Inside Japan's Most Legendary Wheel Company - Watanabe Wheels

[@dino_dc]

Well we’ve done it! Just hit 100k subscribers! A massive thank you to all of you for subbing and following my content! Massive 🫶🏻 Here’s to the next 100k!

[@brendanmeadors3099]

Congrats mate love your work

[@michaelsummerell8618]

Nice one Dino, congratulations and well done for all of your work to get there! 😎

[@yrindra]

Congratulation Dino, well deserved

[@imaluigi9708]

Congratulations on achieving this milestone! Your content is exceptional and gives us a glimpse into the car culture in parts of the World which I’ve not been fortunate enough to see firsthand. Thank you and please keep sharing your amazing art.

[@Craigy82]

Congrats mate. Absolutely love your videos

[@michaelsummerell8618]

Vending machine - check Train line virtually right next door - check Old school workshop - check Situated in close residential area - check Company owned and ran by same family - check This is so quintessentially Japanese it hurts. All we need is a 7-Eleven or a Lawson down the road and a shrine next to it and we're golden.

[@SuperCVelocity]

I think a shrine is close....and a yakitori stand!

[@esaedvik]

Dudes working with no protective gear for 50+ years - Check.

[@jiggy1992]

Watanabe Wheels will also produce fully custom-made wheels to fit special vehicle models and PCDs. They are a great company that will stop production lines to fulfill orders for just four wheels. This work is located near my house.

[@derrekjohnson777]

WOW. I had no idea. This video just makes me want Wantanabe wheels even more.

[@F77j]

It's a nice touch that the president's son mentioned Hayashi San in the interview. Both companies still produce wheels in the same "artisanal" way.

[@alexanderk.2088]

Daaamn, modern 2024 factories cut and drill all bo computerized machines with laser measurments on 0.001 microns. And this masters craft all rims by hand and drilling manually by jigs! Crazy!

[@amduser86]

to be fair. most old "werkzeugschlossser" i know can be more accurate than all the modern machines. no clue how to translate "werkzeugschlosser" from german to english. it is a older learned skillbase job, that is in between an engineer and a machinist. those used to be the guys, that build the tools for mass production in germany and are the guys we go to, when money is not in consideration and you need ultimate precision for some esa projects. sadly the old craftmans are retiring and the younger generation is spoiled by automatisation.

[@SUMOCAT86]

Wheels don't have any tolerances that are at the nanometer level. You'd think they're precision, but it's just a guy in a garage drilling them with a sloppy drill press and shitty hand harpened hss tools. No CMM's anywhere, just a gut feeling of what's happening.

[@moneypits]

I bloody love old-school craftsmanship. That building has as much character as the product and that cannot be a coincidence. Wonderful stuff :)

[@nvrndingsmmr]

I'm a proud owner of a set of 14 inch R Types and watching this really made me appreciate the wheels even more. I love the traditional techniques!!!

[@tegboy]

The fact every drilling ect is still done essentially by hand is so very cool! God I love Japan

[@lacamula1]

100K!!!!!!!! Sooooooooo well deserved 🤙🏼 Aloha🌴

[@dino_dc]

Thanks so much!! 🙏

[@petersavoca7820]

Please do more of these shop interviews. Especially these really old really important shops!!!

[@dennisbdavid]

Wow I value my Watanabe wheels much more after watching this. I want to buy a set of Forging R wheels now, as well! Thank you.

[@sprisomotorsports]

Absolutely brilliant feature Dino-- love the craftsmanship, and care each of these wheels gets. This was a joy to watch!

[@dino_dc]

Happy to hear that!

[@StunnaRascal]

Congrats for 100k!

[@dino_dc]

Thank you so much 😀

[@kobzor]

It's true JDM vibe! I never stop to love it

[@MrKennydoo]

Old school is nu school money 💷. Congrats on 100k🎉

[@dino_dc]

Thank you 🙏

[@Shawnrraines]

Got to love how raw the shops are, dude is shaving metal without eye protection with shavings blasted everywhere. The revival projects are cool, hope the market can recognize and follow the trend!

[@SmallBlogV8]

What a brilliant place! Knowing how hand-finished they are makes me respect Watanabe wheels all the more. I'd love a set if I were in a position to buy cool wheels.

[@RevikYoutube]

It's so amazing to see and learn that like 4 guys finish every wheel, absolutely crazy respect for their skill. Thank you so much for this and every video you do Dino, truly my favorite content that I look forward to every week and I'm thrilled to see your channel keep growing! ♥ ^.^

[@dino_dc]

My pleasure! Happy to hear that

[@harshivjotsingh8073]

Thanks Dino for this one! Watanabes are my fav wheels! Yes the 8 spoke design isn't original but Watanabes perfected it! Like most people my age (28) I first saw these wheels on the tofu AE86 but over the years I've come to appreciate the design and simplicity of their wheels. I'm a sucker for symmetrical design wheels and 8 spoke just hits sooo well! My dream combo is an EF civic with some 14" wats on them. Your in-depth video has made me appreciate the guys behind RS Watanabe even more! When you buy a set of Watanabes, you know the money going back to the people who really love and care about their product and you know you're getting a piece of history, its so wholesome!!

[@ahllong]

thank you for sharing with us how Watanabe wheels are made. Absolutely interesting on the Japanese way..

[@TokenBlkGuy78]

Congrats Dino on 100K!!! Love your content and support for JDM culture over the years! Thank you for this amazing video.. really gives us viewers a behind the scenes to one of the best JDM wheels out there, and you dropped the video on "Watanabe Wednesday"! 😎 Watanabe-San is such a pleasant person to talk with. I had the honor of being asked from him to be part of the Watanabe booth at JCCS a few years ago showcasing the Magnesium 8 Spoke wheels on my MKII Supra. I'm making a trip to Japan in November this year to visit the shop to get the same experience as you did. I can't wait!! Here is to 100K more!!!

[@dino_dc]

Thank you 🙏

[@MS-ut8fd]

More of these type of videos please!

[@dino_dc]

You got it!

[@danlee5138]

". ...it really has to be chronicled"... and it was... and you did it justice 🙏🙏

[@joachimtaverne5035]

NIce to see how it works. Now I understand why it took so long to obtain the 8 spoke for my ex Mazda 818 a few years ago :). Thanks DIno for sharing that.

[@gafrers]

Absolutely Great. Love Watanabe Congratulations on 100K

[@dino_dc]

Thanks a million!

[@tanandy9944]

Wow this is amazing! One by one handcrafted!

[@Minebiowerz]

I love my Wats on my kyusha. Matches so goood

[@edugj23]

Classic, even down to the manufacturing process.

[@andreleroux484]

Yo Dino 🙏🏽🙏🏽 appreciate this

[@morophineswordphich8229]

This is an absolute treasure, Dino. I'm glad places like this still exist and I'm glad you've not only shared it but provided a record that keep living on.

[@tedman510]

Wow, I can't believe how much hand labor goes into each wheel. Massive respect. To think that my bronze F8 Mg wheels went through those very shops is amazing. Great vid, thanks for making it.

[@elleryracca9796]

thanks for this in depth clip! they really live up to their name, nice to learn they began exclusively for racing. rs watanabe fan for life!

[@jv2513]

I just wanna say thanks for making the content your making and putting it out for us, these videos give me a level of motivation to achieve my dreams and experience what your experiencing in these video for my self thank you! And keep up the great work!❤

[@dino_dc]

I appreciate that! Thank you 🙏

[@Mattrz34]

Another phenomenal video Dino! Huge huge huge congratulations on 100k, you more than deserve it!❤👌🏻

[@dino_dc]

Appreciate that, thank you 🙇🏻

[@drdesmo8489]

Nothing but respect for this truly perfect old school craftsmanship. That must have brilliant having a grand tour of this manufacture, its vintage machinery are almost a forgotten treasure.

[@isaganibarry8201]

awesome video! thanks for the content and congratulations on the 100k

[@dino_dc]

Thanks so much!

[@dragneelxc4270]

Congratulations on 100k. You deserve it and more. This channel is without a doubt my favorite. Can’t wait to see you grow to 1M!!

[@dino_dc]

Appreciate that!! Thank you 🙏

[@FoggyCassettes]

The wheel painting rig @ 29:18 is sick!

[@23rz34]

Such a cool trip to a legendary shop….im jelly man 👍🏼

[@Corey.Park.9]

it's great to see the factory and the interviews, I had Watanabe wheels on my 240SX several years ago, I still love those 8 spoke!

[@DanielGarcia-zq5rl]

Dino da GOAT 🐐

[@sc2320]

Watanabe does make some monster rims like.nice tour Kidd liken it 🤛🏻🔥💯💪🏻

[@MrSlushierGravy]

100k YEEEAAAHHH DINO!!!! ❤

[@dino_dc]

Thanks!! 💪🏻

[@veitnams]

Congrats on 100K!!!!!!!!!!! You deserve every sub 🤝

[@dino_dc]

Thank you so much!!

[@abbeyhall4624]

Congrats Dino and crew on the 100k subscribers! Hope you get the KZbin plaque very soon and that we can also see it. And thank you and Watanabe for this mazing and insightful tour of their facility. It is so good to see that they didn't succumb to a massive huge factory. Please a few more videos like this would be awesome to see.

[@dino_dc]

Thanks so much!

[@Jharjit]

Wow man ur channel is really bravo 👏 know lot of Japan cars culture, I just found ur channel today and will keep on watching ur channel bravo 👏 man 👍👍👍👍

[@dino_dc]

Thanks so much and welcome on board!

[@longrodlseries]

Great episode! Always wanted Watanabe wheels since the early 90’s but couldn’t afford them but finally now have them and glad they still exist and recent years have been making them affordable for enthusiasts like me to enjoy them. Thanks for the behind the scenes view of their operation and to see the wheels being produced

[@gvbe_gc8]

My favorite wheels, currently have a set of R Types on my 2011 WRX

[@fiftyrider6296]

Thanks, that's a visit I really wanted to see ❤

[@danny79045]

100k babbbbbyy huge congratulations I knew you gonna get it right away much blessing pa keep killin it so proud of u

[@dino_dc]

Thank you 🙏

[@HR-zc1mi]

Super, super video! Thanks Dino! ❤

[@echowhiskey17]

I always want to buy wheels after you make a video about them. Way better than any commercial that they could ever make.

[@libramoon9968]

I love these "how it's made" videos. Especially for Watanabe wheels. Hope you make more of these type of videos

[@dino_dc]

Thanks, will do!

[@baddaddyfish2271]

Congratulation for reaching 100k subscribers

[@dino_dc]

Many many thanks 🙏

[@klasseact6663]

Those 4 spoke wheels 🔥🔥

[@lesjayco7785]

Drilling without safety eyewear, love it.

[@idbyz]

Excellent as always Dino, Thanks!

[@AnotherMotorist]

30 years for that guy, dude is a soldier o7 The olden work shop is dope

[@folkabuss]

Amazing! Thank you for making this video.

[@alriciab.p.7936]

Wow respect to watanabe builds and quality checks

[@trackuza]

Epic! Congrats on hitting 100k, brother!

[@dino_dc]

Thanks a ton!

[@brookswasherenow]

Nice shooting and editing. Top notch content! Thanks Dino!

[@davidklauer3422]

Right on!

[@ramisoudah1584]

Thank you very much for this video Every time you added a new content Keep going and God bless

[@dino_dc]

Thank you 🙏

[@ericsantschi4612]

Awesome vid Dino, makes me want a set of 8 spokes even more.

[@Xmadish]

Awesome visit 👌

[@Bye401K]

Dude, What a great video. This is what we should be seeing more of. Thanks !!!

[@inertiaMS]

Look forward to seeing your content going forward mate! -Stewy

[@celestino-c5r]

great content Dino, thank you for sharing

[@Ange47]

Loved the video thanks. I've owned 3 sets of RS Watanabe wheels and I bet some of the people I've seen in this video will have contributed in some way to their creation. Thanks!!

[@AFwitchdoctor]

just got my wheels last monday. they are so perfect!

[@phinds1]

I've asked this recently,,,PLEASE slow down those subtitles. Keep them on the screen just a bit longer. Congrats on getting to the 100k mark!!

[@zeroswings2]

I see Watanabes... I click!

[@angeloah]

After doing light machine work for custom saw systems this is a rad look into how it’s done elsewhere. Amazing, so much care and attention, that’s how the best are made, not the most.

[@DirtBikeSessions]

Another amazing - important video 😎

[@dino_dc]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@emilobst584]

Dang I always try be one of the first viewers...142nd viewer is my record! Lol cheers for your content Dino ❤from Australia

[@dino_dc]

Thank you for watching!

[@_dizzysky]

I've always wondered about this company. Thanks for making the video.

[@Takeitlightly6]

He calls his dad as his boss. And this is how you raise responsible children instead of brats. Much respect to Japan for this value. And Is that larry there? Because i respect him not speaking and staying off camera.

[@dino_dc]

No Larry there lol

[@DJSkyracer]

I was there in May, it was a nice talk and tour of the production! :D

[@artdamage0]

just insane that they still make all the lug nuts one by one on the lathe and all the wheels holes are HAND FILED... amazing video. Well earned sub from me

[@shingosshojiopoulos6608]

Something that doesn't get mentioned is that Watanabe was heavily inspired by Minilite wheels

[@WoodEe-zq6qv]

Yeah, people are always worked up about which wheels are reps or not but Watanabe, Work, Enkei, SSR - all your faves have made (and still make) reps.

[@justins21482]

also panasports...those would be my second fav wheels next to watanabes and minilites are likely 3rd if I could find them in my fitment

[@shingosshojiopoulos6608]

@@justins21482 I think panasport is the newest of the 3

[@shingosshojiopoulos6608]

@@WoodEe-zq6qv yeah. Enkei makes BBS RS reps . But people dont consider them reps because they are of very good quality

[@harryx6968]

​@WoodEe-zq6qv yeah but rota is a horrible soulless company that is t genuine ans just wants your money and doesn't have love for car culture.

[@VirtualGuth]

This video showed all of the finishing steps. Where are the rough, unfinished wheels actually made? Also, how does “Falcon” tie in with Watanabe? From the beginning your videos have always focused on the cars, the overall car culture, and the legendary personalities involved behind the scenes rather than on yourself - your 100K subscribers are well deserved!

[@dino_dc]

Thank you! The wheels are cast in Ibaraki as Watanabe told us, and then sent to them in Tsurumi

[@garasiaddin]

love this when talk about wheels. we need moreeeeeeeee huehuehuehue

[@cacahueteasesino]

Congratulations for reaching 100k subs! Great video, loved the workshop atmosphere, what a interesting place!

[@dino_dc]

Thank you so much!

[@markphilipsen]

Legend. Thanks Dino. Its always epic to watch your videos. So much JDM. I do enjoy the lokal tecnical videos and car meets in the cities and freeway parkings 👌 Keep up the good work 🤜🤛

[@dino_dc]

🫶🏻

[@rjung_ch]

Cheers Dino, congrats on the 100k subs! You deserve it for all the great videos you put out for all of us. Just great! 👍💪✌

[@dino_dc]

Thanks so much!!

[@RikkiRuckus]

Great to get access to such a place!

[@japlishdrifting]

What a treat, i just got my set last month from japan and it was a long time coming - great to see how they are made especially as an apprentice machinist myself 😎

[@RefreshP747]

Great view into such an iconic company, would love to see a similar on hayashi racing in the future

[@Tokyo_Views]

Jesus I have been reading Stanceworks like back in 2008 but your content is still rocking the boat!

[@TakoIbarra]

Legend!!

[@jameskeelor6172]

Supper cool!! Thanks for this

[@RolanTHUNDER]

E desu ne?! Great video. Thanks for taking us along with you! I've always said that if you have a Hachi Roku you must put Watanabe wheels on it Now please do Advan next

[@hussienabukhalil2012]

Very very very nice video Big big big like 🎉

[@dino_dc]

Big thanks

[@ej4851]

I wish I could put some Watanabe wheels on my 72 chevy c10 lol

[@CheckpointJapan]

Great video!

[@trekofjoy]

Congrats on 100k! I’m absolutely going Watanabe’s on my s30 Z restomod. Cliche but just old school cool. Love all the Japanese shop tours you do, so many places I want to visit on my next trip to Japan. Cheers!

[@dino_dc]

Good choice! And thank you!!

[@crummych.]

man, i want a set of those overalls. those are sick

[@vickturorteez]

Makes me want some Gotti wheels for my Datsun