Thoughts on Speedmaster 145.022-69 with Tropical Dial

Hi,

I'm new here, but have been lurking for a while trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible. I recently acquired a beat up Speedmaster while dealing with the estate of a friend. Below the terribly scratched hesalite crystal was beautifully patinated, chocolate, tropical dial but also has some paint loss on the hands (the lower subdial hand was detached) and it seems to have a 90s service bezel which is disappointing. It also had an incorrect bracelet. I took it in for an overhaul service with a reputable service provider in New York where they did the following:
* Complete disassembly of all parts of the movement
* Ultrasonic cleaning of movement
* New mainspring
* Upgraded Movement Parts
* New crystal
* New crown
* New pushers x2
* Ultrasonic clean the case and bracelet (No extra charge)*Fit the subdial hand
I've got to say that I love wearing the watch and I'm not particularly interested in selling it but after spending as much time as I have looking at other Speedmasters from the era I'm considering investing the money and fitting it with the correct bezel and bracelet. It's got a 29,000,000 range serial number and a hippocampus caseback. I'm uncertain whether it needs a DO90 or a DN90 with the taller TACHYMETRE. I'm also trying to figure out how to get an extract from the archive for it but when I visited the Omega boutique on 5th Ave yesterday they said they couldn't order one.
I'm curious what the community's thoughts on this watch are. I've already fallen in love with it.

Thanks

Dial has a lovely appearance in your photographs. Did they give you the old parts that they replaced following the service? Regarding the bezel, have a look at the link below when you get a minute.

http://speedmaster101.com/base500-bezel-identification/

That watch looks great after the service, especially that dial 👍

Based on a 29xxxxxx serial number, it should come with a DON bezel. Honestly, the watch looks great as it is even with the modern bezel.

For the bracelet, you can consider getting a 1039 bracelet with 516 endlinks.

There are several very friendly members outside the US who would likely volunteer to help you get an extract.

Lovely looking watch - you can’t beat that dial!

Love it. Also firmly in the 'leather strap is better looking than the bracelet' club

I would also consider a vintage 1171/633 as an option. I am a big fan of the oldest version (not the trapezoid or the square). It’s vintage and works well, even if it isn’t what was likely sold on the watch.

Looks great, wear and enjoy! Unfortunately the correct DON bezel will be expensive, no rush I’d say.

Do it. I had a 165.024 and the 1171 is magic without breaking the bank (vs. 1039)

Looks great, i’m a friend of brown straps on tropical Speedmasters. They bring out the dial much better that a steel bracelet. Try it on a Nato, mine says hi.

Yep, I'm in that club too 😁 That suede strap looks so good with the dial!!!