mechanical watch

A mechanical watch is a portable timepiece that uses a coiled spring, known as a mainspring, to store energy. This energy is transferred through a series of gears and an escapement mechanism to a component called the balance. The balance, often regulated by a balance spring, oscillates back and forth, controlling the release of energy and thus the precise timing of the watch. Early mechanical watches, appearing after 1500, typically had only an hour hand. Over time, innovations like the fusee and later the lever escapement improved accuracy by addressing variations in the mainspring's force and allowing the balance to swing more freely.1