[lm28469]

> nothing else in the microwave relies on the time being accurate.

The real question is why does your microwave gives time in the first place. Sounds like they had a display and didn't know what to show on it while the microwave wasn't actively used, I'd say drop the clock altogether

[graypegg]

Yeah honestly! But, if I had to guess, it’s probably built into whatever “microwave controller” SOC is mass manufactured.

The clock was an upsell long ago, but now that the whole device is a commodity product, and the clock is using parts already in the machine, I guess it’s just not worth removing.

[Cthulhu_]

It's pretty common to bolt on features, like how a lot of powerbanks have a light or a belt loop built in because why not.