Watch specifications

Production Year
1929
Size
38 mm x 24 mm
Material
18K yellow gold
Dial Color
Silvered with Engraved/Enameled ANDRE ZIBACH GENEVE
Watch Movement
Round caliber movement 67918
CSKU
1606

Story behind the watch

André Zibach is a name any serious Patek Philippe collector should know. In the days of the Geneva Observatory timing competitions, names such as Jaccard, Modoux, and Matile were considered Horological Royalty. And Zibach was on the top of the list. These were the individuals that adjusted the competition watches that were the ‘Formula One’ level chronometers of the era. The Adjusters (or Regleurs) were treated like rockstars by the watch companies. They made their own hours, worked their own way, had their own individual methodology and did whatever was needed to win the coveted Observatory ratings. Their job was to perfect ‘the diverse factors which affect the rate of the watch, such as shocks, changes of position, variations of temperature and barometric pressure, clearance of the balance spring, defects of poise of the balance and spring, the effect of the maintaining impulse, friction, etc.’ In short, these were the masters of the master watchmakers. André Zibach had a celebrated career as an Adjuster that spanned four decades, mostly working for Patek Philippe. In 1929, Zibach had his first record in pocket chronometers, and in 1948/1949 he won records in wrist chronometers. He even regulated the personal watch of Mr. Philippe Stern.

Zibach also adjusted one of the most important (and valuable) time only watches ever made, The J.B. Champion, a watch that needs no introduction.
Two other watches formerly belonging to Zibach have surfaced to date. First, a 29 mm Calatrava dated 1929, that sold at Sotheby’s. And the second, a ref. 1582 dated 1947 that sold at Christie’s.
For additional info on Zibach and his watches, watch this video and see this article.
The presently offered watch is the only André Zibach watch that literally has his name on the dial. Believed to be made to celebrate his 1929 Observatory records, the case back bears the engraving of his name and is dated 1929. The inside case back is also engraved 1929. The elegant 18k yellow gold, curved hinged case holds the Tavannes movement within, and the engraved enamelled silvered dial with Arabic numerals and the name ‘ANDRE ZIBACH / GENEVE’.

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1

Find a Patek Philippe you like

Explore the available Patek Philippe watches on the website.

2

Know the watch

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3

Make the purchase

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4

Receive the watch

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Buy a watch

Every timepiece is personally inspected and authenticated by our founder, John Reardon, one of the world’s leading experts on Patek Philippe. The case, dial, movement, and, when applicable, the buckle and bracelet are examined before a watch is offered for sale. Whenever possible, we include the original Certificate of Origin or an Extract from the Archives. If a watch is offered without one, we will always explain why - for example, if Patek Philippe declined to issue an Extract from the Archives because a dial was changed at some point in the watch's history.

We take pride in offering watches in the condition in which we acquired them. We avoid unnecessary interventions such as polishing or dial refinishing. If a movement requires repair, it is serviced by our select group of trusted specialists, including Patek Philippe-trained watchmakers.

Yes. We guarantee the authenticity of every Patek Philippe timepiece we sell. If a watch purchased from us is ever determined to have a previously unknown issue, we will cancel the sale and refund the full purchase price. This authenticity guarantee lasts three years from the date of sale and applies only to the original purchaser. It covers the watch as a whole, not individual components. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Collectability is an independent business and is not an authorized Patek Philippe dealer nor affiliated with Patek Philippe SA.

Every watch purchased from Collectability is guaranteed to be in working order for one year from the date of sale. If it stops functioning properly during that period (and hasn’t been damaged or mishandled), we’ll repair or adjust it free of charge.

Vintage and pre-owned watches should never be considered water resistant, even if they were originally designed as such. We recommend avoiding exposure to water, shocks, or magnetic fields.

For most timepieces, with the exception of consigned pieces, if you decide your timepiece is not right for you, you can return it within three business days for a full refund. We’ll provide a return shipping label and issue your refund upon safe receipt of the watch.

We accept secure payments via bank transfer only.

Yes. All shipments are insured until they reach you via a trusted courier.

Returns are accepted within three business days of delivery for a full refund. We’ll provide a prepaid label and issue the refund upon safe receipt of the watch.

We’ll arrange immediate repair or adjustment under the terms of our one-year working guarantee.

Within the first year, repairs within reason are covered. After this period, we can coordinate servicing with our watchmaking partners at your expense, with an estimate provided before any work begins.

Yes. Many clients choose to have us coordinate ongoing maintenance or service.

Testimonials

Tom P

“Just received a watch this morning purchased through Collectability. From start to finish it was a pleasurable experience and went very smoothly. Collectability definitely has the most interesting and quality curated inventory of vintage Patek Philippe I have seen. 10/10 would recommend.”

JH

September 2025

“Downsizing my life in many ways big and small. Checked several sources looking for a reputable buyer of Patek Philippe. John’s name came to the top of the list as an expert. I reached out to him and he offered a very fair price (I had gone to other dealers and researched online)He offered several w…”

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July 2025

“I’ve had the pleasure of purchasing two vintage Patek Philippe watches from Collectibility, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the entire experience. From the initial inquiry to post-purchase support, the service provided has been nothing short of exceptional. John Reardon is a true authority wh…”

Marc

June 2025

“I bought a watch and John and Tania could not have been better to deal with.”

Gerhard Z

June 2025

“John is THE authority on everything Patek Philippe! He is not only trustworthy, but also a genuine pleasure to talk with!”

Peter S

May 2025

“I am a New York City physician and distinctly honored to have recently purchased several exquisite, rare, pristine and well-priced Patek Philippe timepieces and accessories from John Reardon, founder of Collectability. John is the real deal you can't find anywhere else when it comes to being knowle…”

David T

April 2025

“I just opened the box with the Patek Philippe watch and paperwork from Collectability. Not only is the watch stunning, but the quality of the packaging and the overall presentation was the best I have ever seen. I am extremely impressed. You really made the buying experience absolutely first class.…”

Robert M

March 2025

“John was very patient. I thought I knew a lot about Patek Philippe since I worked in an authorized dealership many years ago. I was wrong. As a lifelong Patek fan, I really appreciate the patience and assistance. My watch is amazing. Every aspect of my purchase exceeded expectations. Thank you!”

BLN

February 2025

“Collectability’s integrity, knowledge and service elevate an enjoyable hobby to a passionate quest for scholarship and collection. I have dealt with the team at multiple occasions over the years, and what I found truly remarkable is the combination of generosity in sharing knowledge and unmatched e…”

Andres N

January 2025

“You [John Reardon] and your team are really amazing and some of us are very fortunate that we not only have been able to get some amazing Patek Philippe pieces through you, but we have learned a lot as part of the process.”

Marc B

December 2024

“Over the past 4 years, I have bought and sold over a dozen Patek Philippe timepieces with Collectability. John Reardon and Tania Edwards are not only world-class experts when it comes to Patek Philippe, they are also world-class individuals. They set the bar high for everything from the educational…”