Last week, a piece of GfK research named standalone connected smartwatches the wearable device that UK and US consumers are most interested in buying. However, every effort from the big manufacturers – like Sonys Smartwatch or Samsungs Galaxy Gear – relies on a smartphone connection to function. So why isnt anyone trying to give the public what they want?

Enter UK-based Orsto, which has launched an equity crowdfunding campaign for its Orsto Plus Watch X3.

The X3, running on a modified version of Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), can connect to 3G and GPRS, thanks to a SIM slot, as well as wi-fi and Bluetooth – which Orsto says makes it the worlds first truly standalone smartwatch.

The watch also features both front- and rear-facing cameras, and can be used as a smartphone companion for delivering notifications via Bluetooth.

In order to get the funding needed to produce the device, Orsto has turned to Crowdcube. Unlike campaigns on Kickstarter or Indiegogo, backers are actually investing in the business itself. Orsto is offering a 12.5 per equity share, in exchange for the £150,000 its hoping to raise.