The lever escapement is a crucial component in mechanical watches, serving as the interface between the gear train and the oscillating balance wheel. It was invented by Thomas Mudge in the 18th century and has since become the most widely used escapement in wristwatches due to its reliability and efficiency. The lever escapement consists of three main parts: the escape wheel, the pallet fork, and the balance wheel.

The escape wheel is driven by the gear train and interacts with the pallet fork, which alternately locks and releases the wheel's teeth. This action controls the release of energy from the mainspring, allowing it to be delivered in precise, incremental bursts. The pallet fork, in turn, transfers this energy to the balance wheel, causing it to oscillate back and forth at a consistent rate. This oscillation regulates the movement of the watch hands, ensuring accurate timekeeping.

The lever escapement's design minimizes friction and wear, contributing to the longevity and precision of the watch. Its widespread adoption in horology is due to its ability to maintain accuracy over time, making it a fundamental element in the construction of high-quality mechanical watches.