Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Rafael Nadal continually benefits from the perks of an elite tennis star, one of which for him is the daily wearing of a watch costing nearly $800,000.

But for the Spaniard, who exited the US Open in the third round, his sponsorship contract with Geneva watchmaking artisan Richard Mille is not a one-way street.

In addition to sporting the third iteration of ultra-lightweight watches designed specifically for him and sold to the public in a limited edition of 50 only, Nadal is also happy to make design suggestions based upon his personal experience with the pricey timepiece.

The latest RM 27-02 model is highlighted by a mechanical tourbillon and is constructed from featherweight advanced composite materials with a weight of around 20 grams and able to withstand a G-force of 5,000.

One improvement incorporated into the model, which features a bright-orange wristband and velcro strap for Nadal, is a waterproof seal to keep sweat from entering a part of the works. The third-gen timepiece also features a “sexy” white and grey face.

But Nadal seems to admit that he would be unlikely to actually pay for such a watch, several of which he has broken – but which were quickly replaced. The world No. 8 told CNBC that while the price point was sky-high, “it’s an investment at the same time. All of these watches are limited editions and Richard Mille is a selective brand. In a couple of years the prices is going to be higher.”

Nadal added that he is confident that the latest model would quickly sell out its limited edition, just as the previous models did. “It’s because of the brand,” Nadal said. “Richard Mille is doing amazing work. It’s great to promote this beautiful watch.”

Nadal is just one of many top players who count Swiss watch deals among their income streams, with Roger Federer, retired Li Na and Caroline Wozniacki on Rolex, Maria Sharapova a brand ambassador for Tag Heuer and Stan Wawrinka sporting an Audemars Piguet.

Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.