Having now done a bit of research, I have decided that what I would like to find is a Seamaster, cal 562 or 563, all steel ( no gold accents or trim) with date ( not day). I actually would want a pristine white or silver dial, so am happy to accept repaint. So the obvious place to look is eBay - is there anywhere else I should look? What sort of price would I expect to pay for a restored watch? As aside, what does the de Ville designation mean, and add/detract from the model? The mechanisms seem to be the same. Thanks in advance.
That's a fairly common watch and I recommend you find one with a nice original dial instead. Ebay is the right source and for one in nice original shape I would say $400 or so.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/OMEGA-STAINL...hes&hash=item589edc7d6a&_uhb=1#ht_7346wt_1271Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network This one has a 565 quick set which is better than 562. Original dial The price seems high but you can make an offer.
The 168.022 chronometer 564 or 166.028 non-chronometer caliber 565 are a couple to look for also. These might cost you between $500 and $950 nowadays depending on condition and with or without bracelet. Keep in mind that the chronometer versions usually sell for a hundred or two more. As for the De Ville versions, that's a name Norman Morris asked for on the dial for the US market. Those models were available from 1963 through 1967 until the De Ville became it's own line separate from the Seamaster. A nice stainless SM or SMDV will run $450 for mediocre condition to $850 tops for the mint examples.
This one I think is ideal in look, but does the price mean there is something special about it, or just a disconnect in seller expectations? I note that the seconds are subdivided which I have not seen before. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251267564328?ssPageName=STRK:MEBOFFX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1432.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network