• by Chuck Martin , October 3, 2016

Consumer interest in smartwatches appears to vary across ages and countries, but the brand preferences appear to remain constant across the board.

Apple and Samsung are the top two brands consumers are likely to choose when purchasing a smartwatch, with Sony, Garmin, Swatch and TAG Heuer taking in the third spot, depending on location, according to a new study.

Overall, U.S consumers are less likely to purchase a smartwatch in the next year, compared to those in other countries.

The Deloitte Swiss Watch Industry Study 2016 was conducted by Research Now and comprised a survey of 3,000 consumers in China, Italy, Germany, Japan, Switzerland and the U.S.

Fewer than a quarter (20%) of U.S. consumers said they are likely to purchase a smartwatch within the next year, down from 31% last year.

Interest in smartwatches appears to be highest in China with more than half (59%) of consumers saying they will likely purchase a smartwatch within the next year. However, the study did acknowledge that the numbers in China may be inflated due to a potential bias in the research.

Here is the breakdown of consumers likely to purchase a smartwatch in the next year:

• 59% -- China
• 45% -- Italy
• 28% -- Germany
• 25% -- Japan
• 20% -- U.S.
• 20% -- Switzerland

In most countries, younger consumers are more likely to purchase a smartwatch, according to the study.

Nearly a third (29%) of U.S. consumers between the ages of 18 and 29 said they are likely to buy a smartwatch, but that number drops to 5% as age increases above 50.

Italy experiences a slight increase in purchase intent of consumers between the ages of 30 and 49, as does Switzerland.

Deloitte found that all countries show lower purchase intent than last year, with the exception of Japan and Switzerland, which increased by 1% and 3%, respectively.