A switching mechanism is provided for a multimode electronic timepiece having a casing, a device for indicating a time-of-day and an integrated circuit operable in a plurality of modes. The switching mechanism includes a setting stem mounted for rotational movement and positionable in a plurality of axial setting positions. The setting stem includes at least one tooth. The switching mechanism also includes a switch arm having a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion engages the tooth of the setting stem. The switching mechanism further includes a first and a second electrical contact. When the setting stem is in at least one of the axial setting positions and while the timepiece is operating in at least two of the modes, the intermediate portion cooperates with the tooth to intermittently form, in response to a rotation of the setting stem, an electrical connection between the second end and, when the setting stem is rotating in a first direction, the first electrical contact to produce an intermittent first electrical pulse. Alternatively, when the setting stem is rotating in a second direction, an electrical connection is intermittently formed between the second end and the second electrical contact to produce an intermittent second electrical pulse. In one embodiment, the intermittent first and second electrical signals are inputs to setting functions performed within at least one of the modes of the timepiece.