Mudge Invents Lever Escapement Invented around 1755 by Thomas Mudge, the lever escapement has been the most widely used escapement in watches since the 1800s. Its design was a major step forward, because it is self-starting, unlike other escapements (such as the cylinder escapement). It is still used in almost all mechanical watches. Image Credit English lever movement. Public Domain, Time Worn Watches, https://www.timewornwatches.co.uk/manufacturers/thomas-mudge/
