Thinking about buying a Rolex (my 1st)

[bennoch]

Hi.

I have a Cartier Panthere that I literally never take off except when the battery dies every 3 yrs . My husband has a SS OPD (sorry, don't know the lingo) and an 18k model (not sure which one) from his late father that he never wears. I've just started thinking about getting myself a Rolex. I have done no research yet and know next to nothing about Rolex. I've poked around on the website and like models 178248 and 178240. I also saw a gorgeous one in our local AD's window but it had some 18k and is more than I can afford for now. I plan to stop by the AD this weekend to get some basic info but I guess my first question to you guys is, is it worth it to buy used/authorized? (I have no issue with buying a used watched so long as it's authentic and so long as Rolex will service it etc the same as if I'd purchased it new). Who are the totally legit pre-ownded dealers? What are the advantages of buying new apart from the fact that the watch is new (which I don't really care about)? Thanks!