diff --git a/openerp/addons/base/res/res_partner.py b/openerp/addons/base/res/res_partner.py
index fb4387fb3ae..5d4c10eb242 100644
--- a/openerp/addons/base/res/res_partner.py
+++ b/openerp/addons/base/res/res_partner.py
@@ -74,7 +74,8 @@ class format_address(object):
 
 
 def _tz_get(self,cr,uid, context=None):
-    return [(x, x) for x in pytz.all_timezones]
+    # put POSIX 'Etc/*' entries at the end to avoid confusing users - see bug 1086728
+    return [(tz,tz) for tz in sorted(pytz.all_timezones, key=lambda tz: tz if not tz.startswith('Etc/') else '_')]
 
 class res_partner_category(osv.osv):