A newbie needs help

[C.J.]

Hello.
My name is C.J. and I just joined this forum. I've been reading your posts for some time now. I was amazed at how knowledgable and helpful you are. I feel like I already know some of you.
Anyway, a little about myself, I'm thirty-four and a Police Officer in Atlantic City NJ. I have an incredible interest in watches, especially Rolex.
I have only owned two Rolex, a second hand GMT II with red/blue bezel and an Air King. I sold the GMT and traded the Air King for a Seamaster chrono diver (could'nt afford a Rolex at the time). The GMT was just too used looking and the Air King just was'nt big enough for me.
I am ready to buy my first new Rolex. My budget will allow for no more than 4K. My dream watch is a GMT II with red/black bezel, but I already have a big sport watch in the seamaster. With Omega resale values being as low as they are, I'm stuck with it. With my budget being what it is I know that I will not have any additions to my Rolex collection any time soon.
I have narrowed my purchase to either a Datejust in stainless, with oyster bracelette, white dial, polished bezel and stick markers or an Explorer 1. I know that this will become my most prized possession and doubt very much if it will ever find it's way off of my wrist. I am asking for your insight on which is heavier and more durable. basically, which will take a better beating.
The AD's in this area are all in the casinos. The sales people seem to know a little less than squat about the individual watches. Their commission seems to be all they know about.
I feel very comfortable with your opinions. Your feed back will greatly affect my decision. I thank you all very much in advance for your time and consideration in this matter.