Discover the Craftsmanship Behind Watanabe Wheels: Handmade in Japan with Traditional Techniques.

      Japanese Industry Process via YouTube

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      Over the years, Japan has been known for many iconic wheel designs, but few have reached the level of desirability as those crafted by Racing Service Watanabe. RS Watanbes and a Hakosuka Skyline GT-R are a classic pairing, akin to sushi and wasabi, and the fact that these wheels are still made by hand limits their availability. Currently, there’s a two-year wait for them.

      Fortunately, there is now an in-depth video that showcases the manufacturing process of these legendary wheels. The video, produced by the aptly named Japanese Industry Process YouTube channel, runs for about 50 minutes and covers each step involved in creating both aluminum and magnesium wheels. The process begins with melting the metal—including leftover scraps—to pour into molds for casting the wheels. This occurs in compact furnaces located directly on the shop floor, surrounded by piles of molds and tools. While Japan houses many expansive, advanced factories, this isn't one of them.

      The aluminum is heated to a temperature of 1,292 degrees Fahrenheit. It is then scooped from the furnaces into buckets lined with graphite for heat resistance. At this stage, the mold pieces are also heated, dust is blown away with air, and a release agent is applied to stop the material from sticking to the mold. Each mold has two halves along with a central core that mirrors the wheel's hub and spokes. These sections are clamped together before the molten aluminum is poured in and allowed to cool under pressure.

      Watanabe constructs magnesium wheels using a more traditional sand casting method. The molds are created from compacted sand that must be carefully heated and dried to ensure maximum strength and eliminate moisture, as it could react violently with magnesium. The molds are placed in sand piles, the material is poured in, and then the mold is chipped away to release the wheel.

      When the wheels emerge from the mold, they are far from ready for installation. Excess aluminum is either hammered or sawed off, surfaces are sanded smooth, and any dents are repaired by adding more material with a TIG welder before being ground down for a smooth finish. Some finishing work is performed using a CNC machine—creating a notable contrast with the otherwise traditional appearance of the workshop—but stud holes are still drilled manually. Finally, the wheels receive a gray paint coat before being packaged and shipped.

      It seems appropriate that classic wheels like these are produced using a traditional process. Witnessing raw metal transform into one of the most recognizable aftermarket wheel designs is quite fascinating.