About C&B

Crown & Buckle is a renowned online watch strap store offering custom-styled, high-quality nylon and leather straps at a reasonable price point. At Crown & Buckle, we abide by the philosophy that greatness is in the details. This belief seeps into everything we do - from the wide collection of styles we offer and the hand picked leathers we use, to how we stitch each thread and treat each customer. Our obsession with detail — and stance against mediocrity — is what makes Crown & Buckle who we are.

The collection of straps you'll find on our site are chosen, designed, and made to make your wrist wonder, "Where have you been all my life?" Our straps are like our friends. Carefully picked. Non-pretentious. Stylish. Never mass produced. Always high-caliber.

We work directly with many manufacturers, factories, and workshops to bring you our exclusive collection of watch straps. In doing so, we do not have to buy our straps from another brand, who in turn is paying someone else to make their straps for them. We are able to maintain our fair prices by stocking a very large inventory right here in North Carolina. We keep our margins as low as reasonable in order to reach you, our customer, especially in the current global economy.

We have reached the best possible balance of quality materials, fit & finish, and affordability. Simply put, you will receive an excellent quality watch strap at a very fair price.

The concept for Crown & Buckle was developed in late 2010, when Thomas Lathrop set out to combine his passions of watches and entrepreneurship. Determined to create a brand that people are proud to wear, represent, and share, Thomas pioneered a watch strap shopping experience which brought buying a strap beyond a faceless transaction. Since our web site launch in 2011, we have made personal service a priority, and pride in our work is an absolute must.

In the summer of 2013, we moved into a 1,500ft² office and warehouse facility in Palm Beach, Florida. Having outgrown that space, we moved again in early 2016 to a 3,500ft² facility. Most recently, in 2021, we entirely relocated the business and our families to beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina. Our new Charlotte office is home to our staff, inventory, and photography studio. Crown & Buckle does all order fulfillment in-house to ensure the highest control and accuracy.

Crown & Buckle has received a lot of love from mainstream and watch media over the years, ranging from print publications (International Watch, Bloomberg, Gear Patrol), fashion publications (Hypebeast, Complex, Acquire), and countless blog and podcast features (Worn & Wound, aBlogToWatch, The Grey NATO).

As watch enthusiasts through and through, Crown & Buckle proudly supports and sponsors several watch forums, web sites, and fairs/shows, including Watchuseek, Worn & Wound, and the Wind Up Watch Fair. Be sure to check them out!

Thomas – Founder

Thomas is a passionate father, auto racer, and watch enthusiast. With a keen eye for business and an adventurous spirit, Thomas started our company from scratch and has built it into a thriving success.

Thomas is a devoted husband and father of three. He cherishes the time he gets to spend with his loved ones, whether they are visiting new places, exploring nature, or even relaxing at home.

When he's not busy leading the charge at C&B, Thomas can often be found tinkering with his vintage BMW, fine-tuning it for the next race. He's a skilled driver who loves the thrill of the track and the camaraderie of his racing community.

Thomas is a collector of fine watches, and considers himself lucky to have turned a hobby into a career. He's fascinated by the intricate mechanics of watchmaking, and loves buying and selling watches for his ever-evolving collection.

Jackie – Operations

Meet Jackie, our resident cat lady and sushi enthusiast. With over a decade of experience producing one-of-a-kind events in New York City, she has an unparalleled talent for paying attention to even the smallest details and anticipating our every need. As a result, our team runs like clockwork under her watchful eye.

When she's not immersed in the stock room, Jackie is out exploring all the hidden gems that the beautiful city of Charlotte has to offer. Whether it's a new wine bar or the hottest restaurant, she always knows the best spots to check out. 

Jeff – Strategy

Jeff is a multi-talented team player who brings a unique blend of creativity and analytical skills to the table. His background in strategic planning and business development has made him a master at identifying areas for growth and improvement here at C&B. What sets Jeff apart is his passion for detail — whether it's detailing his vehicles to perfection or launching new marketing campaigns.

When he's not analyzing data, Jeff enjoys sipping on a good bourbon, listening to his favorite podcasts, and cruising around town on his motorcycle. He is a true family man who values spending time with his wife and two children, even if they don’t share his enthusiasm for the classic dad joke.

Lauren – Fulfillment

Lauren, a Charlotte native, is our resident fashion enthusiast. With a background in communications and fashion merchandising, she brings a keen eye for style and a knack for storytelling to every project she undertakes. Whether she's discovering the latest trends or hitting the gym, her passion for shopping and fitness radiates, adding an unmistakable energy to her Charlotte lifestyle.