Abstract: An electronic timepiece including timekeeping means, an electro-optical time display, and a circuit for setting the display is disposed within an electrically conductive case and an electrically conductive, optically transmissive face cover. A battery is coupled to energize the timekeeping means continuously and the display setting circuit selectively. The electrically conductive face cover and the electrically conductive case are insulated from one another and constitute electrodes of a switching circuit for selectively connecting the battery to energize the display circuit. The battery is electrically connected in series with the conductive case and display circuit, and the display circuit is electrically connected in series with the conductive face cover and battery, whereby the display circuit may be selectively energized by simultaneously contacting the exterior conductive surfaces of the face cover and case with a conductive body disposed outside of the case.