The watch lever is an essential component of the mechanical movement of a watch or a pendulum clock. This internal part works in tandem with the escapement, enabling a mechanical watch to gain accuracy and power reserve. As part of the regulating system, the lever therefore contributes to transmitting the energy from the regulating organ, as well as to its maintenance and the counting of oscillations.
The watch lever is so called because it resembles a ship’s anchor: it takes the form of a slender stem with two arms at its end. It is generally made of brass or steel, but some luxury watch models contain levers made from more noble materials.
This internal component acts as the intermediary between the gear train and the balance wheel during the latter’s alternations. It transmits the force of the mainspring in the barrel to the gear train, which in turn passes it on to the escape wheel.
In addition, it is thanks to the watch lever that the barrel unwinds in a regular and controlled manner.
There are several types of lever, the most common being the Swiss lever used in most watch movements, but the pin-pallet lever is also found.