diff --git a/include/message_filters/message_traits.h b/include/message_filters/message_traits.h
index 02ffb56..c1cb146 100644
--- a/include/message_filters/message_traits.h
+++ b/include/message_filters/message_traits.h
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ struct TimeStamp
   static rclcpp::Time value(const M & m)
   {
     (void)m;
-    return rclcpp::Time();
+    return rclcpp::Time(0, 0, RCL_ROS_TIME);
   }
 };