Looking for a Rolex for my wife's birthday?

[noriesrolex]

Hi.
I am new to this forum, and new to Rolex. First, what is AD? I read about this on the forum, but I do not know what it is.

Rolex is a confusing world. I am looking for a two toned (gold and stainless)
26mm Datajust, champagne dial, and oyster, not jubilee band. No diamonds.

I went to a jewelry store, and the man showed me a beautiful one and swore to me that it was new. No, he did not have the box because it had been in the store for sometime, but it was reduced because they wanted to "find a home" for the watch.
I went home, did some internet checking, and then called his store's corporate offices and learned that that store only sells pre-owned watches. I was so disheartened and angry at the same time.

I have since gone on the web, and seem to only or mostly locate pre-owned watches.

Now, new vs. pre-owned. If you find a pre-owned that you like, how do you know if it is a "good" watch....plus how do you really know if it is really a Rolex? Is new just as good as pre-owned? How can you find the date of manufacture on a pre-owned?

Any hints as to what to look for on a Rolex to tell authenticity, or hints on how to buy one would be greatly appreciated. I probably have so many more questions, but I do not yet know what they are.

I will be reading posts on this forum for a few days, just to learn what questions to ask.

Thank you.