When energy is stored in the mainspring, by winding, the train wheels begin to turn. This energy is carried from the barrel through the center, third and fourth wheels to the escape wheel.
Considering the escapement as a unit, it can be seen that the escape wheel supplies the power, whereas the pallet transfers the rotary motion of the escape wheel into a back and forth motion of the pallet. The pallet in turn imparts motion to the roller jewel which causes a vibrating motion of the balance wheel.
The pallet, roller jewel and escape wheel are the “heart” of every mechanical watch. All pars must be adjusted perfectly in order for the watch to function properly and keep accurate time. Tolerances are tight and “close does not count”.
Parts of the watch train and escapement
Parts and names associated with a watch escapement
As the balance wheel swings, the jewel pin is carried back and forth across the center line of the escape wheel, pallet and balance wheel.
This impulse action supplies the energy to maintain the balance wheel in motion. After the escape wheel tooth slides off the pallet stone, it travels a short distance know as drop, until another tooth locks on the opposite pallet tone
Escapement in motion




Up close pictures of a watch pallet and escape wheel


How a perfectly adjusted pallet and balance work and sound:
17 Comments
Mickey Burrell
Good stuff, Mark!
Johnny McLain
As always, very interesting!!!
Michael Fisher
Very cool. Thanks
David
I like this explanation and video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wmk2mA6dg3o
Paul Wolters
Such a dark art and if I am honest, well above my complete understanding. But nonetheless fantastic read. True craftsmanship at work! Cheers Paul Glasgow UK
Mark Morgan
The best needs a pro to work on.
Steve Remsnyder
The NAWCC Museum in Columbia, PA has a huge demonstration of a pallet and escape wheel. It clearly shows how the interval and action between each tick of the clock. If you enjoy timepieces I highly recommend a visit. The are several notable watches and many clocks on display as well as informative models to show how clocks and watches work.
Mel Schuman
Thank you for providing such insight into the “machinery” of a mechanical watch.
Rick Campana
Thanks Mark! Reading and seeing this really accentuates my appreciation for the genius and complexity of mechanical watches and your expertise to care for them.
Patrick Bissell
Mark,
Really great explanation. Thanks for giving a great lesson.
CURT HOPKINS
Mark, After years of your tutorials I think I can do my own cleaning, oiling, servicing, etc. A few questions………will 3 in 1 oil suffice, does Sears have a Craftsman starter tool set specifically for jewelers, what grit wheels are needed for my bench grinder and can my telescope work until I save enough money for one of those cool hat/magnifier combos? Just kiddin’, keep dreaming of that beach house as I’ll continue to send you watches.
The Watch Doctor
Sounds good, hope you are learning something from these posts. Some days I would like to use a big hammer on a watch, but try and keep my patience.
Mike Graves
Wow. Again, great information, Mark. I had no idea!
Gary
Thanks again for the education Mark!
Paul Baluch
I have to 2nd all these fine comments Mark!! Thanks
Frank
Thank you Mark! Once again a very interesting tutorial!
Makida Hayes
Thank You. I really enjoyed this info and all of the great diagrams of how the watch escapement works.👌