The closest the industry came to what you're describing, unfortunately, was Pebble. They were cheap (IIRC the OG Pebble was around $99); while they didn't last _multiple_ weeks you could get 7-10 days out of a charge depending on model.

I use my Pebble Time Steel pretty much exactly how you're describing; to glance at the time, weather, and notifications, so I can keep my phone on silent in my pocket.

Apparently nobody except you and I want that, though :(