The ratchet wheelRatchet Wheel The ratchet wheel is another gear that is connected to the barrel. The ratchet wheel has a series of teeth that engage with a pawl, a lever that prevents the barrel from rotating in the opposite direction. The ratchet wheel allows the mainspring to be wound in one direction and prevents it from being unwound by accident, protecting the movement. The crown wheel and the ratchet wheel are important components of the winding mechanism that allow the watch to be wound and keep the energy needed for the movement to run. [Learn More] is another gear that is connected to the barrelBarrel The barrel is a cylindrical container that holds the mainspring. The barrel is connected to the winding mechanism. The winding mechanism rotates the barrel, which in turn winds the mainspring. [Learn More] . The ratchet wheel has a series of teeth that engage with a pawl, a lever that prevents the barrel from rotating in the opposite direction. The ratchet wheel allows the mainspringMainspring The mainspring is a spiral-shaped metal spring that stores energy in a mechanical watch movement. It is located inside the barrel. The mainspring is wound, either manually or automatically. The mainspring unwinds over time, and the watch will stop running when the mainspring is fully unwound. [Learn More] to be wound in one direction and prevents it from being unwound by accident, protecting the movement. The crown wheelCrown Wheel The crown wheel is a gear that interacts with the crown. When the crown is turned, the crown wheel rotates and winds the mainspring. [Learn More] and the ratchet wheel are important components of the winding mechanism that allow the watch to be wound and keep the energy needed for the movement to run.