ion Pinion is a term used to refer to the small toothed wheel in a watch movement, typically made of brass or steel. It is the point of connection between the mainspring and the gear train, and is responsible for transmitting power from the mainspring to the other components of the watch movement. It typically has between 8 and 20 teeth and is often decorated with intricate engravings. Pinion is a crucial component of any mechanical watch, and its precise construction and placement are essential to the performance of a watch.