I concur with the Shimano R500 suggestion. At first I was very dubious, but the price was attractive. And since the Japanese ground is not heaving with wheelsets as used items, I went for it. I got a mechanic to cut the axle and re-dish the rear wheel so as to fit in my 126 mm stays. A spacer kit was used along with a BMX freewheel to make my old Simplon an SS bike. 18 months later, these wheels have behaved beautifully, and I am using this bike almost daily. They remain as true as the day they went on. Go for it. There are lighter, fancier wheels, but I like these.

Wheels are consumables. They ALL wear out, and usually long before the hubs. The hubs on the R500's are nothing special -- I'd say Shimano's off group 400 grade. But, they are smooth. HINT, as with many Shimano hubs, they come out of the wrapping with the cones too tight. Slack them off and then see how they feel when cinched down on the skewers. Mine came in black with a garish sticker. The sticker can be carefully peeled away. Some pretty serious dudes are using these as training wheels and have many K miles on 'em. Check the reviews.

For classic restorations these wheels are a heresy, but for practical use I see nothing wrong with them. In fact, I am having an affair with modern wheels and have aquired a set of Ultegras for my Woodrup build.