Italy has always been a major supporter of Omega, being astute collectors and connoisseurs their relationship began when Louis Brandt & Frères entrusted Luigi Cesare Tallia for the distribution North of the country, while the South was managed by the Bandiera & Bedetti company in Rome. In 1921, Luigi Tallia teamed up with Turin businessman Roberto De Marchi, this marks the beginning of the long and prolific collaboration between the headquarters in Bienne and what will become the famous Fratelli De Marchi company in Turin that heavily stimulated the brand's presence in Italy.
To answer the love and support from the Italian collectors, Omega released exclusive models such as the Apollo-Soyuz ST 145.0022 in 1976, followed by the present Italy special in 1986 (ST 145.0022) and 1988 in two series (DD 145.0022).
Dressed with a touch of gold on the Speedmaster, it was an initiative to boost collector’s interest during the late 80s. It was a time where two-tone timepieces were trending. Featuring a 18K dot close to 70 yellow gold bezel contrasting with the stunning black dial, the sunken sub-dials shines in gold. The crown and pushers were crafted in plated gold. Produced in two series each in a limited edition of 500 pieces, the latter series were denoted by an “A” in front of the edition number on the caseback. The heart of the Speedmaster is the calibre 861.
Numbered 263 from the early first series limited edition, the present example retains its original warranty and box, its dial had further aged with an attractive warm mustard hue on the lumes.