around three years, plus $3.50 from every watch sold goes to The Garvan Institute for Medical Research.

Having just finished year 11 and started summer holidays, Tanton will be kept busy. His first shipment of 300 watches arrived this week, which he will now package himself before shipping them out to his first customers.

As for the future? Tanton has his eye on property development, and if this project is anything to go by, he'll be one to watch.

The watches are available now at millennialwatches.com.au.