About Watson’s Hat Shop – Arizona Hatters
Meet the Hatters – An Arizona Artisan team
Watson’s Hat Shop in Cave Creek, AZ is a family-owned business that specializes in handcrafted custom hats. With over 100 years of experience, they have mastered the art of hat-making and offer a wide range of styles for both men and women. Each hat is made with high-quality materials and attention to detail, ensuring a hat that is both stylish and durable.
Handmade with premium materials
Our hats are made with high quality materials and care, ensuring that you get the best product possible.
Highest quality craftsmanship guaranteed
At Watson Hat Shop, we take pride in what we do and it shows in our exquisite craftsmanship.
100% USA made raw materials
Made to last a lifetime
Each Watson’s handmade hat is made to last a lifetime
“My hats are made with pride and will last a lifetime when worn properly. At Watson’s Hat Shop you will enjoy the natural luster and signature finishes that make our hats functional works of art.” – Eric Watson
Meet the Hatter Team
Eric Watson
Owner - Master Hatter
Eric Watson is a master hatter at the esteemed Watson’s Hat Shop in Cave Creek, AZ, who has been honing his craft since the tender age of 12. His passion for hat-making was sparked by the iconic fedora worn by Indiana Jones, which inspired him to restore fine vintage hats and embark on a quest to learn the art of hat-making. After obtaining a degree in Aviation Technology and International Studies, Eric completed his commercial pilot training. However, he was compelled to follow his heart and start his own business, which led to the birth of Watson’s Hat Shop. Eric’s dedication to his craft and unwavering pursuit of excellence have earned him a well-deserved reputation as a master hatter.
Emily Watson
Business Manager/Hat Maker
Emily’s unwavering support has been vital in the inception and growth of Watson’s Hat Shop. Having met Eric during pilot training, Emily pursued a successful career as a commercial pilot and flight instructor while Eric honed his craft as a master hatter. In 2017, at a crucial juncture in her career, Emily decided to join Eric full-time at the hat shop, bringing her artistic background to the table. She now manages the business alongside Eric and has founded the “Lady Watson Collection,” which showcases her unique feminine touch in hat-making. Emily’s passion for artistic expression has taken her from mastering the art of flying to learning the art of business and now, exploring the art of hat-making.
Alex Cabrera
Hatter Apprentice
Alex’s remarkable passion for the art of hat-making and his unwavering loyalty to traditional techniques have earned him a coveted position within the esteemed Watson’s Hat Shop team. Hailing from the bustling metropolis of New York, Alex and his family ventured westward to explore new frontiers, and it was during one of his routine visits to the shop as a valued customer that his true calling was revealed. With his extensive knowledge of professional hat-making and deft silk-hand in sewing and shaping hats, Alex has proven to be an indispensable asset to the shop. His genteel nature and old-world charm, reminiscent of Eric’s “old-soul” personality, make him the ideal hatter apprentice, and his impeccable demeanor and gracious hospitality guarantee that you will be in the finest of company with Alex.
Derby
Master People Greeter
The charming Derby’s arrival at the hat shop was nothing short of serendipitous, occurring when he was only six weeks old. His warm and welcoming nature makes him the perfect greeter, eagerly bounding to the door at the sound of the bell to greet all who enter with a wagging tail and joyful demeanor. Derby’s endearing personality has made him a beloved fixture at the shop, with visitors often stopping by solely to receive his affectionate greetings. While your companions peruse the exquisite hat collection, Derby is likely to snuggle up on your lap, welcoming any treats or tummy rubs with eager enthusiasm and leaving you with a cherished pup-kiss.
The Hatter Process
Artisan technique for superior custom hat design and quality
At Watson’s Hat Shop, each hat is meticulously crafted using rare 1860s equipment, evoking the traditional process of hat-making where personalization was the norm. The hatter’s expertise is employed to tailor-build each hat to the customer’s exact specifications, resulting in a unique product that highlights the brand’s commitment to detail and superior quality.
Watson’s Hat Shop As Worn By
Watson’s Hat Shop takes pride in creating bespoke hats for some of the most prominent individuals in the entertainment industry, music scene, and fashion world. Notable figures such as country superstar Kenny Chesney and style icon Justin Timberlake have sported the shop’s exquisite custom hats. In addition to this, Watson’s Hat Shop has established itself as the official hatter for reputable organizations such as the Arizona Quarter Horse Association, the Arizona Reining Horse Association, and the Arizona Cutting Horse Association, among others. The shop’s commitment to excellence and dedication to its craft have earned it a loyal following and distinguished reputation in the hat-making industry.
Kenny Chesney
American Music Artist
In a custom Chesney Cowboy Hat
Justin Timberlake
American Music Artist
In a custom Timberlake Fedora Hat
Ben Christensen
Professional Photographer
In a custom Cowboy Hat
Buddy Jewel
American Music Artist
In a custom Chesney Cowboy Hat
Jeremy McComb
American Music Artist
In a custom Chesney Cowboy Hat
Sacks of Lion
Country Music Band
In a custom Chesney Cowboy Hat
Watson’s Hat Shop As Seen On
Watson’s Hat Shop has been showcased on prominent media and streaming platforms, including Netflix’s critically acclaimed Original Series, Godless, and the INSP Original Series, Handcrafted America. The shop’s extensive media coverage extends beyond television, with features in various local Arizona publications such as Sedona Monthly, North Scottsdale Lifestyle Magazine, and Elevate Magazine, solidifying its status as a highly-regarded and sought-after establishment.
TV Appearances & Interviews:
Netflix - Godless Series
Handcrafted America - “Pianos, Cowboy Hats, Tin Coffee Pots”
North Scottsdale Lifestyle Magazine
Sedona Monthly Magazine
Elevate Magazine
Images Arizona
Awards & Recognitions
Watson’s Hat Shop has garnered numerous accolades, both locally and nationally, including the Congressional Award-Small Business Spotlight Award of Arizona, and AZCENTRAL’s distinguished “35 Entrepreneurs 35 and Younger” award. The shop’s commitment to its customers and active involvement in the community has cemented its reputation as a beloved and highly respected establishment in the state of Arizona.
