Abstract: To increase the utilization by an electric timepiece, such as a quartz watch, of the electric energy derived from a primary source, such as a photo cell, which energy is stored in a multi-layer capacitor, the voltage on the capacitor is fed to transfer capacitors which are connected in series or in parallel to be charged from the multi-layer capacitor and then connected in series or in parallel to charge an auxiliary capacitor which drives the movement of the timepiece. Provisions are made for starting the watch when the stored voltage is less than the operating voltage of the watch movement.