Collectors Gene Radio: Episode Featuring Tom Exton (TGE) – Entrepreneur & Influencer

Release Date: February 19, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Collectors Gene Radio, host Cameron Ross Steiner delves deep into the world of collecting with special guest Tom Exton, widely known online as TGE. Tom, an entrepreneur and influencer, shares his journey from co-founding a digital fitness company with his twin brother to becoming a prominent figure in the watch and car collecting communities. With a loyal following of hundreds of thousands, Tom’s passion for independent watchmakers and vintage cars has not only shaped his personal collection but also spawned successful business ventures.

Tom’s Collections: Watches and Cars

Watches

Tom began his collecting journey with watches, initially gravitating towards well-known brands such as Panerai, Breitling, and Bell & Ross. He reminisces, “I was big into Panerai back in the day, in the Paneristi days...” (04:56). Over time, his interest shifted towards independent watchmakers who push the boundaries of design and craftsmanship. A standout moment in his collection story is the acquisition of an FP Journe Elegant from a petrol station—Beckensfield Services—which Tom humorously recounts: “It was just a fuel station with a few like a McDonald's and whatever in it...” (06:16).

Cars

Transitioning from watches, Tom’s passion for cars led him to collect an impressive array of vehicles, including Porsches, Ferraris, and the coveted Ferrari 250 Pininfarina. He describes the thrill of owning and driving these iconic machines, emphasizing the artistry and legacy behind each model. When discussing his latest acquisition, Tom exclaims, “a jaw-dropping Ferrari 250 Pininfarina, a grail for vintage car enthusiasts everywhere” (02:19).

From Hobby to Career: Tom’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Tom’s transition from a hobbyist to a full-fledged entrepreneur in the collecting space was serendipitous. Initially focused on fitness, he discovered his true passion lay in documenting his watch and car purchases online. As he shares, “I started doing more and more of that online because I realized that actually these guys loved it” (03:20). This realization led to lucrative opportunities, such as partnering with a car brand to attend events like St. Moritz. Tom reflects on the ecosystem he built: “The more money I spend on things that I love, the more kind of engagement online and the bigger my audience grows...” (03:20).

Spotlight on Independent Watchmaking

Tom is a fervent supporter of independent watchmakers, particularly Ludovic Balois. He praises Balois for his unique complications and authentic craftsmanship, stating, “his complications are truly unique” (09:16). Tom highlights Ludovic’s ethos of maintaining a balanced life and resisting the pressure to scale aggressively, which he finds admirable. He expresses enthusiasm for Ludovic’s upcoming chronographs, anticipating they will propel the brand into the mainstream: “he spent so many years on it, he's not going to release something that's rubbish” (11:56).

Future of Independent Watchmaking

Discussing the future of independent watchmaking, Tom is optimistic about its growth despite market saturation. He believes collectors are moving away from traditional brands like Rolex, craving more authentic and transparent relationships with creators. Tom observes, “you can meet your creative vision behind the brand... that's true luxury really” (12:46). He also anticipates the rise of challenger brands from the Far East, mentioning names like Behrends and Fam Al Hut, which he sees as innovative competitors to Swiss brands.

Entrepreneurial Ventures: Watch Giveaway Platform and Protective Stickers

Grail Watch Club

Tom co-founded GrailWatchClub.com, a watch giveaway platform operating as a raffle system. Participants purchase tickets for a chance to win high-end watches, such as a Rolex Root Beer. He explains the simple mechanics: “buy a ticket for 10, 20 quid... we give it to someone we just pick a number via a random number generator” (16:34). Beyond building a profitable business, Grail Watch Club donates a percentage of profits to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Charity.

Watch Protect Company

Another venture, Watch Protect Company, offers protective solutions for luxury watches, akin to PPF (Paint Protection Film) for cars. Tom details the technical process involved in creating precise protective stickers: “we have to get the watch for a day or two and then there's a very expensive scanning machine” (19:48). The company provides customized kits that protect various parts of the watch, ensuring minimal visual impact while safeguarding against scratches and damage.

Vintage Car Insights: Ferrari 250 Pininfarina and More

Tom shares his experiences with vintage cars, including the challenges and joys of owning classics. His Ferrari 250 Pininfarina is a centerpiece of his collection, symbolizing his deep appreciation for automotive history: “Everyone can appreciate that. So they're totally different vibe” (26:02). He also discusses other models like the Porsche 912, Testarossa Mono, and the Carrera GT, reflecting on their unique characteristics and the nostalgia they evoke.

Tom candidly addresses the practical difficulties of maintaining multiple vintage cars, particularly regarding storage and protection from elements. Despite the allure, he notes the financial constraints and logistical hassles: “I have to redo my garage because apparently it's too damp in there to store a 50s Ferrari” (24:06).

Collectors Gene Rundown: Tom Exton’s Personal Insights

In the concluding segment, Tom participates in the Collector's Gene Rundown, answering a series of questions that reveal his personal collecting philosophy.

• The One That Got Away: Tom expresses regret over missing out on an F40, citing financial constraints as the primary reason: “a 300 SL gullwing or an F50, a black F50... it's kind of a bucket list car” (33:45).

• On-Deck Circle: Looking ahead, Tom aims to acquire a rare Jag XJ220, demonstrating his continuous pursuit of iconic models: “I think they're very, very undervalued. It's a very rare car” (34:12).

• The Unobtainable: Dreaming big, Tom mentions aspirations to own legendary cars like the 300 SL Gullwing or the Ferrari F50, which currently reside in museums or private collections.

• Page One Rewrite: Given unlimited resources, Tom would expand his collection beyond cars and watches to include sneakers. He humorously notes, “I probably should have stuck to that because I guess it's a slightly cheaper hobby” (35:14).

• The GOAT (Greatest of All Time): Tom admires fellow collectors like Brian and Justin Haast for their unique approaches and genuine passion: “Justin Haast... knows why he's buying stuff that not necessarily anyone else would understand until he vocalizes it” (36:32).

• The Hunt vs. Ownership: Preferring ownership over the hunt, Tom revels in maintaining and cherishing his collections rather than constantly seeking new additions: “I like just having not worn a watch for maybe a year, being like, oh, my God, I still have this” (37:57).

• The Collector’s Gene: Concluding the rundown, Tom affirms that he believes he was born with the Collector’s Gene: “Yes, unfortunately” (38:50).

Closing Remarks

Cameron wraps up the episode by expressing excitement about future collaborations and adventures with Tom, highlighting the genuine camaraderie between the host and guest. Tom responds with humor, underscoring their shared passion for cars and watches.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Exton at [03:20]: “The more money I spend on things that I love, the more kind of engagement online and the bigger my audience grows...”

• Tom Exton at [09:16]: “His complications are truly unique.”

• Tom Exton at [12:46]: “You can meet your creative vision behind the brand... that's true luxury really.”

• Tom Exton at [19:48]: “We have to get the watch for a day or two and then there's a very expensive scanning machine.”

• Tom Exton at [26:02]: “The Ferrari 250 is everyone can appreciate that. So they're totally different vibe.”

• Tom Exton at [37:57]: “I like just having not worn a watch for maybe a year, being like, oh, my God, I still have this.”

Conclusion

This episode of Collectors Gene Radio offers an insightful exploration into Tom Exton's dual passions for watches and cars, illustrating how his collections have evolved into thriving business ventures. Tom’s candid anecdotes, coupled with his strategic insights into the independent watchmaking and vintage car markets, provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of what it truly means to possess the Collector’s Gene. Whether you’re an aspiring collector or simply fascinated by the intricacies of collecting, Tom Exton's experiences serve as both inspiration and a testament to the enduring allure of true passion.

Timestamp References:

• The timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript segments for easy navigation and reference to specific discussions and quotes.