Don't be fooled by the headline, this student is actually one of China's most widely regarded watch experts. Logan Rao Kuan, a 20-year-old Chinese student currently studying in England, is an extremely knowledgeable collector of all things horological. He's also well known as a trusted contributor, reviewer, and moderator for the largest watch forum in China, and a person whose opinions are valued up there with some of the top in the industry.

Logan also has his own page on the social media platform WeChat, where he regularly posts reviews, commentary, high-quality images, and other original watch-related content. I'm fortunate to have met Logan last year, and have been following his content Wechat for some time. When I first laid eyes on this piece, I couldn't wait to hear more about it.

(pictures from original WeChat article, used with permission from Logan Kuan Rao)

The original case, hands, and dial are all sterling silver, while the customized movement parts are lead brass alloy. The movement itself is a hybrid of several existing movements. Logan told me he's been dabbling in designing and making watches by hand for some time, but this prototype is the first piece he wanted to go public with. He already has plans for the next version, which will include a free-sprung balance wheel, rhodium-plated movement, and a solid gold ORCA bridge.

Inspired by the greats like George Daniels, and with both parents being successful architects, good taste and design are obviously in Logan's DNA. I'm a huge fan of everything about this watch. From the subtle but finely-finished two-hand dial to the curves and smooth angles of the case, and of course the very special orca-themed bridge—this watch quietly screams originality and class.

Logan did make it clear that he's holding on to this one-off piece, but fortunately for a few lucky people, he will be selling his limited future editions to cover the cost of machinery and tools he purchased to make this dream come out of the sea onto dry wrist. No word on prices or availability, but when we know, you'll know.

Brush up on your Chinese, download WeChat on your mobile phone, and scan this QR code to follow more from Logan Kuan Rao. It's safe to say that his is a name we’ll want to become familiar with. Follow him on Instagram here.