The pallet lever is an essential component of a mechanical watch or pendulum movement. This internal part works in conjunction with the escapement, thereby enabling a mechanical timepiece to achieve greater precision and power reserve. As part of the regulating system, the pallet lever thus contributes to the transmission of energy from the mainspring barrel, as well as to its regulation and the counting of oscillations.

The pallet lever is so named due to its resemblance to a ship’s anchor: it takes the form of a slender stem with two arms at its extremity. It is typically crafted from brass or steel, though some luxury watch models feature pallet levers made from more precious materials.

This internal component acts as an intermediary between the gear train and the balance wheel during the latter’s oscillations. It facilitates the transmission of force from the mainspring barrel to the gear train, which in turn conveys it to the escape wheel.

Furthermore, it is thanks to the pallet lever that the mainspring barrel unwinds in a regular and controlled manner.

Several types of pallet levers exist; the most common is the Swiss lever, found in the majority of watch movements, but the pin-pallet lever is also encountered.