From above, they both look the same. See pic #2. This is how it looks to the wearer most of the time.
Blue is barely noticeable from above.
It is subtle in anything but direct sunlight like in the photos.
Like the shade of blue a lot.
Love love love the solo band. Most comfortable band to type with on a laptop. That's the most important factor to me, but the braiding looks nifty too. Just ordered the regular blue solo to switch off.
Till now (since the Series 3 - my first Apple Watch) I only wear the Apple Watch while working out. Now I don't want to take it off.