Given the passage of time, I don't know how much point there is in joining this forum, but
I have found many of the answers since discovering it this month. They are, from the top:
1. Google Seiko M422, not M422 501A, I even found service details.
2. It only fits a single CR2025 battery, not two.
3. The tools I use to get inside is the tips of needle nose pliers, and some caution. I did my own battery recently.
4. I have a printed manual still and could scan it. I bought a watch sometime near the end of 1980. Too much time, and several watches later, the memory is vague, so I can't swear it's this one.
There is a fair bit of information online, but more questions. Others I can answer here:
4. A good clue to a battery replacement being due is when you push the button for the light, and the display blanks.
5. Watch out if you do your own battery, there is a tiny post that may fall out. Mine did, and I literally never saw it. The service details suggest it transmits the sound to the case. Mine is now silent, or maybe I need to read the manual again!
Anyway, I also own a Bulova Precisionist, if you think the M422 has a dearth of tech info on line, my Precisionist has NOTHING.