It's been true for centuries, hasn't it? Whether we're spending a day in the city or day in the saddle, hats define and finish our look. Lots of places shape off the rack hats, call it custom and sell it as quality. Those places ain't the real deal. Watson's is. Visit Watson's and you'll be transported to a bygone era when hats were custom made works of art built by master craftsmen. Using the finest raw material- beaver and beaver blend - Alex, Jerry, Gordon and Kian work together to measure the EXACT SHAPE and size of your head, discuss style and help you settle on color. They'll then build and shape a hat that fits perfectly and is uniquely and exclusively you. To finish your hat you'll be certain to find what you're looking for among Watson's wide selection of hat bands. Watson's produces an experience and product that is worth both the price and the wait. Watson's built two hats for me and one for my lady. We wear our Watson's hats all the time. Seriously, we'll wear our Watson's hats riding in the back country one day then brush 'em off for a night on the town the next. Delighted, impressed, beyond expectations, top-notch - there aren't enough or the right words to express our satisfaction with Watson's. The welcome, the warmth, the energy, the space, the fitting process and the final product - your hat - makes it hard to find those right words. Speechless is how my lady puts it. We're pretty sure you'll be as pleased as we are. read more

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What an experience and a plethora of information from Jerry, the good old boy that we met at Watson's hat shop for a fitting. We really got a great education from him and Alex. I'm so grateful that we stopped in and learned about the different styles and the hat making business, I love the hats, the measurement, contraption that you put on your head to find out if you have a head shape of potato or a peanut. It turns out both my husband and I are potato heads.... Someday, I want to purchase a beautiful beaver hat and so does my husband. Everybody deserves a good beaver or two. It was great to watch Alex taking such fine care of the custom hats that were ordered. We watched him brush them and steamed them to get them the perfect size and shape. I WOULD RECOMMEND read more

100% amazing. I went in here due to the shape of my hat being not right for me. I went to another hat shop and they didn't help me at all. Here, they taught me about hats, types, shapes, and styles! Then shaped mine beautifully! Their custom hats are impeccable quality. If I were to get a custom one, it would be from here. Alex, you saved me from being a plane take off runway. Thank you very much for your help and for your kindness. read more

I stopped by Watson's Hat Shop just to browse, but ended up staying for nearly 20 minutes talking with Gordon and in that short time, I learned more about hats than I have in my entire life. He was knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely passionate about the craft. The entire store is spotless, elegant, and welcoming, and you can tell they take immense pride in what they do. The owner even came out to greet me personally such a rare touch these days. read more

I have visited Watson's Hat Shop on several occasions, and it always cool place to visit. For those interested in the history and art of hat making this is the place go. Admittedly, I always feel bad when I come Watson's Hat Shop because I am never there to buy one of their amazing hats. Instead, I am usually bringing in some cheap department store hat for them to repair or spruce up in some way. But I vow to have them make me a custom hat one day soon. I came to Watson's the other day to have new ribbons installed on a few hats, a somewhat trivial and unprofitable job for them. Right behind me were two separate couples there to buy custom hats. (Actually, we all arrived at the same time and they held the door open for me allowing me to enter before them. Once inside, I told them they could go ahead of me because in actuality they arrived seconds before me. They said no because they were there to buy customs hats and it was probably going to be a while and since I only had a few drop-off repairs, they were nice enough to let me go ahead of them. I was immediately greeted by hat technician, Alex Cabrera, who asked how he could help me. When I told him what I wanted to do, Alex did not blow me off or rush his service with me just so that he could get to the real money-maker customers waiting in line behind me. Instead, he took his time with me listening to me and asking lots of questions. One of my hats is a strange graphite color that appears to be a mixture of grey, brown, and green. I hate the hat because it literally goes with nothing. It does not look good with jeans, khaki, brown, or black and therefore I never wear it. It's a nice quality hat and I wondered if changing the ribbon color would help it match other colors. Alex walked me over to the ribbons station where he showed me all the ribbons they had to offer. He talked about the various styles and colors he could apply to my hats. Alex told me that my ugly color hat was actually a very nice hat and that I shouldn't remove anything from the hat. Instead, he recommended that I adorn it with a thin horsehair band and feather to bring in more colors. I doubted him at first, but when he showed me what it would look like, holy crap, it changed everything. I said, do it! And then the next thing Alex said to me was most surprising and impressive considering that there were other customers waiting in line, he said, I'll do it right now. I felt a little pressure by this because I did not want the customers to leave the store feeling they were being ignored, but they were both very nice about it and told me that the way Alex was treating me is the reason why they came to Watson's in the first place. They knew they were going to receive the same attention. Then after everything was said and done, Alex took the additional time to explain flanges to me (I own 40+ hats and he thought it might be a worthwhile investment to help keep the curl in my hats). He took the time to explain how it works and then wrote down the measurements I would need for my specific hats, which are all pretty much the same shape and size. He treated me as though I was spending $5K there, when in actuality, I was only spending about $70. All three hat band improvements look great! Outstanding customer service! Thank you, Alex Cabrera! read more

Watson's Hat Shop - Impossible hat color made possible by Alex. - Hats Near Me - Cave Creek, Arizona

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What an unexpected magical experience! Jerry is my new hero. I learned history, hat types, shapes, styles, specific uses and I wasn't even offended in the slightest when he called me a potato-head after a unique skull shape measuring. I was offended when he curtly told me that the Indiana Jones hat, the very reason for my trip from BC, Canada, to Cave Creek, did not suit me at all. My wife still laughs out loud when she retells the sorrowful tale and mentions the look on my face. After a few tries, he found the hat that suited me the best and achieved redemption. I'd wear the darn thing to bed if I could. Jerry's customer service style is warm, honest and engaging with an old-Western charm. How could I not buy a hat from such an eclectic expert, even though I only had Canadian Dollars? The store itself is an interesting mix of hat display and hat history with antique instruments in a mirrored hide-away corner to measure and record your skull shape for your next order without having to fly there. Watson's is a bespoke store. Don't expect an off-the-shelf one-size fits all. Alex is a master-craftsman, a soft-spoken creator who sealed the deal and helped choose the hat band, added a feather for free and punched my initials into the inside leather band. Well done, Eric and Emily. Your video, which was the catalyst for our trip, is a one-of-a-kind. I showed it to our ad agency in Kelowna as an example of what a heritage store should place on it's e-shingle. Jeff and Therisa Peimer, BC, Canada. read more

Best custom hat maker in AZ. hands down! I absolutely love my hats that Eric & his team have made me - I believe I have 5-6 hats now. read more

Watson's Hat Shop - Watson Hat @ Black River AZ. - Hats Near Me - Cave Creek, Arizona

I recently ordered a custom pure beaver felt cowboy hat from Watson's. While it took a bit of time for them to complete the order due to some uncontrollable supply chain issues, I was happy to wait! The staff at Watson's made sure to keep me updated and engaged in every step of the process, and provided exemplary customer service the entire time. They called me when the felt arrived, and very quickly afterwards when the hat was ready for pickup. It was everything I had hoped for, and was well-worth the wait. The quality of the materials, professionalism and craftsmanship of the Master Hatters, and extreme attention to detail was evident in every element of the hat. I was so eager to wear it and show it off... THEN disaster struck! Less than four hours after pickup, at a children's birthday party that evening... an unfortunate incident occurred that resulted in my brand new hat COVERED in red wine. And not just a little splotch, but the contents of a FULL glass of wine were now covering 2/3rds of the hat. My wife and I attempted to blot out what we could with a full roll of paper towels, but I didn't think it was salvageable. I was devastated... but instinct told me to wait until Watson's reopened after the weekend and see what they could do to remedy it. I trusted the professionals to craft me a fine hat, and I trusted them again to help with disaster recovery. And I'm glad I waited! Upon returning to the shop, they immediately dropped everything they were doing to help. Jerry and Shea quickly triaged the situation, and Alex wasted no time before he took the hat and began working the stains out. With the finesse and skill only attributable to the finest craftsmen, the entire crew provided real time updates on progression like a Doctor would during an intensive surgery. After having left it overnight, Alex called me early the following day with amazing news. They had saved the hat, and worked out every single stain!!! The hat looked brand new again, without so much as a note of discoloration ANYWHERE. And despite the time and resources invested, they did not charge me for it! Hats-off (pun intended) to The Watsons, Jerry, Shea, and Dr. Alex for their phenomenal work and customer service! I highly recommend them! read more

Great experience at a Watson's Hat Shop. I can never find a hat that fits where it is totally comfortable. Many brands over the years and had issues with it too tight on the forehead or too much space on the side. After being fitted for a hat and they showed me the pattern of my head....no wonder. The custom hat will be exactly what I need. Below is a picture of my wife being fitted. We were having fun looking at the hats and getting fitted. Great people to work with. Highly recommend them. We are excited about getting a new cowgirl/cowboy hat. read more

Watson's Hat Shop - Hats Near Me - Cave Creek, Arizona

I've had Eric custom build me four hats so far and I absolutely love all four of them... I'm actually having my wife take one of my hats in this week to have one of his newer Custom Leather engraved bands installed. So Far : *Custom 100% Beaver Black 3" Brim & Black Band. *Custom 100% Beaver Grey 4" Brim & Black Band. *Custom 50/50 Rabbit/Beaver Brown 2" Brim & Black Band. *Custom Panama 2" Brim. *I highly recommend that anyone that's ever wanted a Custom Hat to go see the Shop. The Shop is great and full of interesting things to look at. Anyone who wants a Custom Hat and wants it hand made the same way they made them 100+ years ago - go see Eric at Watson's. Eric uses original/antique equipment not only to make the Custom Hat - Eric uses original/antique equipment to ensure the proper fit/measurements of your noggin to ensure a perfect fit the same way they did it when hats shaded the heads of Gunslingers and real Cowboy's. *I ensure you that it's not just purchasing the best Custom Hat you've ever owned - it's an experience that everyone should try at least once. Go see Eric at Watson's Hat Shop. read more

Watson's hat store is so professional & extremely friendly. I really liked the hat I ordered fir my husband's birthday for September 2, 2019. I will definitely return to do business with Eric & his wife!!! I give them 20 stars in my book!!!! There give number one customer service without a doubt and wants fabulously wonderful its made in America which is fantastic!!!! I highly recommend Watson's hat company/ shop!!!! Thank you so very much for your professionalism, it's so refreshing!!!! Regards, CAB Carol a Barrow 803 443 3872 read more

So I just stopped in for an update on a custom order hat I paid in full for April 29th. It's over 10 weeks and I was told it may be another 3 weeks. I haven't received any calls, text, emails letting me know they are far exceeded original time frame I was told upon full payment. Of course there is no refunds because of the custom work that they haven't even started on. So my $1800. Is tied up for at least 3 months. Ridiculous. read more

What an amazing shop! The employees are incredibly knowledgeable about hats and willing to take the time to share that knowledge with customers. Yes, their hats are not cheap, but you're getting the best hat ever! read more

My visit to Watsons Hat Shop was like a mini trip to circa 1910. The shop is filled with lovely antiques that lend themselves to the whole environment. Eric and his wife Emily are passionate about their work, and they and their staff Jerry and Alex are very knowledgeable and will assist you in the perfect hat, tailored to fit your look and style perfectly! I had a fun and educational visit that ended in a perfect custom hat selection! To add to my delight, the Watsons worked quickly to have my hat ready for the holidays! Thank you for the amazing experience! read more

Not being one to jump to conclusions, regret praising or critiquing too soon or be hasty in most any general way... I figured I'd wait until I KNEW I was happy with the product before spouting' off. So - My Wife and I already were quite certain that the service was exemplary and now after owning the hat for over a year and wearing in all weathers to include our most recent monsoon, I can give an unqualified endorsement of the product. My hat meets the standard set by the shop itself as well as the service rendered within. I have to admit that I was skeptical of the assurances that my hat would not suffer for the rain but sure as baby-rabbits, it stood up so well that I could convince myself that it looks even better for the dousing! read more

Eric,Emily, Alex ....... Bravo... love my new hats. Service is extraordinary they are very knowledgeable caring , and wanting to please you. Very detail oriented. Great selection. The Best in Arizona... Keep up the good work. Only place to go if you care about Quality. read more

Greedy, Greedy, Greedy Stopped in to have a slight crease steamed out of my Borsolino and also to look for another Panama. After spending a few minutes steaming my hat, Watson showed me his stock. I told him I'd think about it, and asked how much I owed for the steaming. I was absolutely shocked: $25.00!!!! The only thing this marketing and customer loyalty genius accomplished was to guaranty that I will never buy from him and will tell anyone who will listen to avoid this shop. read more

I asked for a straight sided fedora like the Raiders hat but colored like Redford's hat from "The Natural". They delivered. Best fedora in my collection. You should have no hesitation in ordering a hat from these guys. I have hats from all across the nation and they are the best. Even better than Adventurebuilt. read more

If i could rate a business 10 stars it would be Watson's hat shop. Its impossibly rare nowadays to find such quality, passion, and intricate detail in ANYTHING...this place gives me hope! I was takin aback as soon as I set foot in the store and rendered speechless as I listened and observed Eric talk about his craft- he truly loves what he does. The shop is to the nines. He uses antique equipment to custom make each hat to order. I envisioned the 1940's and my Sicilian grandfather in Chicago wearing hats made like these by the milliner down the street. The whole experience, whether you are buying a hat or just browsing is absolutely magical. I ended up chosing a beaver female fidora in a chocolate burgundy color. It fits my head like a glove and I practically live in it. read more

Watson's Hat Shop - Hats Near Me - Cave Creek, Arizona

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Has been a while since I've been to custom hat maker. This is excellent quality and beautiful work with felt and Panama straw both. Nice shop here in great shopping area set aside for western ways lifestyles. read more

The best place to buy a hat ... walked in said what I was looking for... first hat that was haded to me was it ! Walked out a happy person . Great experience can't wait to go back for a Stetson! read more

I could not be happier with the process and my new hat! Eric really took the time to walk me through styles and what worked and didn't for me. We came up with a style that was truly custom, he is indeed a master hatter. This was something that I never thought I would be able to do but the whole family chipped in for me to have this experience and come out the other side with an incredible hat. From my family to the Watson's family thank you! read more

Eric Watson has supplied Trent Peterson of The Wild In Us project with one of his custom 100% beaver felt hats and he truly has outdone himself. The Wild In Us is a benefit ride that has adopted and trained 3 wild mustangs in one year in order to set off on the Pacific Crest Trail on April 10th, 2017 (www.thewildinus.org) and ride continuously from Mexico to Canada. A hat is everything to a horseman and long rider and there isn't any other hat that I would take with me. There are 4 things that you can not sacrifice quality on. Your boots, saddle, jacket, and your hat! Thank you Eric for your support. You are a true craftsman in your trade and we wish you the biggest success. Truly as good as it gets! read more

Drove all the way from San Diego to get measured and purchase a custom hat. Would do it again in a heartbeat!!!! Watson's Hat Shop is the total package. read more

Love the new place. Thinking about another hat since I had great luck with my other one. Great customer service and quality work

A wonderful experience for anyone interested in hats. I've always wanted to have a custom hat made just for me and, on the advice of a friend, took the opportunity to visit Watson's on a recent trip to Arizona. Excellent, friendly, knowledgeable services and fairly priced. Am now anxiously awaiting the arrival of my custom hat. I have no doubt that the quality will equal or exceed the many hats Eric has made and has on display in his shop. One thing should be mentioned: For those who aren't familiar with the cost of a quality custom hat or the services of a qualified and knowledgeable hatter, I'd suggest educating themselves on the subject before seriously considering such a purchase. It should also be remembered that a quality hat will, with proper care, last the wearer his or her entire lifetime. I'll no doubt be a return customer at Watson's in the future. read more

Best hat shop on the planet. Seriously. Not only are their hats the best quality I have ever seen, but their customer service is exceptional as well. I love my hat so much, I am wearing it indoors! I only wish I had found them sooner. They can customize any hat to fit your likes, preferences and head shape. No one's head is oval shaped. There is no comparison to buying one of their custom hats to buying one off the rack. The fit matters and you will notice the difference in comfort right away. AAA++ read more

I sent them an old O'Farrell hat to be completely reshaped and repaired. They made it look completely new. It is beautiful! It is good that there are stores like this that still have the equipment and expertise to repair and renew a quality hat and reverse the trend to replace one cheap hat with another. read more

It's great to see true hat-related craftsmanship being practiced in Cave Creek. The store oozes authenticity and makes for a fascinating visit -- even for non-cowboys. Great store, friendly folks, awesome hats! read more