The pallet forkPallet Fork The pallet fork is a small lever in a mechanical watch movement that is part of the escapement mechanism. It is connected to the balance wheel and typically has two small, flat pieces called pallet jewels, which sit at the end of the pallet fork. These pallet jewels are also known as pallets. [Learn More] is a small lever in a mechanical watch movement that is part of the escapementEscapement The escapement is a mechanism in a mechanical watch movement that regulates the release of energy from the mainspring and keeps the watch ticking at a steady rate. The escapement is made up of two main components: the escape wheel and the pallet fork. The escapement is responsible for the ticking sound of the watch, and it ensures that the watch runs at a consistent rate. As the escape wheel rotates forward, it locks and unlocks with the pallet fork, allowing a small amount of energy from the mainspring to be released. This causes the balance wheel to oscillate and the watch to 'tick'. [Learn More] mechanism. It is connected to the balance wheelBalance Wheel The balance wheel is a component of a mechanical watch movement that oscillates at a consistent rate. It receives a small impulse from the pallet fork, which is part of the escapement mechanism. The balance wheel is connected to a hairspring that controls the rate of oscillation of the balance wheel. The balance wheel and hairspring work together to keep accurate time. The oscillations of the balance wheel drive the timekeeping functions of the watch. The balance wheel is a crucial component of a mechanical watch movement. [Learn More] and typically has two small, flat pieces called pallet jewelsPallet Jewels The pallet jewels interact with the escape wheel. As the escape wheel rotates, its teeth engage with the pallet jewels, releasing a small amount of energy to the balance wheel at regular intervals. The pallet jewels are often made of synthetic sapphire or ruby, which are hard and durable materials that reduce friction and wear on the escapement mechanism [Learn More], which sit at the end of the pallet fork. These pallet jewels are also known as palletsPallet Jewels The pallet jewels interact with the escape wheel. As the escape wheel rotates, its teeth engage with the pallet jewels, releasing a small amount of energy to the balance wheel at regular intervals. The pallet jewels are often made of synthetic sapphire or ruby, which are hard and durable materials that reduce friction and wear on the escapement mechanism [Learn More].