Flightmaster renovation and bracelet

A very close friend recently passed away unexpectedly. His wife gave me this watch as a remembrance (I am a pilot as was he, and we regularly went flying together).

It appears to be a flightmaster 145.026 based on what I have found so far. These pictures are awful (sorry). Case has some dings, but hands and dial look great: all the color appears to be on the hands and the subdials haven’t “gone tropical” as I understand it is called. The color is still on the two crowns on left side and the pushers on the right side. Crystal unscratched. Has gained maybe 30 seconds over three days with daily winding.

The flex band is obviously not original. Would like to consider tying to find a period-correct bracelet, which I understand was a 1162/172. Could anyone confirm that? One concern is that I have small wrists: I would hate to invest in the bracelet and then not be able to get it sized for me (I have read that the taper on the bracelet limits how many links can be removed), but I have not been able to find specs on the bracelet that tell me what the size range is based on how many links can be removed. Can anyone help on this?

Finally, I have no idea if or when this piece has been serviced. Guess I could have a jeweler remove the case back so I can get the serial number and then ask Omega. Assuming I find that servicing is in order, what advice do people have? Have read apparent horror stories of watches coming back with dials or hands replaced that spoiled the vintage look of the piece. And what about a restoration of the case? Have read stories of polishing being a bad thing, but others about wonderful case (or whole piece) restoration. Cost is really not a factor in the circumstances.

Thanks in advance for any help the Omega fans on this board can offer. Much appreciated by this newb.

Where are you based?

Theres some people who are very good at restoring the cases.

Regarding the bracelet, as far as I know the Flightmaster came either on a 1159/155 or on a 1162/172. Also a Omega Jubilee Holzer bracelet is possible when delivered to South America.

Kind regards Max

North Carolina USA. Thanks!

@GMOG on here is in New Mexico but he's darn good with a chronograph.

Just to clarify, you say you would refinish the case "I would myself consider refinishing of that case".

Perfect, thanks for clarifying.

I recently had mine done by Simon Freese and was very pleased with the result. Also Adam Lewis in Australia is great at the bolt up restorations.

I recall there being another in the States as well. The watch does look good as it is though and serves a powerful reminder of your friend.