Choosing between water-based and oil-based finish for a frequently handled desk

I'm finishing a desk that will see hands, coffee mugs and the occasional damp cloth every day. I like the lower odor and quick cleanup of water-based finishes, but I've heard oil-based products can bring out the grain more warmly. Durability and repairability matter more than achieving a particular golden color. What have you actually used on a working desk that still looked decent after a few years?