Ok... I didn't mean to infer I didn't think it would work. I know LOTS of cheap kitchen clocks use that method for just the reasons you state (cheap and accurate). Probably an easy way to get the whole assembly is to hit up Goodwill and look through the clocks...

Me? I tend to overcomplicate things. I'd probably order up the DS3231 module from Banggood for $2.70, then display the date, day of the week, daily hi and low temperature... In the end, if I wanted to know the time, I'd end up having to look at my watch!