Accelerometer-based detection for controlling audio-reporting watches, resulting in button-free operation. A wristwatch can use an accelerometer to detect the orientation and/or movement of a user's wrist and subsequently activate audio time reporting, without requiring the user to find and lush a small button. For example, a talking wristwatch can use this method to automatically report the time whenever a user moves or orients his or her wrist to a natural position for listening. A position such as that in close proximity to the ear can additionally facilitate private listening without disturbing others. Furthermore, the wristwatch can report time using personalized audio time components that the user has previously recorded, so that reporting is in a custom voice or language. In such applications, accelerometer-based control of audio-reporting watches offers significant advantages over conventional means of control, particularly in terms of ease of use and durability.