Newbie seeking guidance - 1966 DeVille, 711, 161.022

Hi all - Am a newbie and looking for guidance. After a long-time thinking and [drum roll] watching (groan), I want to buy my first timepiece. I'm looking at vintage Omegas, because of the brand's reputation, value, and my budget is sub $1,000 for my first foray into this new hobby and passion. And, to be honest, I'm not interested in trends or fashion: I'm interested in a piece that will open a door, allow me deepen my understanding of the brand, build on it, learn as I care for and use this piece. I've spent a long time reviewing this forum, though only recently joined and appreciate the wealth of knowledge. So, two questions:
1. are there any "can't miss" resources I should be looking at? I've poured over this site, the Ranfft site for researching calibres, the chronomaddox site, and Omega's reference site as well. But any books?
2. I've got my eye on what appears to be a late 60s DeVille (photos below), gold plated, 711 calibre, serial numbewr is 23 million putting it around 1966, original glass for under $400. I've researched the seller (who is only on Ebay, not Chrono24), and I can't find evidence of negative feedback. I'm attracted to the watch because it's a square watch and a little slimmer and smaller and just appeals to me. But it appears to me to not be an "all original" in the sense that:
a. the crown, band, buckle are not original/Omega branded;
b. the dial face doesn't correspond to what I've been able to find online for the reference 161.022. The 161.022s I've seen, including from an old Omega catalog, Omega's site, and online don't correspond to this one. For example, Omega's site has index hour markers, but the writing is different: "Omega, automatic (lower case), DE VILLE" on Omega's site whereas this specimen is "Omega, AUTOMATIC [in what appears to be an all or small caps different font], DE VILLE" (cf. https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-de-ville-omega-st-161-0022). On this site, I found a user who had located a 1967 catalog which also shows a slight variation in the text placement on the dial (no DE VILLE on that 161.022; instead just an OMEGA and then above the "6" index market, low caps "automatic". In other specimens from ebay or auctions, I've seen the "same" watch with yet different dials using only arabic numerals.
c. I know that there are a tonne of people who repaint Omega dials to suit current trends, and I guess I'm wondering whether or not the integrity of the dial as "original" is important (and whether at this price point it even matters). And, moreover, how to tell. And, also, should I care about the dial if I like the watch?
d. The specimen for sale was serviced in 2015, but based on my research, seems like it's due for a new one at which time I'd probably want to find an Omega branded crown to replace this one.
Am I on target with my analysis? Any advice from more seasoned enthusiasts?
Grateful for any insights.

The square shaped stuff is no where near as popular or valuable as the round stuff. My opinion is for the $400 price point you should have your pick of the litter in square plated Omegas so wait until something in better shape comes along. 😁

Agreed, with your budget, you can get a watch that you will be proud to wear and keep, no need to buy a piece with problems. Check out the sales forum here https://omegaforums.net/forums/private-watch-sales/ where you’ll find gems like this https://omegaforums.net/threads/red...d-wind-eterna-with-sapphire-blue-dial.116310/

400 USD is too much for this one. Especially when it is doesn't have all of the original parts intact. With patience, you can score a much better watch.

If you're not set on square design I'd look into cal 565 or the 7xx date versions. Despite how much people ask on the sales forums for them, you can get a good example of either those for just a tiny bit more than 400 USD. This lets you try the watch to see if you like it or not and then service it for every day wear.

If you're dead set on square design, I'd look for Seamaster Compressors. There are still deals to be had and you'd be crazy to pay over three digits for one unless serviced and in top notch condition with some additional trinklets which are rarer than hen's teeth.

The sales forum here should not be used for price reference. It will give you a warped picture of the scene.

1) These lower end watches don't move very fast.
2) "I'm not forced to sell", but they're selling in the first place.
3) Patience is virtue. For example with 166.032 the dealer is most likely still making profit at 600 USD. (Whether their business is sustainable, I don't care)

Thanks everyone for the sound advice! Much appreciated.