diff --git a/src/auditor/Makefile.am b/src/auditor/Makefile.am
index b876805b2..49f4030ea 100644
--- a/src/auditor/Makefile.am
+++ b/src/auditor/Makefile.am
@@ -54,13 +54,12 @@ libauditorreport_la_LIBADD = \
 taler_auditor_dbinit_SOURCES = \
   taler-auditor-dbinit.c
 taler_auditor_dbinit_LDADD = \
-  $(LIBGCRYPT_LIBS) \
-  $(top_builddir)/src/util/libtalerutil.la \
-  $(top_builddir)/src/pq/libtalerpq.la \
   $(top_builddir)/src/auditordb/libtalerauditordb.la \
-  -lgnunetutil  $(XLIB)
-taler_auditor_dbinit_LDFLAGS = \
-  $(POSTGRESQL_LDFLAGS)
+  $(top_builddir)/src/pq/libtalerpq.la \
+  $(top_builddir)/src/util/libtalerutil.la \
+  -lgnunetutil \
+  $(LIBGCRYPT_LIBS) \
+  $(XLIB)
 taler_auditor_dbinit_CPPFLAGS = \
   -I$(top_srcdir)/src/include \
   -I$(top_srcdir)/src/pq/ \
@@ -182,8 +181,6 @@ taler_auditor_sync_LDADD = \
   -lgnunetutil \
   $(LIBGCRYPT_LIBS) \
   $(XLIB)
-taler_auditor_sync_LDFLAGS = \
-  $(POSTGRESQL_LDFLAGS)
 taler_auditor_sync_CPPFLAGS = \
   -I$(top_srcdir)/src/include \
   -I$(top_srcdir)/src/pq/ \
diff --git a/src/auditor/report-lib.c b/src/auditor/report-lib.c
index e6468f692..0dea786da 100644
--- a/src/auditor/report-lib.c
+++ b/src/auditor/report-lib.c
@@ -160,12 +160,12 @@ add_denomination (
                 TALER_amount2s (&value));
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
                 "Start time is %s\n",
-                GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string
-                  (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (issue->start)));
+                GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s
+                  (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (issue->start)));
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
                 "Expire deposit time is %s\n",
-                GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string
-                  (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (issue->expire_deposit)));
+                GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s
+                  (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (issue->expire_deposit)));
   }
 #endif
   {
diff --git a/src/auditor/taler-auditor-httpd_deposit-confirmation.c b/src/auditor/taler-auditor-httpd_deposit-confirmation.c
index 8f16f36fe..d2ab03705 100644
--- a/src/auditor/taler-auditor-httpd_deposit-confirmation.c
+++ b/src/auditor/taler-auditor-httpd_deposit-confirmation.c
@@ -63,21 +63,19 @@ verify_and_execute_deposit_confirmation (
   const struct TALER_AUDITORDB_ExchangeSigningKey *es)
 {
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
   struct GNUNET_HashCode h;
   const char *cached;
   struct TALER_ExchangeSigningKeyValidityPS skv = {
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_MASTER_SIGNING_KEY_VALIDITY),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (struct TALER_ExchangeSigningKeyValidityPS)),
-    .start = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (es->ep_start),
-    .expire = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (es->ep_expire),
-    .end = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (es->ep_end),
+    .start = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (es->ep_start),
+    .expire = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (es->ep_expire),
+    .end = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (es->ep_end),
     .signkey_pub = es->exchange_pub
   };
 
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  if ( (es->ep_start.abs_value_us > now.abs_value_us) ||
-       (es->ep_expire.abs_value_us < now.abs_value_us) )
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (es->ep_start.abs_time) ||
+      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (es->ep_expire.abs_time) )
   {
     /* Signing key expired */
     TALER_LOG_WARNING ("Expired exchange signing key\n");
@@ -253,12 +251,12 @@ TAH_DEPOSIT_CONFIRMATION_handler (struct TAH_RequestHandler *rh,
                                  &dc.h_extensions),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("h_wire",
                                  &dc.h_wire),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("exchange_timestamp",
-                                   &dc.exchange_timestamp),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("refund_deadline",
-                                   &dc.refund_deadline),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("wire_deadline",
-                                   &dc.wire_deadline),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("exchange_timestamp",
+                                &dc.exchange_timestamp),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("refund_deadline",
+                                &dc.refund_deadline),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("wire_deadline",
+                                &dc.wire_deadline),
     TALER_JSON_spec_amount ("amount_without_fee",
                             TAH_currency,
                             &dc.amount_without_fee),
@@ -272,12 +270,12 @@ TAH_DEPOSIT_CONFIRMATION_handler (struct TAH_RequestHandler *rh,
                                  &dc.exchange_pub),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("master_pub",
                                  &es.master_public_key),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("ep_start",
-                                   &es.ep_start),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("ep_expire",
-                                   &es.ep_expire),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("ep_end",
-                                   &es.ep_end),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("ep_start",
+                                &es.ep_start),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("ep_expire",
+                                &es.ep_expire),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("ep_end",
+                                &es.ep_end),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("master_sig",
                                  &es.master_sig),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
diff --git a/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-aggregation.c b/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-aggregation.c
index edb9f8b39..7fffcd284 100644
--- a/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-aggregation.c
+++ b/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-aggregation.c
@@ -297,12 +297,12 @@ struct WireFeeInfo
   /**
    * When does the fee go into effect (inclusive).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date;
 
   /**
    * When does the fee stop being in effect (exclusive).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date;
 
   /**
    * How high is the wire fee.
@@ -365,7 +365,7 @@ struct WireCheckContext
   /**
    * Execution time of the wire transfer.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp date;
 
   /**
    * Database transaction status.
@@ -698,7 +698,7 @@ wire_transfer_information_cb (
   uint64_t rowid,
   const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
   const char *account_pay_uri,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exec_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exec_time,
   const struct TALER_PrivateContractHash *h_contract_terms,
   const struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey *denom_pub,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
@@ -849,7 +849,9 @@ wire_transfer_information_cb (
                               rowid,
                               "target of outgoing wire transfer do not match hash of wire from deposit");
   }
-  if (exec_time.abs_value_us != wcc->date.abs_value_us)
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (exec_time,
+                                 !=,
+                                 wcc->date) )
   {
     /* This should be impossible from database constraints */
     GNUNET_break (0);
@@ -881,7 +883,7 @@ wire_transfer_information_cb (
 static const struct TALER_Amount *
 get_wire_fee (struct AggregationContext *ac,
               const char *method,
-              struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp)
+              struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp)
 {
   struct WireFeeInfo *wfi;
   struct WireFeeInfo *pos;
@@ -890,10 +892,16 @@ get_wire_fee (struct AggregationContext *ac,
   /* Check if fee is already loaded in cache */
   for (pos = ac->fee_head; NULL != pos; pos = pos->next)
   {
-    if ( (pos->start_date.abs_value_us <= timestamp.abs_value_us) &&
-         (pos->end_date.abs_value_us > timestamp.abs_value_us) )
+    if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (pos->start_date,
+                                   <=,
+                                   timestamp) &&
+        GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (pos->end_date,
+                                   >,
+                                   timestamp) )
       return &pos->wire_fee;
-    if (pos->start_date.abs_value_us > timestamp.abs_value_us)
+    if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (pos->start_date,
+                                   >,
+                                   timestamp))
       break;
   }
 
@@ -929,7 +937,7 @@ get_wire_fee (struct AggregationContext *ac,
           &master_sig))
     {
       report_row_inconsistency ("wire-fee",
-                                timestamp.abs_value_us,
+                                timestamp.abs_time.abs_value_us,
                                 "wire fee signature invalid at given time");
     }
   }
@@ -938,7 +946,7 @@ get_wire_fee (struct AggregationContext *ac,
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
               "Wire fee is %s starting at %s\n",
               TALER_amount2s (&wfi->wire_fee),
-              GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (wfi->start_date));
+              GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (wfi->start_date));
   if ( (NULL == pos) ||
        (NULL == pos->prev) )
     GNUNET_CONTAINER_DLL_insert (ac->fee_head,
@@ -951,7 +959,9 @@ get_wire_fee (struct AggregationContext *ac,
                                        wfi);
   /* Check non-overlaping fee invariant */
   if ( (NULL != wfi->prev) &&
-       (wfi->prev->end_date.abs_value_us > wfi->start_date.abs_value_us) )
+       GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (wfi->prev->end_date,
+                                  >,
+                                  wfi->start_date) )
   {
     TALER_ARL_report (report_fee_time_inconsistencies,
                       GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
@@ -960,10 +970,12 @@ get_wire_fee (struct AggregationContext *ac,
                         GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
                                                  "start date before previous end date"),
                         TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("time",
-                                                        wfi->start_date)));
+                                                        wfi->start_date.abs_time)));
   }
   if ( (NULL != wfi->next) &&
-       (wfi->next->start_date.abs_value_us >= wfi->end_date.abs_value_us) )
+       GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (wfi->next->start_date,
+                                  >=,
+                                  wfi->end_date) )
   {
     TALER_ARL_report (report_fee_time_inconsistencies,
                       GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
@@ -972,7 +984,7 @@ get_wire_fee (struct AggregationContext *ac,
                         GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
                                                  "end date date after next start date"),
                         TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("time",
-                                                        wfi->end_date)));
+                                                        wfi->end_date.abs_time)));
   }
   return &wfi->wire_fee;
 }
@@ -993,7 +1005,7 @@ get_wire_fee (struct AggregationContext *ac,
 static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 check_wire_out_cb (void *cls,
                    uint64_t rowid,
-                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute date,
+                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp date,
                    const struct TALER_WireTransferIdentifierRawP *wtid,
                    const char *payto_uri,
                    const struct TALER_Amount *amount)
@@ -1013,7 +1025,7 @@ check_wire_out_cb (void *cls,
               "Checking wire transfer %s over %s performed on %s\n",
               TALER_B2S (wtid),
               TALER_amount2s (amount),
-              GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (date));
+              GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (date));
   if (NULL == (method = TALER_payto_get_method (payto_uri)))
   {
     report_row_inconsistency ("wire_out",
@@ -1062,7 +1074,7 @@ check_wire_out_cb (void *cls,
     if (NULL == wire_fee)
     {
       report_row_inconsistency ("wire-fee",
-                                date.abs_value_us,
+                                date.abs_time.abs_value_us,
                                 "wire fee unavailable for given time");
       /* If fee is unknown, we just assume the fee is zero */
       final_amount = wcc.total_deposits;
diff --git a/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-coins.c b/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-coins.c
index 4267cd0c2..937613cce 100644
--- a/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-coins.c
+++ b/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-coins.c
@@ -284,20 +284,21 @@ report_emergency_by_amount (
               "Reporting emergency on denomination `%s' over loss of %s\n",
               GNUNET_h2s (&issue->denom_hash.hash),
               TALER_amount2s (loss));
-  TALER_ARL_report (report_emergencies,
-                    GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("denompub_hash",
-                                                  &issue->denom_hash),
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("denom_risk",
-                                              risk),
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("denom_loss",
-                                              loss),
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_nbo_human ("start",
-                                                          issue->start),
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_nbo_human ("deposit_end",
-                                                          issue->expire_deposit),
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_amount_nbo ("value",
-                                                  &issue->value)));
+  TALER_ARL_report (
+    report_emergencies,
+    GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("denompub_hash",
+                                  &issue->denom_hash),
+      TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("denom_risk",
+                              risk),
+      TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("denom_loss",
+                              loss),
+      TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_nbo_human ("start",
+                                          issue->start.abs_time_nbo),
+      TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_nbo_human ("deposit_end",
+                                          issue->expire_deposit.abs_time_nbo),
+      TALER_JSON_pack_amount_nbo ("value",
+                                  &issue->value)));
   TALER_ARL_amount_add (&reported_emergency_risk_by_amount,
                         &reported_emergency_risk_by_amount,
                         risk);
@@ -330,22 +331,23 @@ report_emergency_by_count (
 {
   struct TALER_Amount denom_value;
 
-  TALER_ARL_report (report_emergencies_by_count,
-                    GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("denompub_hash",
-                                                  &issue->denom_hash),
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("num_issued",
-                                               num_issued),
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("num_known",
-                                               num_known),
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("denom_risk",
-                                              risk),
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_nbo_human ("start",
-                                                          issue->start),
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_nbo_human ("deposit_end",
-                                                          issue->expire_deposit),
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_amount_nbo ("value",
-                                                  &issue->value)));
+  TALER_ARL_report (
+    report_emergencies_by_count,
+    GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("denompub_hash",
+                                  &issue->denom_hash),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("num_issued",
+                               num_issued),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("num_known",
+                               num_known),
+      TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("denom_risk",
+                              risk),
+      TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_nbo_human ("start",
+                                          issue->start.abs_time_nbo),
+      TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_nbo_human ("deposit_end",
+                                          issue->expire_deposit.abs_time_nbo),
+      TALER_JSON_pack_amount_nbo ("value",
+                                  &issue->value)));
   TALER_ARL_amount_add (&reported_emergency_risk_by_count,
                         &reported_emergency_risk_by_count,
                         risk);
@@ -794,7 +796,7 @@ get_denomination_summary (struct CoinContext *cc,
  * @param value a `struct DenominationSummary`
  * @return #GNUNET_OK (continue to iterate)
  */
-static int
+static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 sync_denomination (void *cls,
                    const struct GNUNET_HashCode *denom_hash,
                    void *value)
@@ -806,16 +808,18 @@ sync_denomination (void *cls,
   struct DenominationSummary *ds = value;
   const struct TALER_DenominationKeyValidityPS *issue = ds->issue;
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire_deposit;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire_deposit;
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire_deposit_grace;
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
 
   now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  expire_deposit = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (issue->expire_deposit);
+  expire_deposit = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (issue->expire_deposit);
   /* add day grace period to deal with clocks not being perfectly synchronized */
-  expire_deposit_grace = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (expire_deposit,
+  expire_deposit_grace = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (expire_deposit.abs_time,
                                                    DEPOSIT_GRACE_PERIOD);
-  if (now.abs_value_us > expire_deposit_grace.abs_value_us)
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_cmp (now,
+                                >,
+                                expire_deposit_grace) )
   {
     /* Denomination key has expired, book remaining balance of
        outstanding coins as revenue; and reduce cc->risk exposure. */
@@ -963,7 +967,7 @@ withdraw_cb (void *cls,
              const struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey *denom_pub,
              const struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP *reserve_pub,
              const struct TALER_ReserveSignatureP *reserve_sig,
-             struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date,
+             struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date,
              const struct TALER_Amount *amount_with_fee)
 {
   struct CoinContext *cc = cls;
@@ -1564,7 +1568,7 @@ refresh_session_cb (void *cls,
 static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 deposit_cb (void *cls,
             uint64_t rowid,
-            struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp,
+            struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp,
             const struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Deposit *deposit,
             const struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey *denom_pub,
             bool done)
@@ -1591,8 +1595,9 @@ deposit_cb (void *cls,
       return GNUNET_SYSERR;
     return GNUNET_OK;
   }
-  if (deposit->refund_deadline.abs_value_us >
-      deposit->wire_deadline.abs_value_us)
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (deposit->refund_deadline,
+                                 >,
+                                 deposit->wire_deadline))
   {
     report_row_inconsistency ("deposits",
                               rowid,
@@ -2071,7 +2076,7 @@ check_recoup (struct CoinContext *cc,
 static int
 recoup_cb (void *cls,
            uint64_t rowid,
-           struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp,
+           struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp,
            const struct TALER_Amount *amount,
            const struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP *reserve_pub,
            const struct TALER_CoinPublicInfo *coin,
@@ -2115,7 +2120,7 @@ recoup_cb (void *cls,
 static int
 recoup_refresh_cb (void *cls,
                    uint64_t rowid,
-                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp,
+                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp,
                    const struct TALER_Amount *amount,
                    const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *old_coin_pub,
                    const struct TALER_DenominationHash *old_denom_pub_hash,
@@ -2211,8 +2216,8 @@ check_denomination (
   struct TALER_Amount fee_deposit;
   struct TALER_Amount fee_refresh;
   struct TALER_Amount fee_refund;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end;
 
   (void) cls;
   (void) denom_pub;
@@ -2226,8 +2231,8 @@ check_denomination (
                      &issue->fee_refresh);
   TALER_amount_ntoh (&fee_refund,
                      &issue->fee_refund);
-  start = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (issue->start);
-  end = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (issue->expire_legal);
+  start = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (issue->start);
+  end = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (issue->expire_legal);
   qs = TALER_ARL_edb->select_auditor_denom_sig (TALER_ARL_edb->cls,
                                                 &issue->denom_hash,
                                                 &TALER_ARL_auditor_pub,
@@ -2238,9 +2243,9 @@ check_denomination (
                 "Encountered denomination `%s' (%s) valid from %s (%llu-%llu) that this auditor is not auditing!\n",
                 GNUNET_h2s (&issue->denom_hash.hash),
                 TALER_amount2s (&coin_value),
-                GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (start),
-                (unsigned long long) start.abs_value_us,
-                (unsigned long long) end.abs_value_us);
+                GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (start),
+                (unsigned long long) start.abs_time.abs_value_us,
+                (unsigned long long) end.abs_time.abs_value_us);
     return; /* skip! */
   }
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
@@ -2249,8 +2254,8 @@ check_denomination (
         &issue->denom_hash,
         &TALER_ARL_master_pub,
         start,
-        GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (issue->expire_withdraw),
-        GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (issue->expire_deposit),
+        GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (issue->expire_withdraw),
+        GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (issue->expire_deposit),
         end,
         &coin_value,
         &fee_withdraw,
@@ -2267,9 +2272,9 @@ check_denomination (
                         TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("value",
                                                 &coin_value),
                         TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("start_time",
-                                                        start),
+                                                        start.abs_time),
                         TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("end_time",
-                                                        end)));
+                                                        end.abs_time)));
   }
 }
 
diff --git a/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-deposits.c b/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-deposits.c
index f7e1cb0dc..2499df2eb 100644
--- a/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-deposits.c
+++ b/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-deposits.c
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ test_dc (void *cls,
   dcc->last_seen_coin_serial = serial_id;
   {
     enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp;
     struct TALER_Amount deposit_fee;
 
     qs = TALER_ARL_edb->have_deposit2 (TALER_ARL_edb->cls,
@@ -140,16 +140,17 @@ test_dc (void *cls,
     }
   }
   /* deposit confirmation missing! report! */
-  TALER_ARL_report (report_deposit_confirmation_inconsistencies,
-                    GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
-                                                      dc->exchange_timestamp),
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount",
-                                              &dc->amount_without_fee),
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("rowid",
-                                               serial_id),
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("account",
-                                                  &dc->h_wire)));
+  TALER_ARL_report (
+    report_deposit_confirmation_inconsistencies,
+    GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
+      TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
+                                      dc->exchange_timestamp.abs_time),
+      TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount",
+                              &dc->amount_without_fee),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("rowid",
+                               serial_id),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("account",
+                                  &dc->h_wire)));
   dcc->first_missed_coin_serial = GNUNET_MIN (dcc->first_missed_coin_serial,
                                               serial_id);
   dcc->missed_count++;
diff --git a/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-reserves.c b/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-reserves.c
index 52a7b0748..2ce120202 100644
--- a/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-reserves.c
+++ b/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-reserves.c
@@ -284,7 +284,7 @@ struct ReserveSummary
    * Previous reserve expiration data, as remembered by the auditor.
    * (updated on-the-fly in #handle_reserve_in()).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute a_expiration_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp a_expiration_date;
 
   /**
    * Which account did originally put money into the reserve?
@@ -408,12 +408,12 @@ handle_reserve_in (void *cls,
                    const struct TALER_Amount *credit,
                    const char *sender_account_details,
                    uint64_t wire_reference,
-                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date)
+                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date)
 {
   struct ReserveContext *rc = cls;
   struct GNUNET_HashCode key;
   struct ReserveSummary *rs;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expiry;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expiry;
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
 
   (void) wire_reference;
@@ -463,10 +463,11 @@ handle_reserve_in (void *cls,
               "Additional incoming wire transfer for reserve `%s' of %s\n",
               TALER_B2S (reserve_pub),
               TALER_amount2s (credit));
-  expiry = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (execution_date,
-                                     idle_reserve_expiration_time);
-  rs->a_expiration_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_max (rs->a_expiration_date,
-                                                    expiry);
+  expiry = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (execution_date.abs_time,
+                              idle_reserve_expiration_time));
+  rs->a_expiration_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_max (rs->a_expiration_date,
+                                                     expiry);
   if (TALER_ARL_do_abort ())
     return GNUNET_SYSERR;
   return GNUNET_OK;
@@ -494,7 +495,7 @@ handle_reserve_out (void *cls,
                     const struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey *denom_pub,
                     const struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP *reserve_pub,
                     const struct TALER_ReserveSignatureP *reserve_sig,
-                    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date,
+                    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date,
                     const struct TALER_Amount *amount_with_fee)
 {
   struct ReserveContext *rc = cls;
@@ -504,8 +505,8 @@ handle_reserve_out (void *cls,
   struct TALER_Amount withdraw_fee;
   struct TALER_Amount auditor_value;
   struct TALER_Amount auditor_amount_with_fee;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute valid_start;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire_withdraw;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp valid_start;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire_withdraw;
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
   struct TALER_WithdrawRequestPS wsrd = {
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_WALLET_RESERVE_WITHDRAW),
@@ -545,22 +546,26 @@ handle_reserve_out (void *cls,
   }
 
   /* check that execution date is within withdraw range for denom_pub  */
-  valid_start = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (issue->start);
-  expire_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (issue->expire_withdraw);
+  valid_start = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (issue->start);
+  expire_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (issue->expire_withdraw);
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
               "Checking withdraw timing: %llu, expire: %llu, timing: %llu\n",
-              (unsigned long long) valid_start.abs_value_us,
-              (unsigned long long) expire_withdraw.abs_value_us,
-              (unsigned long long) execution_date.abs_value_us);
-  if ( (valid_start.abs_value_us > execution_date.abs_value_us) ||
-       (expire_withdraw.abs_value_us < execution_date.abs_value_us) )
+              (unsigned long long) valid_start.abs_time.abs_value_us,
+              (unsigned long long) expire_withdraw.abs_time.abs_value_us,
+              (unsigned long long) execution_date.abs_time.abs_value_us);
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (valid_start,
+                                 >,
+                                 execution_date) ||
+      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (expire_withdraw,
+                                 <,
+                                 execution_date))
   {
     TALER_ARL_report (denomination_key_validity_withdraw_inconsistencies,
                       GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
                         GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
                                                  rowid),
                         TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("execution_date",
-                                                        execution_date),
+                                                        execution_date.abs_time),
                         GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("reserve_pub",
                                                     reserve_pub),
                         GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("denompub_h",
@@ -683,7 +688,7 @@ static int
 handle_recoup_by_reserve (
   void *cls,
   uint64_t rowid,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount,
   const struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP *reserve_pub,
   const struct TALER_CoinPublicInfo *coin,
@@ -694,7 +699,7 @@ handle_recoup_by_reserve (
   struct ReserveContext *rc = cls;
   struct GNUNET_HashCode key;
   struct ReserveSummary *rs;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expiry;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expiry;
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP msig;
   uint64_t rev_rowid;
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
@@ -845,10 +850,11 @@ handle_recoup_by_reserve (
               "Additional /recoup value to for reserve `%s' of %s\n",
               TALER_B2S (reserve_pub),
               TALER_amount2s (amount));
-  expiry = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (timestamp,
-                                     idle_reserve_expiration_time);
-  rs->a_expiration_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_max (rs->a_expiration_date,
-                                                    expiry);
+  expiry = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (timestamp.abs_time,
+                              idle_reserve_expiration_time));
+  rs->a_expiration_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_max (rs->a_expiration_date,
+                                                     expiry);
   if (TALER_ARL_do_abort ())
     return GNUNET_SYSERR;
   return GNUNET_OK;
@@ -864,14 +870,14 @@ handle_recoup_by_reserve (
  * @param[out] fee set to the closing fee
  * @return #GNUNET_OK on success
  */
-static int
+static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 get_closing_fee (const char *receiver_account,
-                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute atime,
+                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp atime,
                  struct TALER_Amount *fee)
 {
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date;
   struct TALER_Amount wire_fee;
   char *method;
 
@@ -894,9 +900,9 @@ get_closing_fee (const char *receiver_account,
     GNUNET_asprintf (&diag,
                      "closing fee for `%s' unavailable at %s\n",
                      method,
-                     GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (atime));
+                     GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (atime));
     report_row_inconsistency ("closing-fee",
-                              atime.abs_value_us,
+                              atime.abs_time.abs_value_us,
                               diag);
     GNUNET_free (diag);
     GNUNET_free (method);
@@ -925,7 +931,7 @@ static int
 handle_reserve_closed (
   void *cls,
   uint64_t rowid,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount_with_fee,
   const struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee,
   const struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP *reserve_pub,
@@ -1155,8 +1161,10 @@ verify_reserve_balance (void *cls,
 
   /* Check that reserve is being closed if it is past its expiration date
      (and the closing fee would not exceed the remaining balance) */
-  if (CLOSING_GRACE_PERIOD.rel_value_us <
-      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_duration (rs->a_expiration_date).rel_value_us)
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_relative_cmp (CLOSING_GRACE_PERIOD,
+                                <,
+                                GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_duration (
+                                  rs->a_expiration_date.abs_time)))
   {
     /* Reserve is expired */
     struct TALER_Amount cfee;
@@ -1183,7 +1191,7 @@ verify_reserve_balance (void *cls,
             TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("balance",
                                     &nbalance),
             TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("expiration_time",
-                                            rs->a_expiration_date)));
+                                            rs->a_expiration_date.abs_time)));
       }
     }
     else
@@ -1192,16 +1200,17 @@ verify_reserve_balance (void *cls,
       TALER_ARL_amount_add (&total_balance_reserve_not_closed,
                             &total_balance_reserve_not_closed,
                             &nbalance);
-      TALER_ARL_report (report_reserve_not_closed_inconsistencies,
-                        GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
-                          GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("reserve_pub",
-                                                      &rs->reserve_pub),
-                          TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("balance",
-                                                  &nbalance),
-                          TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("expiration_time",
-                                                          rs->a_expiration_date),
-                          GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
-                                                   "could not determine closing fee")));
+      TALER_ARL_report (
+        report_reserve_not_closed_inconsistencies,
+        GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
+          GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("reserve_pub",
+                                      &rs->reserve_pub),
+          TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("balance",
+                                  &nbalance),
+          TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("expiration_time",
+                                          rs->a_expiration_date.abs_time),
+          GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
+                                   "could not determine closing fee")));
     }
   }
 
diff --git a/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-wire.c b/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-wire.c
index f275a453b..89758c2fc 100644
--- a/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-wire.c
+++ b/src/auditor/taler-helper-auditor-wire.c
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ struct ReserveClosure
   /**
    * When was the reserve closed?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date;
 
   /**
    * Amount transferred (amount remaining minus fee).
@@ -500,9 +500,9 @@ do_shutdown (void *cls)
         GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("end_pp_reserve_close_uuid",
                                  pp.last_reserve_close_uuid),
         TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("start_pp_last_timestamp",
-                                        start_pp.last_timestamp),
+                                        start_pp.last_timestamp.abs_time),
         TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("end_pp_last_timestamp",
-                                        pp.last_timestamp),
+                                        pp.last_timestamp.abs_time),
         GNUNET_JSON_pack_array_steal ("account_progress",
                                       report_account_progress)));
     report_wire_out_inconsistencies = NULL;
@@ -599,18 +599,19 @@ check_pending_rc (void *cls,
                         &rc->amount);
   if ( (0 != rc->amount.value) ||
        (0 != rc->amount.fraction) )
-    TALER_ARL_report (report_closure_lags,
-                      GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
-                                                 rc->rowid),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount",
-                                                &rc->amount),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("deadline",
-                                                        rc->execution_date),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("wtid",
-                                                    &rc->wtid),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("account",
-                                                 rc->receiver_account)));
+    TALER_ARL_report (
+      report_closure_lags,
+      GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
+                                 rc->rowid),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount",
+                                &rc->amount),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("deadline",
+                                        rc->execution_date.abs_time),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("wtid",
+                                    &rc->wtid),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("account",
+                                 rc->receiver_account)));
   pp.last_reserve_close_uuid
     = GNUNET_MIN (pp.last_reserve_close_uuid,
                   rc->rowid);
@@ -731,7 +732,7 @@ commit (enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs)
   }
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
               "Concluded audit step at %s\n",
-              GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (pp.last_timestamp));
+              GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (pp.last_timestamp));
 
   if (GNUNET_DB_STATUS_SUCCESS_ONE_RESULT == qs)
   {
@@ -788,7 +789,7 @@ wire_missing_cb (void *cls,
                  const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
                  const struct TALER_Amount *amount,
                  const char *payto_uri,
-                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute deadline,
+                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp deadline,
                  bool tiny,
                  bool done)
 {
@@ -821,7 +822,7 @@ wire_missing_cb (void *cls,
     TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount",
                             amount),
     TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("deadline",
-                                    deadline),
+                                    deadline.abs_time),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("coin_pub",
                                 coin_pub),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("account",
@@ -846,18 +847,17 @@ wire_missing_cb (void *cls,
 static void
 check_for_required_transfers (void)
 {
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute next_timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp next_timestamp;
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
 
-  next_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&next_timestamp);
   /* Subtract #GRACE_PERIOD, so we can be a bit behind in processing
      without immediately raising undue concern */
-  next_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (next_timestamp,
-                                                  GRACE_PERIOD);
+  next_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                   GRACE_PERIOD));
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
               "Analyzing exchange's unfinished deposits (deadline: %s)\n",
-              GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (next_timestamp));
+              GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (next_timestamp));
   qs = TALER_ARL_edb->select_deposits_missing_wire (TALER_ARL_edb->cls,
                                                     pp.last_timestamp,
                                                     next_timestamp,
@@ -903,25 +903,27 @@ conclude_wire_out (void)
 static void
 check_time_difference (const char *table,
                        uint64_t rowid,
-                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute want,
-                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute have)
+                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp want,
+                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp have)
 {
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative delta;
   char *details;
 
-  if (have.abs_value_us > want.abs_value_us)
-    delta = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (want,
-                                                 have);
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (have, >, want))
+    delta = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (want.abs_time,
+                                                 have.abs_time);
   else
-    delta = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (have,
-                                                 want);
-  if (delta.rel_value_us <= TIME_TOLERANCE.rel_value_us)
+    delta = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (have.abs_time,
+                                                 want.abs_time);
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_relative_cmp (delta,
+                                <=,
+                                TIME_TOLERANCE))
     return;
 
   GNUNET_asprintf (&details,
                    "execution date mismatch (%s)",
-                   GNUNET_STRINGS_relative_time_to_string (delta,
-                                                           GNUNET_YES));
+                   GNUNET_TIME_relative2s (delta,
+                                           true));
   TALER_ARL_report (report_row_minor_inconsistencies,
                     GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
                       GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("table",
@@ -949,7 +951,7 @@ check_time_difference (const char *table,
 static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 wire_out_cb (void *cls,
              uint64_t rowid,
-             struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute date,
+             struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp date,
              const struct TALER_WireTransferIdentifierRawP *wtid,
              const char *payto_uri,
              const struct TALER_Amount *amount)
@@ -960,7 +962,7 @@ wire_out_cb (void *cls,
 
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
               "Exchange wire OUT at %s of %s with WTID %s\n",
-              GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (date),
+              GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (date),
               TALER_amount2s (amount),
               TALER_B2S (wtid));
   GNUNET_CRYPTO_hash (wtid,
@@ -974,22 +976,23 @@ wire_out_cb (void *cls,
        justified), so the entire amount is missing / still to be done.
        This is moderately harmless, it might just be that the aggreator
        has not yet fully caught up with the transfers it should do. */
-    TALER_ARL_report (report_wire_out_inconsistencies,
-                      GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
-                                                 rowid),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
-                                                &zero),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_justified",
-                                                amount),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("wtid",
-                                                    wtid),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
-                                                        date),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
-                                                 "wire transfer not made (yet?)"),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("account_section",
-                                                 wa->ai->section_name)));
+    TALER_ARL_report (
+      report_wire_out_inconsistencies,
+      GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
+                                 rowid),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
+                                &zero),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_justified",
+                                amount),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("wtid",
+                                    wtid),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
+                                        date.abs_time),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
+                                 "wire transfer not made (yet?)"),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("account_section",
+                                 wa->ai->section_name)));
     TALER_ARL_amount_add (&total_bad_amount_out_minus,
                           &total_bad_amount_out_minus,
                           amount);
@@ -1003,45 +1006,48 @@ wire_out_cb (void *cls,
     /* Destination bank account is wrong in actual wire transfer, so
        we should count the wire transfer as entirely spurious, and
        additionally consider the justified wire transfer as missing. */
-    TALER_ARL_report (report_wire_out_inconsistencies,
-                      GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
-                                                 rowid),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
-                                                &roi->details.amount),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_justified",
-                                                &zero),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("wtid", wtid),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
-                                                        date),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
-                                                 "receiver account mismatch"),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("target",
-                                                 payto_uri),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("account_section",
-                                                 wa->ai->section_name)));
+    TALER_ARL_report (
+      report_wire_out_inconsistencies,
+      GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
+                                 rowid),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
+                                &roi->details.amount),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_justified",
+                                &zero),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("wtid",
+                                    wtid),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
+                                        date.abs_time),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
+                                 "receiver account mismatch"),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("target",
+                                 payto_uri),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("account_section",
+                                 wa->ai->section_name)));
     TALER_ARL_amount_add (&total_bad_amount_out_plus,
                           &total_bad_amount_out_plus,
                           &roi->details.amount);
-    TALER_ARL_report (report_wire_out_inconsistencies,
-                      GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
-                                                 rowid),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
-                                                &zero),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_justified",
-                                                amount),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("wtid",
-                                                    wtid),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
-                                                        date),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
-                                                 "receiver account mismatch"),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("target",
-                                                 roi->details.
-                                                 credit_account_uri),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("account_section",
-                                                 wa->ai->section_name)));
+    TALER_ARL_report (
+      report_wire_out_inconsistencies,
+      GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
+                                 rowid),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
+                                &zero),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_justified",
+                                amount),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("wtid",
+                                    wtid),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
+                                        date.abs_time),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
+                                 "receiver account mismatch"),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("target",
+                                 roi->details.
+                                 credit_account_uri),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("account_section",
+                                 wa->ai->section_name)));
     TALER_ARL_amount_add (&total_bad_amount_out_minus,
                           &total_bad_amount_out_minus,
                           amount);
@@ -1050,22 +1056,23 @@ wire_out_cb (void *cls,
   if (0 != TALER_amount_cmp (&roi->details.amount,
                              amount))
   {
-    TALER_ARL_report (report_wire_out_inconsistencies,
-                      GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
-                                                 rowid),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_justified",
-                                                amount),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
-                                                &roi->details.amount),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("wtid",
-                                                    wtid),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
-                                                        date),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
-                                                 "wire amount does not match"),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("account_section",
-                                                 wa->ai->section_name)));
+    TALER_ARL_report (
+      report_wire_out_inconsistencies,
+      GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
+                                 rowid),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_justified",
+                                amount),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
+                                &roi->details.amount),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("wtid",
+                                    wtid),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
+                                        date.abs_time),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
+                                 "wire amount does not match"),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("account_section",
+                                 wa->ai->section_name)));
     if (0 < TALER_amount_cmp (amount,
                               &roi->details.amount))
     {
@@ -1197,23 +1204,23 @@ complain_out_not_found (void *cls,
                                               &ctx);
   if (ctx.found)
     return GNUNET_OK;
-  TALER_ARL_report (report_wire_out_inconsistencies,
-                    GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
-                                               0),
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
-                                              &roi->details.amount),
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_justified",
-                                              &zero),
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("wtid",
-                                                  &roi->details.wtid),
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
-                                                      roi->details.
-                                                      execution_date),
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("account_section",
-                                               wa->ai->section_name),
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
-                                               "justification for wire transfer not found")));
+  TALER_ARL_report (
+    report_wire_out_inconsistencies,
+    GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
+                               0),
+      TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
+                              &roi->details.amount),
+      TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_justified",
+                              &zero),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("wtid",
+                                  &roi->details.wtid),
+      TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
+                                      roi->details.execution_date.abs_time),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("account_section",
+                               wa->ai->section_name),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
+                               "justification for wire transfer not found")));
   TALER_ARL_amount_add (&total_bad_amount_out_plus,
                         &total_bad_amount_out_plus,
                         &roi->details.amount);
@@ -1316,7 +1323,7 @@ history_debit_cb (void *cls,
   }
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
               "Analyzing bank DEBIT at %s of %s with WTID %s\n",
-              GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (details->execution_date),
+              GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (details->execution_date),
               TALER_amount2s (&details->amount),
               TALER_B2S (&details->wtid));
   /* Update offset */
@@ -1459,7 +1466,7 @@ reserve_in_cb (void *cls,
                const struct TALER_Amount *credit,
                const char *sender_account_details,
                uint64_t wire_reference,
-               struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date)
+               struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date)
 {
   struct WireAccount *wa = cls;
   struct ReserveInInfo *rii;
@@ -1468,7 +1475,7 @@ reserve_in_cb (void *cls,
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
               "Analyzing exchange wire IN (%llu) at %s of %s with reserve_pub %s\n",
               (unsigned long long) rowid,
-              GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (execution_date),
+              GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (execution_date),
               TALER_amount2s (credit),
               TALER_B2S (reserve_pub));
   slen = strlen (sender_account_details) + 1;
@@ -1529,23 +1536,23 @@ complain_in_not_found (void *cls,
   struct ReserveInInfo *rii = value;
 
   (void) key;
-  TALER_ARL_report (report_reserve_in_inconsistencies,
-                    GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
-                                               rii->rowid),
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_exchange_expected",
-                                              &rii->details.amount),
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
-                                              &zero),
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("reserve_pub",
-                                                  &rii->details.reserve_pub),
-                      TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
-                                                      rii->details.
-                                                      execution_date),
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("account",
-                                               wa->ai->section_name),
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
-                                               "incoming wire transfer claimed by exchange not found")));
+  TALER_ARL_report (
+    report_reserve_in_inconsistencies,
+    GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
+                               rii->rowid),
+      TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_exchange_expected",
+                              &rii->details.amount),
+      TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
+                              &zero),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("reserve_pub",
+                                  &rii->details.reserve_pub),
+      TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
+                                      rii->details.execution_date.abs_time),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("account",
+                               wa->ai->section_name),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
+                               "incoming wire transfer claimed by exchange not found")));
   TALER_ARL_amount_add (&total_bad_amount_in_minus,
                         &total_bad_amount_in_minus,
                         &rii->details.amount);
@@ -1620,7 +1627,7 @@ history_credit_cb (void *cls,
   }
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
               "Analyzing bank CREDIT at %s of %s with Reserve-pub %s\n",
-              GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (details->execution_date),
+              GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (details->execution_date),
               TALER_amount2s (&details->amount),
               TALER_B2S (&details->reserve_pub));
   GNUNET_CRYPTO_hash (&row_off,
@@ -1632,8 +1639,7 @@ history_credit_cb (void *cls,
   {
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
                 "Failed to find wire transfer at `%s' in exchange database. Audit ends at this point in time.\n",
-                GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (
-                  details->execution_date));
+                GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (details->execution_date));
     wa->chh = NULL;
     process_credits (wa->next);
     return GNUNET_SYSERR; /* not an error, just end of processing */
@@ -1645,42 +1651,43 @@ history_credit_cb (void *cls,
   if (0 != GNUNET_memcmp (&details->reserve_pub,
                           &rii->details.reserve_pub))
   {
-    TALER_ARL_report (report_reserve_in_inconsistencies,
-                      GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
-                                                 rii->rowid),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("bank_row",
-                                                 row_off),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_exchange_expected",
-                                                &rii->details.amount),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
-                                                &zero),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("reserve_pub",
-                                                    &rii->details.reserve_pub),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
-                                                        rii->details.
-                                                        execution_date),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
-                                                 "wire subject does not match")));
+    TALER_ARL_report (
+      report_reserve_in_inconsistencies,
+      GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
+                                 rii->rowid),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("bank_row",
+                                 row_off),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_exchange_expected",
+                                &rii->details.amount),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
+                                &zero),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("reserve_pub",
+                                    &rii->details.reserve_pub),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
+                                        rii->details.execution_date.abs_time),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
+                                 "wire subject does not match")));
     TALER_ARL_amount_add (&total_bad_amount_in_minus,
                           &total_bad_amount_in_minus,
                           &rii->details.amount);
-    TALER_ARL_report (report_reserve_in_inconsistencies,
-                      GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
-                                                 rii->rowid),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("bank_row",
-                                                 row_off),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_exchange_expected",
-                                                &zero),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
-                                                &details->amount),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("reserve_pub",
-                                                    &details->reserve_pub),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
-                                                        details->execution_date),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
-                                                 "wire subject does not match")));
+    TALER_ARL_report (
+      report_reserve_in_inconsistencies,
+      GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
+                                 rii->rowid),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("bank_row",
+                                 row_off),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_exchange_expected",
+                                &zero),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
+                                &details->amount),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("reserve_pub",
+                                    &details->reserve_pub),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
+                                        details->execution_date.abs_time),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
+                                 "wire subject does not match")));
 
     TALER_ARL_amount_add (&total_bad_amount_in_plus,
                           &total_bad_amount_in_plus,
@@ -1690,22 +1697,23 @@ history_credit_cb (void *cls,
   if (0 != TALER_amount_cmp (&rii->details.amount,
                              &details->amount))
   {
-    TALER_ARL_report (report_reserve_in_inconsistencies,
-                      GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
-                                                 rii->rowid),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("bank_row",
-                                                 row_off),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_exchange_expected",
-                                                &rii->details.amount),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
-                                                &details->amount),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("reserve_pub",
-                                                    &details->reserve_pub),
-                        TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
-                                                        details->execution_date),
-                        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
-                                                 "wire amount does not match")));
+    TALER_ARL_report (
+      report_reserve_in_inconsistencies,
+      GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row",
+                                 rii->rowid),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("bank_row",
+                                 row_off),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_exchange_expected",
+                                &rii->details.amount),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_wired",
+                                &details->amount),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("reserve_pub",
+                                    &details->reserve_pub),
+        TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human ("timestamp",
+                                        details->execution_date.abs_time),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("diagnostic",
+                                 "wire amount does not match")));
     if (0 < TALER_amount_cmp (&details->amount,
                               &rii->details.amount))
     {
@@ -1751,8 +1759,9 @@ history_credit_cb (void *cls,
                           &total_missattribution_in,
                           &rii->details.amount);
   }
-  if (details->execution_date.abs_value_us !=
-      rii->details.execution_date.abs_value_us)
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (details->execution_date,
+                                 !=,
+                                 rii->details.execution_date))
   {
     TALER_ARL_report (report_row_minor_inconsistencies,
                       GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
@@ -1868,7 +1877,7 @@ begin_credit_audit (void)
 static int
 reserve_closed_cb (void *cls,
                    uint64_t rowid,
-                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date,
+                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date,
                    const struct TALER_Amount *amount_with_fee,
                    const struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee,
                    const struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP *reserve_pub,
@@ -1996,7 +2005,7 @@ begin_transaction (void)
     start_pp = pp;
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
                 "Resuming wire audit at %s / %llu\n",
-                GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (pp.last_timestamp),
+                GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (pp.last_timestamp),
                 (unsigned long long) pp.last_reserve_close_uuid);
   }
 
diff --git a/src/auditordb/plugin_auditordb_postgres.c b/src/auditordb/plugin_auditordb_postgres.c
index 5817c880b..7931900a5 100644
--- a/src/auditordb/plugin_auditordb_postgres.c
+++ b/src/auditordb/plugin_auditordb_postgres.c
@@ -792,13 +792,13 @@ postgres_commit (void *cls)
  * @return #GNUNET_OK on success,
  *         #GNUNET_SYSERR on DB errors
  */
-static int
+static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 postgres_gc (void *cls)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params_time[] = {
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&now),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&now),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
   struct GNUNET_PQ_Context *conn;
@@ -1003,9 +1003,9 @@ postgres_insert_exchange_signkey (
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&sk->master_public_key),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&sk->ep_start),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&sk->ep_expire),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&sk->ep_end),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&sk->ep_start),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&sk->ep_expire),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&sk->ep_end),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&sk->exchange_pub),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&sk->master_sig),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
@@ -1035,9 +1035,9 @@ postgres_insert_deposit_confirmation (
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&dc->h_contract_terms),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&dc->h_extensions),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&dc->h_wire),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&dc->exchange_timestamp),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&dc->wire_deadline),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&dc->refund_deadline),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&dc->exchange_timestamp),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&dc->wire_deadline),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&dc->refund_deadline),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (&dc->amount_without_fee),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&dc->coin_pub),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&dc->merchant),
@@ -1118,12 +1118,12 @@ deposit_confirmation_cb (void *cls,
                                             &dc.h_extensions),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("h_wire",
                                             &dc.h_wire),
-      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("exchange_timestamp",
-                                           &dc.exchange_timestamp),
-      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("refund_deadline",
-                                           &dc.refund_deadline),
-      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("wire_deadline",
-                                           &dc.wire_deadline),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("exchange_timestamp",
+                                       &dc.exchange_timestamp),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("refund_deadline",
+                                       &dc.refund_deadline),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("wire_deadline",
+                                       &dc.wire_deadline),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("amount_without_fee",
                                    &dc.amount_without_fee),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("coin_pub",
@@ -1726,7 +1726,7 @@ postgres_insert_wire_auditor_progress (
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (master_pub),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&pp->last_timestamp),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&pp->last_timestamp),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&pp->last_reserve_close_uuid),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
@@ -1754,7 +1754,7 @@ postgres_update_wire_auditor_progress (
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&pp->last_timestamp),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&pp->last_timestamp),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&pp->last_reserve_close_uuid),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (master_pub),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
@@ -1786,8 +1786,8 @@ postgres_get_wire_auditor_progress (
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
   struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("last_timestamp",
-                                        &pp->last_timestamp),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("last_timestamp",
+                                     &pp->last_timestamp),
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_uint64 ("last_reserve_close_uuid",
                                   &pp->last_reserve_close_uuid),
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
@@ -1820,7 +1820,7 @@ postgres_insert_reserve_info (void *cls,
                               const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
                               const struct TALER_Amount *reserve_balance,
                               const struct TALER_Amount *withdraw_fee_balance,
-                              struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expiration_date,
+                              struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expiration_date,
                               const char *origin_account)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
@@ -1829,7 +1829,7 @@ postgres_insert_reserve_info (void *cls,
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (master_pub),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (reserve_balance),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (withdraw_fee_balance),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&expiration_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&expiration_date),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (origin_account),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
@@ -1863,13 +1863,13 @@ postgres_update_reserve_info (void *cls,
                               const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
                               const struct TALER_Amount *reserve_balance,
                               const struct TALER_Amount *withdraw_fee_balance,
-                              struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expiration_date)
+                              struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expiration_date)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (reserve_balance),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (withdraw_fee_balance),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&expiration_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&expiration_date),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (reserve_pub),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (master_pub),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
@@ -1932,7 +1932,7 @@ postgres_get_reserve_info (void *cls,
                            uint64_t *rowid,
                            struct TALER_Amount *reserve_balance,
                            struct TALER_Amount *withdraw_fee_balance,
-                           struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *expiration_date,
+                           struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *expiration_date,
                            char **sender_account)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
@@ -1944,7 +1944,7 @@ postgres_get_reserve_info (void *cls,
   struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
     TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("reserve_balance", reserve_balance),
     TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("withdraw_fee_balance", withdraw_fee_balance),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expiration_date", expiration_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expiration_date", expiration_date),
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_uint64 ("auditor_reserves_rowid", rowid),
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_string ("origin_account", sender_account),
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
@@ -2440,7 +2440,7 @@ postgres_insert_historic_denom_revenue (
   void *cls,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *denom_pub_hash,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute revenue_timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp revenue_timestamp,
   const struct TALER_Amount *revenue_balance,
   const struct TALER_Amount *loss_balance)
 {
@@ -2448,7 +2448,7 @@ postgres_insert_historic_denom_revenue (
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (master_pub),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (denom_pub_hash),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&revenue_timestamp),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&revenue_timestamp),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (revenue_balance),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (loss_balance),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
@@ -2507,15 +2507,18 @@ historic_denom_revenue_cb (void *cls,
   for (unsigned int i = 0; i < num_results; i++)
   {
     struct TALER_DenominationHash denom_pub_hash;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute revenue_timestamp;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp revenue_timestamp;
     struct TALER_Amount revenue_balance;
     struct TALER_Amount loss;
     struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
-      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("denom_pub_hash", &denom_pub_hash),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("revenue_timestamp",
-                                          &revenue_timestamp),
-      TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("revenue_balance", &revenue_balance),
-      TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("loss_balance", &loss),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("denom_pub_hash",
+                                            &denom_pub_hash),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("revenue_timestamp",
+                                       &revenue_timestamp),
+      TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("revenue_balance",
+                                   &revenue_balance),
+      TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("loss_balance",
+                                   &loss),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
     };
 
@@ -2595,15 +2598,15 @@ static enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
 postgres_insert_historic_reserve_revenue (
   void *cls,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_time,
   const struct TALER_Amount *reserve_profits)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (master_pub),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&start_time),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&end_time),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&start_time),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&end_time),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (reserve_profits),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
@@ -2660,13 +2663,16 @@ historic_reserve_revenue_cb (void *cls,
 
   for (unsigned int i = 0; i < num_results; i++)
   {
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date;
     struct TALER_Amount reserve_profits;
     struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("start_date", &start_date),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("end_date", &end_date),
-      TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("reserve_profits", &reserve_profits),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("start_date",
+                                       &start_date),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("end_date",
+                                       &end_date),
+      TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("reserve_profits",
+                                   &reserve_profits),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
     };
 
diff --git a/src/bank-lib/bank_api_admin.c b/src/bank-lib/bank_api_admin.c
index d1a05297d..77b1a38e4 100644
--- a/src/bank-lib/bank_api_admin.c
+++ b/src/bank-lib/bank_api_admin.c
@@ -75,12 +75,12 @@ handle_admin_add_incoming_finished (void *cls,
 {
   struct TALER_BANK_AdminAddIncomingHandle *aai = cls;
   uint64_t row_id = UINT64_MAX;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
   enum TALER_ErrorCode ec;
   const json_t *j = response;
 
   aai->job = NULL;
-  timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_FOREVER_ABS;
+  timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_FOREVER_TS;
   switch (response_code)
   {
   case 0:
@@ -91,8 +91,8 @@ handle_admin_add_incoming_finished (void *cls,
       struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_uint64 ("row_id",
                                  &row_id),
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("timestamp",
-                                       &timestamp),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                    &timestamp),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
       };
 
@@ -158,23 +158,6 @@ handle_admin_add_incoming_finished (void *cls,
 }
 
 
-/**
- * Perform a wire transfer from some account to the exchange to fill a
- * reserve.  Note that this API is usually only used for testing (with
- * fakebank and our Python bank) and thus may not be accessible in a
- * production setting.
- *
- * @param ctx curl context for the event loop
- * @param auth authentication data to send to the bank
- * @param reserve_pub wire transfer subject for the transfer
- * @param amount amount that was is to be deposited
- * @param debit_account account to deposit from (payto URI, but used as 'payfrom')
- * @param res_cb the callback to call when the final result for this request is available
- * @param res_cb_cls closure for the above callback
- * @return NULL
- *         if the inputs are invalid (i.e. invalid amount) or internal errors.
- *         In this case, the callback is not called.
- */
 struct TALER_BANK_AdminAddIncomingHandle *
 TALER_BANK_admin_add_incoming (
   struct GNUNET_CURL_Context *ctx,
@@ -268,12 +251,6 @@ TALER_BANK_admin_add_incoming (
 }
 
 
-/**
- * Cancel an add incoming.  This function cannot be used on a request
- * handle if a response is already served for it.
- *
- * @param aai the admin add incoming request handle
- */
 void
 TALER_BANK_admin_add_incoming_cancel (
   struct TALER_BANK_AdminAddIncomingHandle *aai)
diff --git a/src/bank-lib/bank_api_common.c b/src/bank-lib/bank_api_common.c
index abdeee31a..f749e0a92 100644
--- a/src/bank-lib/bank_api_common.c
+++ b/src/bank-lib/bank_api_common.c
@@ -23,15 +23,6 @@
 #include "bank_api_common.h"
 
 
-/**
- * Set authentication data in @a easy from @a auth.
- * The API currently specifies the use of HTTP basic
- * authentication.
- *
- * @param easy curl handle to setup for authentication
- * @param auth authentication data to use
- * @return #GNUNET_OK in success
- */
 int
 TALER_BANK_setup_auth_ (CURL *easy,
                         const struct TALER_BANK_AuthenticationData *auth)
diff --git a/src/bank-lib/bank_api_credit.c b/src/bank-lib/bank_api_credit.c
index eff2ad971..1ea2e269e 100644
--- a/src/bank-lib/bank_api_credit.c
+++ b/src/bank-lib/bank_api_credit.c
@@ -97,8 +97,8 @@ parse_account_history (struct TALER_BANK_CreditHistoryHandle *hh,
     struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification hist_spec[] = {
       TALER_JSON_spec_amount_any ("amount",
                                   &td.amount),
-      TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("date",
-                                     &td.execution_date),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("date",
+                                  &td.execution_date),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_uint64 ("row_id",
                                &row_id),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("reserve_pub",
diff --git a/src/bank-lib/bank_api_debit.c b/src/bank-lib/bank_api_debit.c
index 339dfef40..2a76495bd 100644
--- a/src/bank-lib/bank_api_debit.c
+++ b/src/bank-lib/bank_api_debit.c
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ struct TALER_BANK_DebitHistoryHandle
  *         were set,
  *         #GNUNET_SYSERR if there was a protocol violation in @a history
  */
-static int
+static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 parse_account_history (struct TALER_BANK_DebitHistoryHandle *hh,
                        const json_t *history)
 {
@@ -97,8 +97,8 @@ parse_account_history (struct TALER_BANK_DebitHistoryHandle *hh,
     struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification hist_spec[] = {
       TALER_JSON_spec_amount_any ("amount",
                                   &td.amount),
-      TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("date",
-                                     &td.execution_date),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("date",
+                                  &td.execution_date),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_uint64 ("row_id",
                                &row_id),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("wtid",
diff --git a/src/bank-lib/bank_api_parse.c b/src/bank-lib/bank_api_parse.c
index b09e5af35..0d30e9d08 100644
--- a/src/bank-lib/bank_api_parse.c
+++ b/src/bank-lib/bank_api_parse.c
@@ -23,15 +23,7 @@
 #include "taler_bank_service.h"
 
 
-/**
- * Parse configuration section with bank authentication data.
- *
- * @param cfg configuration to parse
- * @param section the section with the configuration data
- * @param[out] auth set to the configuration data found
- * @return #GNUNET_OK on success
- */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_BANK_auth_parse_cfg (const struct GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_Handle *cfg,
                            const char *section,
                            struct TALER_BANK_AuthenticationData *auth)
@@ -122,12 +114,6 @@ TALER_BANK_auth_parse_cfg (const struct GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_Handle *cfg,
 }
 
 
-/**
- * Free memory inside of @a auth (but not @a auth itself).
- * Dual to #TALER_BANK_auth_parse_cfg().
- *
- * @param[in] auth authentication data to free
- */
 void
 TALER_BANK_auth_free (struct TALER_BANK_AuthenticationData *auth)
 {
diff --git a/src/bank-lib/bank_api_transfer.c b/src/bank-lib/bank_api_transfer.c
index 7b8c74b24..bbfc9cec8 100644
--- a/src/bank-lib/bank_api_transfer.c
+++ b/src/bank-lib/bank_api_transfer.c
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@ handle_transfer_finished (void *cls,
   struct TALER_BANK_TransferHandle *th = cls;
   const json_t *j = response;
   uint64_t row_id = UINT64_MAX;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_FOREVER_ABS;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_FOREVER_TS;
   enum TALER_ErrorCode ec;
 
   th->job = NULL;
@@ -184,8 +184,8 @@ handle_transfer_finished (void *cls,
       struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_uint64 ("row_id",
                                  &row_id),
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("timestamp",
-                                       &timestamp),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                    &timestamp),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
       };
 
diff --git a/src/bank-lib/fakebank.c b/src/bank-lib/fakebank.c
index 6549a288d..2ccc2c751 100644
--- a/src/bank-lib/fakebank.c
+++ b/src/bank-lib/fakebank.c
@@ -219,7 +219,7 @@ struct Transaction
   /**
    * When did the transaction happen?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp date;
 
   /**
    * Number of this transaction.
@@ -963,7 +963,7 @@ make_transfer (
   const char *exchange_base_url,
   const struct GNUNET_HashCode *request_uid,
   uint64_t *ret_row_id,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *timestamp)
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *timestamp)
 {
   struct Transaction *t;
   struct Account *debit_acc;
@@ -1022,9 +1022,9 @@ make_transfer (
   t->debit_account = debit_acc;
   t->credit_account = credit_acc;
   t->amount = *amount;
-  t->date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&t->date);
-  *timestamp = t->date;
+  t->date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
+  if (NULL != timestamp)
+    *timestamp = t->date;
   t->type = T_DEBIT;
   memcpy (t->subject.debit.exchange_base_url,
           exchange_base_url,
@@ -1082,7 +1082,7 @@ make_admin_transfer (
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount,
   const struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP *reserve_pub,
   uint64_t *row_id,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *timestamp)
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *timestamp)
 {
   struct Transaction *t;
   const struct GNUNET_PeerIdentity *pid;
@@ -1125,8 +1125,7 @@ make_admin_transfer (
   t->debit_account = debit_acc;
   t->credit_account = credit_acc;
   t->amount = *amount;
-  t->date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&t->date);
+  t->date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   if (NULL != timestamp)
     *timestamp = t->date;
   t->type = T_CREDIT;
@@ -1334,7 +1333,7 @@ handle_admin_add_incoming (struct TALER_FAKEBANK_Handle *h,
   enum GNUNET_JSON_PostResult pr;
   json_t *json;
   uint64_t row_id;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
 
   pr = GNUNET_JSON_post_parser (REQUEST_BUFFER_MAX,
                                 connection,
@@ -1431,8 +1430,8 @@ handle_admin_add_incoming (struct TALER_FAKEBANK_Handle *h,
                                     MHD_HTTP_OK,
                                     GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row_id",
                                                              row_id),
-                                    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("timestamp",
-                                                               timestamp));
+                                    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                                                timestamp));
 }
 
 
@@ -1458,7 +1457,7 @@ handle_transfer (struct TALER_FAKEBANK_Handle *h,
   enum GNUNET_JSON_PostResult pr;
   json_t *json;
   uint64_t row_id;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute ts;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp ts;
 
   pr = GNUNET_JSON_post_parser (REQUEST_BUFFER_MAX,
                                 connection,
@@ -1561,8 +1560,8 @@ handle_transfer (struct TALER_FAKEBANK_Handle *h,
     MHD_HTTP_OK,
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row_id",
                              row_id),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("timestamp",
-                               ts));
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                ts));
 }
 
 
@@ -2016,8 +2015,8 @@ handle_debit_history (struct TALER_FAKEBANK_Handle *h,
     trans = GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
       GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row_id",
                                pos->row_id),
-      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("date",
-                                 pos->date),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("date",
+                                  pos->date),
       TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount",
                               &pos->amount),
       GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("credit_account",
@@ -2215,8 +2214,8 @@ handle_credit_history (struct TALER_FAKEBANK_Handle *h,
     trans = GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
       GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("row_id",
                                pos->row_id),
-      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("date",
-                                 pos->date),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("date",
+                                  pos->date),
       TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount",
                               &pos->amount),
       GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("credit_account",
diff --git a/src/bank-lib/taler-exchange-wire-gateway-client.c b/src/bank-lib/taler-exchange-wire-gateway-client.c
index 0af3d2662..ab16573a7 100644
--- a/src/bank-lib/taler-exchange-wire-gateway-client.c
+++ b/src/bank-lib/taler-exchange-wire-gateway-client.c
@@ -227,7 +227,7 @@ credit_history_cb (void *cls,
            details->credit_account_uri,
            TALER_B2S (&details->reserve_pub),
            TALER_amount2s (&details->amount),
-           GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (details->execution_date));
+           GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (details->execution_date));
   return GNUNET_OK;
 }
 
@@ -340,7 +340,7 @@ debit_history_cb (void *cls,
            details->credit_account_uri,
            TALER_B2S (&details->wtid),
            TALER_amount2s (&details->amount),
-           GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (details->execution_date));
+           GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (details->execution_date));
   return GNUNET_OK;
 }
 
@@ -391,7 +391,7 @@ confirmation_cb (void *cls,
                  unsigned int response_code,
                  enum TALER_ErrorCode ec,
                  uint64_t row_id,
-                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp)
+                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp)
 {
   (void) cls;
   eh = NULL;
@@ -408,7 +408,7 @@ confirmation_cb (void *cls,
   fprintf (stdout,
            "Wire transfer #%llu executed successfully at %s.\n",
            (unsigned long long) row_id,
-           GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (timestamp));
+           GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (timestamp));
   global_ret = 0;
   GNUNET_SCHEDULER_shutdown ();
 }
@@ -500,7 +500,7 @@ res_cb (void *cls,
         unsigned int http_status,
         enum TALER_ErrorCode ec,
         uint64_t serial_id,
-        struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp,
+        struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp,
         const json_t *json)
 {
   (void) cls;
diff --git a/src/benchmark/taler-aggregator-benchmark.c b/src/benchmark/taler-aggregator-benchmark.c
index fbe4c4363..a7d9cca38 100644
--- a/src/benchmark/taler-aggregator-benchmark.c
+++ b/src/benchmark/taler-aggregator-benchmark.c
@@ -86,12 +86,12 @@ static struct TALER_DenominationSignature denom_sig;
 /**
  * Time range when deposits start.
  */
-static struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start;
+static struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start;
 
 /**
  * Time range when deposits end.
  */
-static struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end;
+static struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end;
 
 
 /**
@@ -171,18 +171,17 @@ make_amountN (unsigned int val,
  *
  * @return time stamp between start and end
  */
-static struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute
+static struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp
 random_time (void)
 {
   uint64_t delta;
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute ret;
 
-  delta = end.abs_value_us - start.abs_value_us;
+  delta = end.abs_time.abs_value_us - start.abs_time.abs_value_us;
   delta = GNUNET_CRYPTO_random_u64 (GNUNET_CRYPTO_QUALITY_NONCE,
                                     delta);
-  ret.abs_value_us = start.abs_value_us + delta;
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&ret);
-  return ret;
+  ret.abs_value_us = start.abs_time.abs_value_us + delta;
+  return GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (ret);
 }
 
 
@@ -433,11 +432,10 @@ run (void *cls,
   /* make sure everything 'ends' before the current time,
      so that the aggregator will process everything without
      need for time-travel */
-  end = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&end);
-  start = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (end,
-                                         GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_MONTHS);
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&start);
+  end = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
+  start = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (end.abs_time,
+                                   GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_MONTHS));
   cfg = c;
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       TALER_config_get_currency (cfg,
@@ -467,17 +465,19 @@ run (void *cls,
   issue.properties.purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (issue.properties));
   RANDOMIZE (&issue.properties.master);
   issue.properties.start
-    = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (start);
+    = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (start);
   issue.properties.expire_withdraw
-    = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (
-        GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (start,
-                                  GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_DAYS));
+    = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (
+        GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+          GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (start.abs_time,
+                                    GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_DAYS)));
   issue.properties.expire_deposit
-    = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (end);
+    = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (end);
   issue.properties.expire_legal
-    = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (
-        GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (end,
-                                  GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_YEARS));
+    = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (
+        GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+          GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (end.abs_time,
+                                    GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_YEARS)));
   {
     struct TALER_DenominationPrivateKey pk;
     struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey denom_pub;
@@ -541,14 +541,14 @@ run (void *cls,
     struct TALER_Amount wire_fee;
     struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
     unsigned int year;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute ws;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute we;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp ws;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp we;
 
     year = GNUNET_TIME_get_current_year ();
     for (unsigned int y = year - 1; y<year + 2; y++)
     {
-      ws = GNUNET_TIME_year_to_time (y - 1);
-      we = GNUNET_TIME_year_to_time (y);
+      ws = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (GNUNET_TIME_year_to_time (y - 1));
+      we = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (GNUNET_TIME_year_to_time (y));
       make_amount (0, 5, &wire_fee);
       memset (&master_sig,
               0,
diff --git a/src/exchange-tools/Makefile.am b/src/exchange-tools/Makefile.am
index 846ea6132..b233a4b3a 100644
--- a/src/exchange-tools/Makefile.am
+++ b/src/exchange-tools/Makefile.am
@@ -53,8 +53,6 @@ taler_exchange_dbinit_LDADD = \
   $(top_builddir)/src/exchangedb/libtalerexchangedb.la \
   -lgnunetutil \
   $(XLIB)
-taler_exchange_dbinit_LDFLAGS = \
-  $(POSTGRESQL_LDFLAGS)
 taler_exchange_dbinit_CPPFLAGS = \
   -I$(top_srcdir)/src/include \
   -I$(top_srcdir)/src/pq/ \
diff --git a/src/exchange-tools/taler-auditor-offline.c b/src/exchange-tools/taler-auditor-offline.c
index 5ff713a4e..afde705b6 100644
--- a/src/exchange-tools/taler-auditor-offline.c
+++ b/src/exchange-tools/taler-auditor-offline.c
@@ -752,10 +752,10 @@ show_denomkeys (const json_t *denomkeys)
     const char *err_name;
     unsigned int err_line;
     struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey denom_pub;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_start;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_withdraw;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_deposit;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_legal;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_start;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_withdraw;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_deposit;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_legal;
     struct TALER_Amount coin_value;
     struct TALER_Amount fee_withdraw;
     struct TALER_Amount fee_deposit;
@@ -780,14 +780,14 @@ show_denomkeys (const json_t *denomkeys)
       TALER_JSON_spec_amount ("fee_refund",
                               currency,
                               &fee_refund),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_start",
-                                      &stamp_start),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
-                                      &stamp_expire_withdraw),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_deposit",
-                                      &stamp_expire_deposit),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_legal",
-                                      &stamp_expire_legal),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_start",
+                                  &stamp_start),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
+                                  &stamp_expire_withdraw),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_deposit",
+                                  &stamp_expire_deposit),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_legal",
+                                  &stamp_expire_legal),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("master_sig",
                                    &master_sig),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
@@ -811,8 +811,9 @@ show_denomkeys (const json_t *denomkeys)
       test_shutdown ();
       return GNUNET_SYSERR;
     }
-    duration = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (stamp_start,
-                                                    stamp_expire_withdraw);
+    duration = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (
+      stamp_start.abs_time,
+      stamp_expire_withdraw.abs_time);
     TALER_denom_pub_hash (&denom_pub,
                           &h_denom_pub);
     if (GNUNET_OK !=
@@ -851,18 +852,18 @@ show_denomkeys (const json_t *denomkeys)
       refresh_fee_s = TALER_amount_to_string (&fee_refresh);
       refund_fee_s = TALER_amount_to_string (&fee_refund);
       deposit_s = GNUNET_strdup (
-        GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (stamp_expire_deposit));
+        GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (stamp_expire_deposit));
       legal_s = GNUNET_strdup (
-        GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (stamp_expire_legal));
+        GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (stamp_expire_legal));
 
       printf (
         "DENOMINATION-KEY %s of value %s starting at %s "
         "(used for: %s, deposit until: %s legal end: %s) with fees %s/%s/%s/%s\n",
         TALER_B2S (&h_denom_pub),
         TALER_amount2s (&coin_value),
-        GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (stamp_start),
-        GNUNET_STRINGS_relative_time_to_string (duration,
-                                                GNUNET_NO),
+        GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (stamp_start),
+        GNUNET_TIME_relative2s (duration,
+                                false),
         deposit_s,
         legal_s,
         withdraw_fee_s,
@@ -1052,10 +1053,10 @@ sign_denomkeys (const json_t *denomkeys)
     const char *err_name;
     unsigned int err_line;
     struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey denom_pub;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_start;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_withdraw;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_deposit;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_legal;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_start;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_withdraw;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_deposit;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_legal;
     struct TALER_Amount coin_value;
     struct TALER_Amount fee_withdraw;
     struct TALER_Amount fee_deposit;
@@ -1080,14 +1081,14 @@ sign_denomkeys (const json_t *denomkeys)
       TALER_JSON_spec_amount ("fee_refund",
                               currency,
                               &fee_refund),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_start",
-                                      &stamp_start),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
-                                      &stamp_expire_withdraw),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_deposit",
-                                      &stamp_expire_deposit),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_legal",
-                                      &stamp_expire_legal),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_start",
+                                  &stamp_start),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
+                                  &stamp_expire_withdraw),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_deposit",
+                                  &stamp_expire_deposit),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_legal",
+                                  &stamp_expire_legal),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("master_sig",
                                    &master_sig),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
diff --git a/src/exchange-tools/taler-exchange-offline.c b/src/exchange-tools/taler-exchange-offline.c
index 117e6284e..9255737a9 100644
--- a/src/exchange-tools/taler-exchange-offline.c
+++ b/src/exchange-tools/taler-exchange-offline.c
@@ -1031,7 +1031,7 @@ upload_auditor_add (const char *exchange_url,
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
   const char *auditor_url;
   const char *auditor_name;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time;
   struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP auditor_pub;
   struct AuditorAddRequest *aar;
   const char *err_name;
@@ -1041,8 +1041,8 @@ upload_auditor_add (const char *exchange_url,
                              &auditor_url),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_string ("auditor_name",
                              &auditor_name),
-    GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("validity_start",
-                                    &start_time),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("validity_start",
+                                &start_time),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("auditor_pub",
                                  &auditor_pub),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("master_sig",
@@ -1130,15 +1130,15 @@ upload_auditor_del (const char *exchange_url,
 {
   struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP auditor_pub;
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_time;
   struct AuditorDelRequest *adr;
   const char *err_name;
   unsigned int err_line;
   struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("auditor_pub",
                                  &auditor_pub),
-    GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("validity_end",
-                                    &end_time),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("validity_end",
+                                &end_time),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("master_sig",
                                  &master_sig),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
@@ -1223,15 +1223,15 @@ upload_wire_add (const char *exchange_url,
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig_add;
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig_wire;
   const char *payto_uri;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time;
   struct WireAddRequest *war;
   const char *err_name;
   unsigned int err_line;
   struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_string ("payto_uri",
                              &payto_uri),
-    GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("validity_start",
-                                    &start_time),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("validity_start",
+                                &start_time),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("master_sig_add",
                                  &master_sig_add),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("master_sig_wire",
@@ -1333,15 +1333,15 @@ upload_wire_del (const char *exchange_url,
 {
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
   const char *payto_uri;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_time;
   struct WireDelRequest *wdr;
   const char *err_name;
   unsigned int err_line;
   struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_string ("payto_uri",
                              &payto_uri),
-    GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("validity_end",
-                                    &end_time),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("validity_end",
+                                &end_time),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("master_sig",
                                  &master_sig),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
@@ -1431,8 +1431,8 @@ upload_wire_fee (const char *exchange_url,
   unsigned int err_line;
   struct TALER_Amount wire_fee;
   struct TALER_Amount closing_fee;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_time;
   struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_string ("wire_method",
                              &wire_method),
@@ -1442,10 +1442,10 @@ upload_wire_fee (const char *exchange_url,
     TALER_JSON_spec_amount ("closing_fee",
                             currency,
                             &closing_fee),
-    GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("start_time",
-                                    &start_time),
-    GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("end_time",
-                                    &end_time),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("start_time",
+                                &start_time),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("end_time",
+                                &end_time),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("master_sig",
                                  &master_sig),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
@@ -1926,7 +1926,7 @@ do_add_auditor (char *const *args)
 {
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
   struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP auditor_pub;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
   if (NULL != in)
   {
@@ -1965,8 +1965,7 @@ do_add_auditor (char *const *args)
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       load_offline_key (GNUNET_NO))
     return;
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   TALER_exchange_offline_auditor_add_sign (&auditor_pub,
                                            args[1],
                                            now,
@@ -1978,8 +1977,8 @@ do_add_auditor (char *const *args)
                                                args[1]),
                       GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("auditor_name",
                                                args[2]),
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("validity_start",
-                                                 now),
+                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("validity_start",
+                                                  now),
                       GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("auditor_pub",
                                                   &auditor_pub),
                       GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("master_sig",
@@ -1999,7 +1998,7 @@ do_del_auditor (char *const *args)
 {
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
   struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP auditor_pub;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
   if (NULL != in)
   {
@@ -2025,9 +2024,7 @@ do_del_auditor (char *const *args)
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       load_offline_key (GNUNET_NO))
     return;
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
-
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   TALER_exchange_offline_auditor_del_sign (&auditor_pub,
                                            now,
                                            &master_priv,
@@ -2036,8 +2033,8 @@ do_del_auditor (char *const *args)
                     GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
                       GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("auditor_pub",
                                                   &auditor_pub),
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("validity_end",
-                                                 now),
+                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("validity_end",
+                                                  now),
                       GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("master_sig",
                                                   &master_sig)));
   next (args + 1);
@@ -2055,7 +2052,7 @@ do_add_wire (char *const *args)
 {
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig_add;
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig_wire;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
   if (NULL != in)
   {
@@ -2076,9 +2073,7 @@ do_add_wire (char *const *args)
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       load_offline_key (GNUNET_NO))
     return;
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
-
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   {
     char *wire_method;
 
@@ -2105,8 +2100,8 @@ do_add_wire (char *const *args)
                     GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
                       GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("payto_uri",
                                                args[0]),
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("validity_start",
-                                                 now),
+                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("validity_start",
+                                                  now),
                       GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("master_sig_add",
                                                   &master_sig_add),
                       GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("master_sig_wire",
@@ -2125,7 +2120,7 @@ static void
 do_del_wire (char *const *args)
 {
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
   if (NULL != in)
   {
@@ -2146,9 +2141,7 @@ do_del_wire (char *const *args)
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       load_offline_key (GNUNET_NO))
     return;
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
-
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   TALER_exchange_offline_wire_del_sign (args[0],
                                         now,
                                         &master_priv,
@@ -2157,8 +2150,8 @@ do_del_wire (char *const *args)
                     GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
                       GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("payto_uri",
                                                args[0]),
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("validity_end",
-                                                 now),
+                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("validity_end",
+                                                  now),
                       GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("master_sig",
                                                   &master_sig)));
   next (args + 1);
@@ -2180,8 +2173,8 @@ do_set_wire_fee (char *const *args)
   unsigned int year;
   struct TALER_Amount wire_fee;
   struct TALER_Amount closing_fee;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_time;
 
   if (NULL != in)
   {
@@ -2220,8 +2213,10 @@ do_set_wire_fee (char *const *args)
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       load_offline_key (GNUNET_NO))
     return;
-  start_time = GNUNET_TIME_year_to_time (year);
-  end_time = GNUNET_TIME_year_to_time (year + 1);
+  start_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_year_to_time (year));
+  end_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_year_to_time (year + 1));
 
   TALER_exchange_offline_wire_fee_sign (args[1],
                                         start_time,
@@ -2234,10 +2229,10 @@ do_set_wire_fee (char *const *args)
                     GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
                       GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("wire_method",
                                                args[1]),
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("start_time",
-                                                 start_time),
-                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("end_time",
-                                                 end_time),
+                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("start_time",
+                                                  start_time),
+                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("end_time",
+                                                  end_time),
                       TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("wire_fee",
                                               &wire_fee),
                       TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("closing_fee",
@@ -2504,17 +2499,17 @@ show_signkeys (const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
     unsigned int err_line;
     struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP exchange_pub;
     struct TALER_SecurityModuleSignatureP secm_sig;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute sign_end;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute legal_end;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp sign_end;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp legal_end;
     struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative duration;
     struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_start",
-                                      &start_time),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire",
-                                      &sign_end),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_end",
-                                      &legal_end),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_start",
+                                  &start_time),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire",
+                                  &sign_end),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_end",
+                                  &legal_end),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("key",
                                    &exchange_pub),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("signkey_secmod_sig",
@@ -2540,8 +2535,8 @@ show_signkeys (const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
       test_shutdown ();
       return GNUNET_SYSERR;
     }
-    duration = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (start_time,
-                                                    sign_end);
+    duration = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (start_time.abs_time,
+                                                    sign_end.abs_time);
     if (GNUNET_OK !=
         TALER_exchange_secmod_eddsa_verify (&exchange_pub,
                                             start_time,
@@ -2560,12 +2555,12 @@ show_signkeys (const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
       char *legal_end_s;
 
       legal_end_s = GNUNET_strdup (
-        GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (legal_end));
+        GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (legal_end));
       printf ("EXCHANGE-KEY %s starting at %s (used for: %s, legal end: %s)\n",
               TALER_B2S (&exchange_pub),
-              GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (start_time),
-              GNUNET_STRINGS_relative_time_to_string (duration,
-                                                      GNUNET_NO),
+              GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (start_time),
+              GNUNET_TIME_relative2s (duration,
+                                      false),
               legal_end_s);
       GNUNET_free (legal_end_s);
     }
@@ -2593,10 +2588,10 @@ show_denomkeys (const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
     unsigned int err_line;
     const char *section_name;
     struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey denom_pub;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_start;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_withdraw;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_deposit;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_legal;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_start;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_withdraw;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_deposit;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_legal;
     struct TALER_Amount coin_value;
     struct TALER_Amount fee_withdraw;
     struct TALER_Amount fee_deposit;
@@ -2623,14 +2618,14 @@ show_denomkeys (const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
       TALER_JSON_spec_amount ("fee_refund",
                               currency,
                               &fee_refund),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_start",
-                                      &stamp_start),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
-                                      &stamp_expire_withdraw),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_deposit",
-                                      &stamp_expire_deposit),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_legal",
-                                      &stamp_expire_legal),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_start",
+                                  &stamp_start),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
+                                  &stamp_expire_withdraw),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_deposit",
+                                  &stamp_expire_deposit),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_legal",
+                                  &stamp_expire_legal),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("denom_secmod_sig",
                                    &secm_sig),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
@@ -2658,8 +2653,9 @@ show_denomkeys (const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
       test_shutdown ();
       return GNUNET_SYSERR;
     }
-    duration = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (stamp_start,
-                                                    stamp_expire_withdraw);
+    duration = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (
+      stamp_start.abs_time,
+      stamp_expire_withdraw.abs_time);
     TALER_denom_pub_hash (&denom_pub,
                           &h_denom_pub);
     switch (denom_pub.cipher)
@@ -2706,9 +2702,9 @@ show_denomkeys (const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
       refresh_fee_s = TALER_amount_to_string (&fee_refresh);
       refund_fee_s = TALER_amount_to_string (&fee_refund);
       deposit_s = GNUNET_strdup (
-        GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (stamp_expire_deposit));
+        GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (stamp_expire_deposit));
       legal_s = GNUNET_strdup (
-        GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (stamp_expire_legal));
+        GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (stamp_expire_legal));
 
       printf (
         "DENOMINATION-KEY(%s) %s of value %s starting at %s "
@@ -2716,9 +2712,9 @@ show_denomkeys (const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
         section_name,
         TALER_B2S (&h_denom_pub),
         TALER_amount2s (&coin_value),
-        GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (stamp_start),
-        GNUNET_STRINGS_relative_time_to_string (duration,
-                                                GNUNET_NO),
+        GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (stamp_start),
+        GNUNET_TIME_relative2s (duration,
+                                false),
         deposit_s,
         legal_s,
         withdraw_fee_s,
@@ -2929,17 +2925,17 @@ sign_signkeys (const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
     unsigned int err_line;
     struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP exchange_pub;
     struct TALER_SecurityModuleSignatureP secm_sig;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute sign_end;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute legal_end;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp sign_end;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp legal_end;
     struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative duration;
     struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_start",
-                                      &start_time),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire",
-                                      &sign_end),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_end",
-                                      &legal_end),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_start",
+                                  &start_time),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire",
+                                  &sign_end),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_end",
+                                  &legal_end),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("key",
                                    &exchange_pub),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("signkey_secmod_sig",
@@ -2966,8 +2962,8 @@ sign_signkeys (const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
       return GNUNET_SYSERR;
     }
 
-    duration = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (start_time,
-                                                    sign_end);
+    duration = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (start_time.abs_time,
+                                                    sign_end.abs_time);
     if (GNUNET_OK !=
         TALER_exchange_secmod_eddsa_verify (&exchange_pub,
                                             start_time,
@@ -3028,10 +3024,10 @@ sign_denomkeys (const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
     unsigned int err_line;
     const char *section_name;
     struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey denom_pub;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_start;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_withdraw;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_deposit;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_legal;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_start;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_withdraw;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_deposit;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_legal;
     struct TALER_Amount coin_value;
     struct TALER_Amount fee_withdraw;
     struct TALER_Amount fee_deposit;
@@ -3058,14 +3054,14 @@ sign_denomkeys (const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
       TALER_JSON_spec_amount ("fee_refund",
                               currency,
                               &fee_refund),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_start",
-                                      &stamp_start),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
-                                      &stamp_expire_withdraw),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_deposit",
-                                      &stamp_expire_deposit),
-      GNUNET_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_legal",
-                                      &stamp_expire_legal),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_start",
+                                  &stamp_start),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
+                                  &stamp_expire_withdraw),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_deposit",
+                                  &stamp_expire_deposit),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_legal",
+                                  &stamp_expire_legal),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("denom_secmod_sig",
                                    &secm_sig),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
@@ -3092,8 +3088,9 @@ sign_denomkeys (const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
       test_shutdown ();
       return GNUNET_SYSERR;
     }
-    duration = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (stamp_start,
-                                                    stamp_expire_withdraw);
+    duration = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (
+      stamp_start.abs_time,
+      stamp_expire_withdraw.abs_time);
     // FIXME-Oec: setup age mask here?
     TALER_denom_pub_hash (&denom_pub,
                           &h_denom_pub);
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-aggregator.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-aggregator.c
index 73bbcc594..32b069f90 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-aggregator.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-aggregator.c
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ struct AggregationUnit
    * The current time (which triggered the aggregation and
    * defines the wire fee).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_time;
 
   /**
    * Wire details of the merchant.
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ struct Shard
   /**
    * When did we start processing the shard?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time;
 
   /**
    * Starting row of the shard.
@@ -445,12 +445,11 @@ deposit_cb (void *cls,
   }
 
   /* make sure we have current fees */
-  au->execution_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&au->execution_time);
+  au->execution_time = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   {
     struct TALER_Amount closing_fee;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date;
     struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
     enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
 
@@ -467,7 +466,7 @@ deposit_cb (void *cls,
       GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_ERROR,
                   "Could not get wire fees for %s at %s. Aborting run.\n",
                   au->wa->method,
-                  GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (au->execution_time));
+                  GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (au->execution_time));
       return GNUNET_DB_STATUS_HARD_ERROR;
     }
   }
@@ -738,7 +737,7 @@ run_aggregation (void *cls)
     {
       uint64_t counter = s->work_counter;
       struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative duration
-        = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_duration (s->start_time);
+        = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_duration (s->start_time.abs_time);
 
       cleanup_au (&au_active);
       db_plugin->rollback (db_plugin->cls);
@@ -746,8 +745,8 @@ run_aggregation (void *cls)
                   "Completed shard [%u,%u] after %s with %llu deposits\n",
                   (unsigned int) s->shard_start,
                   (unsigned int) s->shard_end,
-                  GNUNET_STRINGS_relative_time_to_string (duration,
-                                                          GNUNET_YES),
+                  GNUNET_TIME_relative2s (duration,
+                                          true),
                   (unsigned long long) counter);
       release_shard (s);
       if ( (GNUNET_YES == test_mode) &&
@@ -1009,7 +1008,7 @@ run_shard (void *cls)
     return;
   }
   s = GNUNET_new (struct Shard);
-  s->start_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
+  s->start_time = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   qs = db_plugin->begin_revolving_shard (db_plugin->cls,
                                          "aggregator",
                                          shard_size,
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-closer.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-closer.c
index 3f30db7ba..3847e05b2 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-closer.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-closer.c
@@ -211,9 +211,9 @@ expired_reserve_cb (void *cls,
                     const struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP *reserve_pub,
                     const struct TALER_Amount *left,
                     const char *account_payto_uri,
-                    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expiration_date)
+                    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expiration_date)
 {
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
   struct TALER_WireTransferIdentifierRawP wtid;
   struct TALER_Amount amount_without_fee;
   struct TALER_Amount closing_fee;
@@ -226,9 +226,8 @@ expired_reserve_cb (void *cls,
      fetch this: */
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
               "Processing reserve closure at %s\n",
-              GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (expiration_date));
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+              GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (expiration_date));
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
 
   /* lookup account we should use */
   wa = TALER_EXCHANGEDB_find_account_by_payto_uri (account_payto_uri);
@@ -246,8 +245,8 @@ expired_reserve_cb (void *cls,
      (we may be lagging behind!) */
   {
     struct TALER_Amount wire_fee;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date;
     struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
     enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
 
@@ -264,7 +263,7 @@ expired_reserve_cb (void *cls,
       GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_ERROR,
                   "Could not get wire fees for %s at %s. Aborting run.\n",
                   wa->method,
-                  GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (expiration_date));
+                  GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (expiration_date));
       return GNUNET_DB_STATUS_HARD_ERROR;
     }
   }
@@ -382,7 +381,7 @@ static void
 run_reserve_closures (void *cls)
 {
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
   (void) cls;
   task = NULL;
@@ -406,11 +405,10 @@ run_reserve_closures (void *cls)
     GNUNET_SCHEDULER_shutdown ();
     return;
   }
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
               "Checking for reserves to close by date %s\n",
-              GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (now));
+              GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (now));
   qs = db_plugin->get_expired_reserves (db_plugin->cls,
                                         now,
                                         &expired_reserve_cb,
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_deposit.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_deposit.c
index 43acad44b..11094d11c 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_deposit.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_deposit.c
@@ -60,9 +60,9 @@ reply_deposit_success (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
                        const struct TALER_MerchantWireHash *h_wire,
                        const struct TALER_ExtensionContractHash *h_extensions,
                        const struct TALER_PrivateContractHash *h_contract_terms,
-                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp,
-                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline,
-                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_deadline,
+                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp,
+                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline,
+                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_deadline,
                        const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant,
                        const struct TALER_Amount *amount_without_fee)
 {
@@ -73,9 +73,9 @@ reply_deposit_success (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (dc)),
     .h_contract_terms = *h_contract_terms,
     .h_wire = *h_wire,
-    .exchange_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (exchange_timestamp),
-    .refund_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (refund_deadline),
-    .wire_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (wire_deadline),
+    .exchange_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (exchange_timestamp),
+    .refund_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (refund_deadline),
+    .wire_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (wire_deadline),
     .coin_pub = *coin_pub,
     .merchant_pub = *merchant
   };
@@ -97,8 +97,8 @@ reply_deposit_success (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
   return TALER_MHD_REPLY_JSON_PACK (
     connection,
     MHD_HTTP_OK,
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("exchange_timestamp",
-                               exchange_timestamp),
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("exchange_timestamp",
+                                exchange_timestamp),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("exchange_sig",
                                 &sig),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("exchange_pub",
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ struct DepositContext
   /**
    * Our timestamp (when we received the request).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp;
 
   /**
    * Calculated hash over the wire details.
@@ -281,13 +281,13 @@ TEH_handler_deposit (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
                                  &deposit.h_contract_terms),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("coin_sig",
                                  &deposit.csig),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("timestamp",
-                                   &deposit.timestamp),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                &deposit.timestamp),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_mark_optional (
-      TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("refund_deadline",
-                                     &deposit.refund_deadline)),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("wire_transfer_deadline",
-                                   &deposit.wire_deadline),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("refund_deadline",
+                                  &deposit.refund_deadline)),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("wire_transfer_deadline",
+                                &deposit.wire_deadline),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
   };
 
@@ -332,7 +332,9 @@ TEH_handler_deposit (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
     }
   }
   deposit.receiver_wire_account = (char *) dc.payto_uri;
-  if (deposit.refund_deadline.abs_value_us > deposit.wire_deadline.abs_value_us)
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (deposit.refund_deadline,
+                                 >,
+                                 deposit.wire_deadline))
   {
     GNUNET_break_op (0);
     GNUNET_JSON_parse_free (spec);
@@ -347,8 +349,7 @@ TEH_handler_deposit (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
   dc.deposit = &deposit;
 
   /* new deposit */
-  dc.exchange_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&dc.exchange_timestamp);
+  dc.exchange_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   /* check denomination exists and is valid */
   {
     struct TEH_DenominationKey *dk;
@@ -362,13 +363,12 @@ TEH_handler_deposit (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
       GNUNET_JSON_parse_free (spec);
       return mret;
     }
-    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (dk->meta.expire_deposit))
+    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (dk->meta.expire_deposit.abs_time))
     {
       /* This denomination is past the expiration time for deposits */
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
-      now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-      (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+      now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
       GNUNET_JSON_parse_free (spec);
       return TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
         connection,
@@ -377,13 +377,12 @@ TEH_handler_deposit (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
         TALER_EC_EXCHANGE_GENERIC_DENOMINATION_EXPIRED,
         "DEPOSIT");
     }
-    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (dk->meta.start))
+    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (dk->meta.start.abs_time))
     {
       /* This denomination is not yet valid */
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
-      now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-      (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+      now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
       GNUNET_JSON_parse_free (spec);
       return TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
         connection,
@@ -394,10 +393,9 @@ TEH_handler_deposit (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
     }
     if (dk->recoup_possible)
     {
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
-      now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-      (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+      now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
       /* This denomination has been revoked */
       GNUNET_JSON_parse_free (spec);
       return TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_deposits_get.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_deposits_get.c
index 3db177015..9a33f2b71 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_deposits_get.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_deposits_get.c
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ reply_deposit_details (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
                        const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
                        const struct TALER_Amount *coin_contribution,
                        const struct TALER_WireTransferIdentifierRawP *wtid,
-                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exec_time)
+                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exec_time)
 {
   struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP pub;
   struct TALER_ExchangeSignatureP sig;
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ reply_deposit_details (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
     .h_contract_terms = *h_contract_terms,
     .wtid = *wtid,
     .coin_pub = *coin_pub,
-    .execution_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (exec_time)
+    .execution_time = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (exec_time)
   };
   enum TALER_ErrorCode ec;
 
@@ -83,8 +83,8 @@ reply_deposit_details (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
     MHD_HTTP_OK,
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("wtid",
                                 wtid),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("execution_time",
-                               exec_time),
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("execution_time",
+                                exec_time),
     TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("coin_contribution",
                             coin_contribution),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("exchange_sig",
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ struct DepositWtidContext
   /**
    * Set by #handle_wtid data to the wire transfer execution time.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_time;
 
   /**
    * Set by #handle_wtid to the coin contribution to the transaction
@@ -264,8 +264,8 @@ handle_track_transaction_request (
                                ctx.kyc.payment_target_uuid),
       GNUNET_JSON_pack_bool ("kyc_ok",
                              ctx.kyc.ok),
-      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("execution_time",
-                                 ctx.execution_time));
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("execution_time",
+                                  ctx.execution_time));
   return reply_deposit_details (connection,
                                 &tps->h_contract_terms,
                                 &tps->h_wire,
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_keys.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_keys.c
index 29d964c6b..231a2715b 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_keys.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_keys.c
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@
  * #TALER_PROTOCOL_CURRENT and #TALER_PROTOCOL_AGE in
  * exchange_api_handle.c!
  */
-#define EXCHANGE_PROTOCOL_VERSION "10:0:0"
+#define EXCHANGE_PROTOCOL_VERSION "11:0:0"
 
 
 /**
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ struct HelperDenomination
   /**
    * When will the helper start to use this key for signing?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time;
 
   /**
    * For how long will the helper allow signing? 0 if
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ struct HelperSignkey
   /**
    * When will the helper start to use this key for signing?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time;
 
   /**
    * For how long will the helper allow signing? 0 if
@@ -234,7 +234,7 @@ struct KeysResponseData
    * The client's request must include this date or a higher one
    * for this response to be applicable.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute cherry_pick_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp cherry_pick_date;
 
 };
 
@@ -319,7 +319,7 @@ struct TEH_KeyStateHandle
   /**
    * When did we initiate the key reloading?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute reload_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp reload_time;
 
   /**
    * What is the period at which we rotate keys
@@ -331,7 +331,7 @@ struct TEH_KeyStateHandle
    * When does our online signing key expire and we
    * thus need to re-generate this response?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute signature_expires;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp signature_expires;
 
   /**
    * True if #finish_keys_response() was not yet run and this key state
@@ -808,7 +808,7 @@ static void
 helper_rsa_cb (
   void *cls,
   const char *section_name,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time,
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative validity_duration,
   const struct TALER_RsaPubHashP *h_rsa,
   const struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey *denom_pub,
@@ -885,7 +885,7 @@ helper_rsa_cb (
 static void
 helper_esign_cb (
   void *cls,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time,
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative validity_duration,
   const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP *exchange_pub,
   const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *sm_pub,
@@ -1173,10 +1173,10 @@ denomination_info_cb (
   struct TEH_DenominationKey *dk;
 
   GNUNET_assert (TALER_DENOMINATION_INVALID != denom_pub->cipher);
-  if ( (0 == meta->start.abs_value_us) ||
-       (0 == meta->expire_withdraw.abs_value_us) ||
-       (0 == meta->expire_deposit.abs_value_us) ||
-       (0 == meta->expire_legal.abs_value_us) )
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_zero (meta->start.abs_time) ||
+      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_zero (meta->expire_withdraw.abs_time) ||
+      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_zero (meta->expire_deposit.abs_time) ||
+      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_zero (meta->expire_legal.abs_time) )
   {
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_ERROR,
                 "Database contains invalid denomination key %s\n",
@@ -1400,25 +1400,25 @@ add_sign_key_cb (void *cls,
   struct SigningKey *sk = value;
 
   (void) pid;
-  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (sk->meta.expire_sign))
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (sk->meta.expire_sign.abs_time))
   {
     ctx->min_sk_frequency =
       GNUNET_TIME_relative_min (ctx->min_sk_frequency,
                                 GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (
-                                  sk->meta.start,
-                                  sk->meta.expire_sign));
+                                  sk->meta.start.abs_time,
+                                  sk->meta.expire_sign.abs_time));
   }
   GNUNET_assert (
     0 ==
     json_array_append_new (
       ctx->signkeys,
       GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
-        GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_start",
-                                   sk->meta.start),
-        GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_expire",
-                                   sk->meta.expire_sign),
-        GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_end",
-                                   sk->meta.expire_legal),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_start",
+                                    sk->meta.start),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_expire",
+                                    sk->meta.expire_sign),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_end",
+                                    sk->meta.expire_legal),
         GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("master_sig",
                                     &sk->master_sig),
         GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("key",
@@ -1481,17 +1481,17 @@ add_denom_key_cb (void *cls,
   }
   else
   {
-    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (dk->meta.start))
+    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (dk->meta.start.abs_time))
     {
       dkc->min_dk_frequency =
         GNUNET_TIME_relative_min (dkc->min_dk_frequency,
                                   GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (
-                                    dk->meta.start,
-                                    dk->meta.expire_withdraw));
+                                    dk->meta.start.abs_time,
+                                    dk->meta.expire_withdraw.abs_time));
     }
     (void) GNUNET_CONTAINER_heap_insert (dkc->heap,
                                          dk,
-                                         dk->meta.start.abs_value_us);
+                                         dk->meta.start.abs_time.abs_value_us);
   }
   return GNUNET_OK;
 }
@@ -1567,7 +1567,7 @@ setup_general_response_headers (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh,
                 MHD_add_response_header (response,
                                          MHD_HTTP_HEADER_CONTENT_TYPE,
                                          "application/json"));
-  get_date_string (ksh->reload_time,
+  get_date_string (ksh->reload_time.abs_time,
                    dat);
   GNUNET_break (MHD_YES ==
                 MHD_add_response_header (response,
@@ -1576,12 +1576,14 @@ setup_general_response_headers (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh,
   if (! GNUNET_TIME_relative_is_zero (ksh->rekey_frequency))
   {
     struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative r;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute m;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute a;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp m;
 
     r = GNUNET_TIME_relative_min (TEH_max_keys_caching,
                                   ksh->rekey_frequency);
-    m = GNUNET_TIME_relative_to_absolute (r);
-    get_date_string (m,
+    a = GNUNET_TIME_relative_to_absolute (r);
+    m = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (a);
+    get_date_string (m.abs_time,
                      dat);
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
                 "Setting /keys 'Expires' header to '%s'\n",
@@ -1591,8 +1593,8 @@ setup_general_response_headers (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh,
                                            MHD_HTTP_HEADER_EXPIRES,
                                            dat));
     ksh->signature_expires
-      = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_min (m,
-                                  ksh->signature_expires);
+      = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_min (m,
+                                   ksh->signature_expires);
   }
   return GNUNET_OK;
 }
@@ -1613,7 +1615,7 @@ setup_general_response_headers (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh,
 static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 create_krd (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh,
             const struct GNUNET_HashCode *denom_keys_hash,
-            struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute last_cpd,
+            struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp last_cpd,
             json_t *signkeys,
             json_t *recoup,
             json_t *denoms)
@@ -1623,7 +1625,7 @@ create_krd (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh,
   struct TALER_ExchangeSignatureP exchange_sig;
   json_t *keys;
 
-  GNUNET_assert (0 != last_cpd.abs_value_us);
+  GNUNET_assert (! GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_zero (last_cpd.abs_time));
   GNUNET_assert (NULL != signkeys);
   GNUNET_assert (NULL != recoup);
   GNUNET_assert (NULL != denoms);
@@ -1631,13 +1633,13 @@ create_krd (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh,
   GNUNET_assert (NULL != TEH_currency);
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
               "Creating /keys at cherry pick date %s\n",
-              GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (last_cpd));
+              GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (last_cpd));
   /* Sign hash over denomination keys */
   {
     struct TALER_ExchangeKeySetPS ks = {
       .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (ks)),
       .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_EXCHANGE_KEY_SET),
-      .list_issue_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (last_cpd),
+      .list_issue_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (last_cpd),
       .hc = *denom_keys_hash
     };
     enum TALER_ErrorCode ec;
@@ -1660,8 +1662,8 @@ create_krd (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh,
     sk = GNUNET_CONTAINER_multipeermap_get (
       ksh->signkey_map,
       (const struct GNUNET_PeerIdentity *) &exchange_pub);
-    ksh->signature_expires = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_min (sk->meta.expire_sign,
-                                                       ksh->signature_expires);
+    ksh->signature_expires = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_min (sk->meta.expire_sign,
+                                                        ksh->signature_expires);
   }
 
   keys = GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
@@ -1681,8 +1683,8 @@ create_krd (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh,
                                    denoms),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_array_incref ("auditors",
                                    ksh->auditors),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("list_issue_date",
-                               last_cpd),
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("list_issue_date",
+                                last_cpd),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("eddsa_pub",
                                 &exchange_pub),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("eddsa_sig",
@@ -1768,7 +1770,7 @@ finish_keys_response (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh)
   json_t *recoup;
   struct SignKeyCtx sctx;
   json_t *denoms;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute last_cpd;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp last_cpd;
   struct GNUNET_CONTAINER_Heap *heap;
   struct GNUNET_HashContext *hash_context;
 
@@ -1797,7 +1799,7 @@ finish_keys_response (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh)
   }
   denoms = json_array ();
   GNUNET_assert (NULL != denoms);
-  last_cpd = GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_ABS;
+  last_cpd = GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_TS;
   hash_context = GNUNET_CRYPTO_hash_context_start ();
   {
     struct TEH_DenominationKey *dk;
@@ -1805,8 +1807,10 @@ finish_keys_response (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh)
     /* heap = min heap, sorted by start time */
     while (NULL != (dk = GNUNET_CONTAINER_heap_remove_root (heap)))
     {
-      if ( (last_cpd.abs_value_us != dk->meta.start.abs_value_us) &&
-           (0 != last_cpd.abs_value_us) )
+      if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (last_cpd,
+                                     !=,
+                                     dk->meta.start) &&
+          (! GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_zero (last_cpd.abs_time)) )
       {
         struct GNUNET_HashCode hc;
 
@@ -1823,7 +1827,7 @@ finish_keys_response (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh)
         {
           GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_WARNING,
                       "Failed to generate key response data for %s\n",
-                      GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (last_cpd));
+                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (last_cpd));
           GNUNET_CRYPTO_hash_context_abort (hash_context);
           /* drain heap before destroying it */
           while (NULL != (dk = GNUNET_CONTAINER_heap_remove_root (heap)))
@@ -1846,14 +1850,14 @@ finish_keys_response (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh)
           GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
             GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("master_sig",
                                         &dk->master_sig),
-            GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_start",
-                                       dk->meta.start),
-            GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
-                                       dk->meta.expire_withdraw),
-            GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_expire_deposit",
-                                       dk->meta.expire_deposit),
-            GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_expire_legal",
-                                       dk->meta.expire_legal),
+            GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_start",
+                                        dk->meta.start),
+            GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
+                                        dk->meta.expire_withdraw),
+            GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_expire_deposit",
+                                        dk->meta.expire_deposit),
+            GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_expire_legal",
+                                        dk->meta.expire_legal),
             TALER_JSON_pack_denom_pub ("denom_pub",
                                        &dk->denom_pub),
             TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("value",
@@ -1869,7 +1873,7 @@ finish_keys_response (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh)
     }
   }
   GNUNET_CONTAINER_heap_destroy (heap);
-  if (0 != last_cpd.abs_value_us)
+  if (! GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_zero (last_cpd.abs_time))
   {
     struct GNUNET_HashCode hc;
 
@@ -1885,7 +1889,7 @@ finish_keys_response (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh)
     {
       GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_WARNING,
                   "Failed to generate key response data for %s\n",
-                  GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (last_cpd));
+                  GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (last_cpd));
       json_decref (denoms);
       json_decref (sctx.signkeys);
       json_decref (recoup);
@@ -1922,9 +1926,8 @@ build_key_state (struct HelperState *hs,
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
 
   ksh = GNUNET_new (struct TEH_KeyStateHandle);
-  ksh->signature_expires = GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_FOREVER_ABS;
-  ksh->reload_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&ksh->reload_time);
+  ksh->signature_expires = GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_FOREVER_TS;
+  ksh->reload_time = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   /* We must use the key_generation from when we STARTED the process! */
   ksh->key_generation = key_generation;
   if (NULL == hs)
@@ -2054,7 +2057,7 @@ get_key_state (bool management_only)
     return ksh;
   }
   if ( (old_ksh->key_generation < key_generation) ||
-       (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (old_ksh->signature_expires)) )
+       (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (old_ksh->signature_expires.abs_time)) )
   {
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
                 "Rebuilding /keys, generation upgrade from %llu to %llu\n",
@@ -2298,7 +2301,7 @@ TEH_keys_exchange_revoke (const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP *exchange_pub)
  * Comparator used for a binary search by cherry_pick_date for @a key in the
  * `struct KeysResponseData` array. See libc's qsort() and bsearch() functions.
  *
- * @param key pointer to a `struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute`
+ * @param key pointer to a `struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp`
  * @param value pointer to a `struct KeysResponseData` array entry
  * @return 0 if time matches, -1 if key is smaller, 1 if key is larger
  */
@@ -2306,12 +2309,16 @@ static int
 krd_search_comparator (const void *key,
                        const void *value)
 {
-  const struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *kd = key;
+  const struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *kd = key;
   const struct KeysResponseData *krd = value;
 
-  if (kd->abs_value_us > krd->cherry_pick_date.abs_value_us)
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (*kd,
+                                 >,
+                                 krd->cherry_pick_date))
     return -1;
-  if (kd->abs_value_us < krd->cherry_pick_date.abs_value_us)
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (*kd,
+                                 <,
+                                 krd->cherry_pick_date))
     return 1;
   return 0;
 }
@@ -2321,7 +2328,7 @@ MHD_RESULT
 TEH_keys_get_handler (struct TEH_RequestContext *rc,
                       const char *const args[])
 {
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute last_issue_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp last_issue_date;
 
   (void) args;
   {
@@ -2349,11 +2356,11 @@ TEH_keys_get_handler (struct TEH_RequestContext *rc,
          be a problem, as giving back 'older' data than what the client asks for
          (given that the client asks for data in the distant future) is not
          problematic */
-      last_issue_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_from_s (cherrypickn);
+      last_issue_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_from_s (cherrypickn);
     }
     else
     {
-      last_issue_date.abs_value_us = 0LLU;
+      last_issue_date = GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_TS;
     }
   }
 
@@ -2385,16 +2392,16 @@ TEH_keys_get_handler (struct TEH_RequestContext *rc,
                    &krd_search_comparator);
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
                 "Filtering /keys by cherry pick date %s found entry %u/%u\n",
-                GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (last_issue_date),
+                GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (last_issue_date),
                 (unsigned int) (krd - ksh->krd_array),
                 ksh->krd_array_length);
     if ( (NULL == krd) &&
          (ksh->krd_array_length > 0) )
     {
-      if (0 != last_issue_date.abs_value_us)
+      if (! GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_zero (last_issue_date.abs_time))
         GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_WARNING,
                     "Client provided invalid cherry picking timestamp %s, returning full response\n",
-                    GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (last_issue_date));
+                    GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (last_issue_date));
       krd = &ksh->krd_array[ksh->krd_array_length - 1];
     }
     if (NULL == krd)
@@ -2430,7 +2437,7 @@ load_extension_data (const char *section_name,
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative deposit_duration;
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative legal_duration;
 
-  GNUNET_assert (0 != meta->start.abs_value_us); /* caller bug */
+  GNUNET_assert (! GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_zero (meta->start.abs_time)); /* caller bug */
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_get_value_time (TEH_cfg,
                                            section_name,
@@ -2453,14 +2460,13 @@ load_extension_data (const char *section_name,
                                "DURATION_LEGAL");
     return GNUNET_SYSERR;
   }
-  /* NOTE: this is a change from the 0.8 semantics of the configuration:
-     before duration_spend was relative to 'start', not to 'expire_withdraw'.
-     But doing it this way avoids the error case where previously
-     duration_spend < duration_withdraw was not allowed. */
-  meta->expire_deposit = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (meta->expire_withdraw,
-                                                   deposit_duration);
-  meta->expire_legal = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (meta->expire_deposit,
-                                                 legal_duration);
+  meta->expire_deposit
+    = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+        GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (meta->expire_withdraw.abs_time,
+                                  deposit_duration));
+  meta->expire_legal = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (meta->expire_deposit.abs_time,
+                              legal_duration));
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       TALER_config_get_amount (TEH_cfg,
                                section_name,
@@ -2569,8 +2575,9 @@ TEH_keys_load_fees (const struct TALER_DenominationHash *h_denom_pub,
     return GNUNET_NO;
   }
   meta->start = hd->start_time;
-  meta->expire_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (meta->start,
-                                                    hd->validity_duration);
+  meta->expire_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (meta->start.abs_time,
+                              hd->validity_duration));
   ok = load_extension_data (hd->section_name,
                             meta);
   if (GNUNET_OK == ok)
@@ -2611,10 +2618,13 @@ TEH_keys_get_timing (const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP *exchange_pub,
   hsk = GNUNET_CONTAINER_multipeermap_get (ksh->helpers->esign_keys,
                                            &pid);
   meta->start = hsk->start_time;
-  meta->expire_sign = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (meta->start,
-                                                hsk->validity_duration);
-  meta->expire_legal = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (meta->expire_sign,
-                                                 signkey_legal_duration);
+
+  meta->expire_sign = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (meta->start.abs_time,
+                              hsk->validity_duration));
+  meta->expire_legal = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (meta->expire_sign.abs_time,
+                              signkey_legal_duration));
   return GNUNET_OK;
 }
 
@@ -2653,7 +2663,7 @@ struct FutureBuilderContext
  * @param value a `struct HelperDenomination`
  * @return #GNUNET_OK (continue to iterate)
  */
-static int
+static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 add_future_denomkey_cb (void *cls,
                         const struct GNUNET_HashCode *h_denom_pub,
                         void *value)
@@ -2670,8 +2680,9 @@ add_future_denomkey_cb (void *cls,
   if (GNUNET_TIME_relative_is_zero (hd->validity_duration))
     return GNUNET_OK; /* this key already expired! */
   meta.start = hd->start_time;
-  meta.expire_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (meta.start,
-                                                   hd->validity_duration);
+  meta.expire_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (meta.start.abs_time,
+                              hd->validity_duration));
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       load_extension_data (hd->section_name,
                            &meta))
@@ -2686,14 +2697,14 @@ add_future_denomkey_cb (void *cls,
       GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
         TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("value",
                                 &meta.value),
-        GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_start",
-                                   meta.start),
-        GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
-                                   meta.expire_withdraw),
-        GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_expire_deposit",
-                                   meta.expire_deposit),
-        GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_expire_legal",
-                                   meta.expire_legal),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_start",
+                                    meta.start),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
+                                    meta.expire_withdraw),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_expire_deposit",
+                                    meta.expire_deposit),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_expire_legal",
+                                    meta.expire_legal),
         TALER_JSON_pack_denom_pub ("denom_pub",
                                    &hd->denom_pub),
         TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("fee_withdraw",
@@ -2723,7 +2734,7 @@ add_future_denomkey_cb (void *cls,
  * @param value a `struct HelperDenomination`
  * @return #GNUNET_OK (continue to iterate)
  */
-static int
+static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 add_future_signkey_cb (void *cls,
                        const struct GNUNET_PeerIdentity *pid,
                        void *value)
@@ -2731,8 +2742,8 @@ add_future_signkey_cb (void *cls,
   struct FutureBuilderContext *fbc = cls;
   struct HelperSignkey *hsk = value;
   struct SigningKey *sk;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute legal_end;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp legal_end;
 
   sk = GNUNET_CONTAINER_multipeermap_get (fbc->ksh->signkey_map,
                                           pid);
@@ -2740,22 +2751,24 @@ add_future_signkey_cb (void *cls,
     return GNUNET_OK; /* skip: this key is already active */
   if (GNUNET_TIME_relative_is_zero (hsk->validity_duration))
     return GNUNET_OK; /* this key already expired! */
-  stamp_expire = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (hsk->start_time,
-                                           hsk->validity_duration);
-  legal_end = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (stamp_expire,
-                                        signkey_legal_duration);
+  stamp_expire = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (hsk->start_time.abs_time,
+                              hsk->validity_duration));
+  legal_end = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (stamp_expire.abs_time,
+                              signkey_legal_duration));
   GNUNET_assert (0 ==
                  json_array_append_new (
                    fbc->signkeys,
                    GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("key",
                                                  &hsk->exchange_pub),
-                     GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_start",
-                                                hsk->start_time),
-                     GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_expire",
-                                                stamp_expire),
-                     GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_end",
-                                                legal_end),
+                     GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_start",
+                                                 hsk->start_time),
+                     GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_expire",
+                                                 stamp_expire),
+                     GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_end",
+                                                 legal_end),
                      GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("signkey_secmod_sig",
                                                  &hsk->sm_sig))));
   return GNUNET_OK;
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_kyc-check.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_kyc-check.c
index 1edbbf2aa..7560d6262 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_kyc-check.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_kyc-check.c
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@ TEH_handler_kyc_check (
   struct KycPoller *kyp = rc->rh_ctx;
   MHD_RESULT res;
   enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue ret;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
   if (NULL == kyp)
   {
@@ -347,8 +347,7 @@ TEH_handler_kyc_check (
       rc);
   }
 
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   ret = TEH_DB_run_transaction (rc->connection,
                                 "kyc check",
                                 TEH_MT_OTHER,
@@ -420,7 +419,7 @@ TEH_handler_kyc_check (
         TALER_SIGNATURE_EXCHANGE_ACCOUNT_SETUP_SUCCESS),
       .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (as)),
       .h_payto = kyp->h_payto,
-      .timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (now)
+      .timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (now)
     };
     enum TALER_ErrorCode ec;
 
@@ -440,8 +439,8 @@ TEH_handler_kyc_check (
                                   &sig),
       GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("exchange_pub",
                                   &pub),
-      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("now",
-                                 now));
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("now",
+                                  now));
   }
 }
 
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_auditors.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_auditors.c
index f9092c53b..6096cc98b 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_auditors.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_auditors.c
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ struct AddAuditorContext
   /**
    * Timestamp for checking against replay attacks.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute validity_start;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp validity_start;
 
 };
 
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ add_auditor (void *cls,
              MHD_RESULT *mhd_ret)
 {
   struct AddAuditorContext *aac = cls;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute last_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp last_date;
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
 
   qs = TEH_plugin->lookup_auditor_timestamp (TEH_plugin->cls,
@@ -102,7 +102,9 @@ add_auditor (void *cls,
     return qs;
   }
   if ( (0 < qs) &&
-       (last_date.abs_value_us > aac->validity_start.abs_value_us) )
+       (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (last_date,
+                                   >,
+                                   aac->validity_start) ) )
   {
     *mhd_ret = TALER_MHD_reply_with_error (
       connection,
@@ -155,8 +157,8 @@ TEH_handler_management_auditors (
                              &aac.auditor_url),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_string ("auditor_name",
                              &aac.auditor_name),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("validity_start",
-                                   &aac.validity_start),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("validity_start",
+                                &aac.validity_start),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
   };
   MHD_RESULT res;
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_auditors_AP_disable.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_auditors_AP_disable.c
index 8b31fb139..5ae0cbd07 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_auditors_AP_disable.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_auditors_AP_disable.c
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ struct DelAuditorContext
   /**
    * Timestamp for checking against replay attacks.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute validity_end;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp validity_end;
 
 };
 
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ del_auditor (void *cls,
              MHD_RESULT *mhd_ret)
 {
   struct DelAuditorContext *dac = cls;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute last_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp last_date;
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
 
   qs = TEH_plugin->lookup_auditor_timestamp (TEH_plugin->cls,
@@ -92,7 +92,9 @@ del_auditor (void *cls,
                                            "lookup auditor");
     return qs;
   }
-  if (last_date.abs_value_us > dac->validity_end.abs_value_us)
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (last_date,
+                                 >,
+                                 dac->validity_end))
   {
     *mhd_ret = TALER_MHD_reply_with_error (
       connection,
@@ -145,8 +147,8 @@ TEH_handler_management_auditors_AP_disable (
   struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("master_sig",
                                  &master_sig),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("validity_end",
-                                   &dac.validity_end),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("validity_end",
+                                &dac.validity_end),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
   };
   MHD_RESULT res;
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_wire_disable.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_wire_disable.c
index 2d37a7204..d776bc353 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_wire_disable.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_wire_disable.c
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ struct DelWireContext
   /**
    * Timestamp for checking against replay attacks.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute validity_end;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp validity_end;
 
 };
 
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ del_wire (void *cls,
           MHD_RESULT *mhd_ret)
 {
   struct DelWireContext *awc = cls;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute last_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp last_date;
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
 
   qs = TEH_plugin->lookup_wire_timestamp (TEH_plugin->cls,
@@ -92,7 +92,9 @@ del_wire (void *cls,
                                            "lookup wire");
     return qs;
   }
-  if (last_date.abs_value_us > awc->validity_end.abs_value_us)
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (last_date,
+                                 >,
+                                 awc->validity_end))
   {
     *mhd_ret = TALER_MHD_reply_with_error (
       connection,
@@ -140,8 +142,8 @@ TEH_handler_management_post_wire_disable (
                                  &awc.master_sig),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_string ("payto_uri",
                              &awc.payto_uri),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("validity_end",
-                                   &awc.validity_end),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("validity_end",
+                                &awc.validity_end),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
   };
 
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_wire_enable.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_wire_enable.c
index 165c5183d..56828eb5e 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_wire_enable.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_wire_enable.c
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ struct AddWireContext
   /**
    * Timestamp for checking against replay attacks.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute validity_start;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp validity_start;
 
 };
 
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ add_wire (void *cls,
           MHD_RESULT *mhd_ret)
 {
   struct AddWireContext *awc = cls;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute last_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp last_date;
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
 
   qs = TEH_plugin->lookup_wire_timestamp (TEH_plugin->cls,
@@ -100,7 +100,9 @@ add_wire (void *cls,
     return qs;
   }
   if ( (0 < qs) &&
-       (last_date.abs_value_us > awc->validity_start.abs_value_us) )
+       (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (last_date,
+                                   >,
+                                   awc->validity_start)) )
   {
     *mhd_ret = TALER_MHD_reply_with_error (
       connection,
@@ -147,8 +149,8 @@ TEH_handler_management_post_wire (
                                  &awc.master_sig_add),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_string ("payto_uri",
                              &awc.payto_uri),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("validity_start",
-                                   &awc.validity_start),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("validity_start",
+                                &awc.validity_start),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
   };
 
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_wire_fees.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_wire_fees.c
index 180149042..c14500e8d 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_wire_fees.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_management_wire_fees.c
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 /*
   This file is part of TALER
-  Copyright (C) 2020 Taler Systems SA
+  Copyright (C) 2020, 2021 Taler Systems SA
 
   TALER is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the
   terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as published by the Free Software
@@ -50,12 +50,12 @@ struct AddFeeContext
   /**
    * Starting period.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time;
 
   /**
    * End of period.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_time;
 
   /**
    * Wire fee amount.
@@ -171,10 +171,10 @@ TEH_handler_management_post_wire_fees (
                                  &afc.master_sig),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_string ("wire_method",
                              &afc.wire_method),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("fee_start",
-                                   &afc.start_time),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("fee_end",
-                                   &afc.end_time),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("fee_start",
+                                &afc.start_time),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("fee_end",
+                                &afc.end_time),
     TALER_JSON_spec_amount ("closing_fee",
                             TEH_currency,
                             &afc.closing_fee),
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_melt.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_melt.c
index ab7bed295..e4b2af290 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_melt.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_melt.c
@@ -319,12 +319,11 @@ check_for_denomination_key (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
     &mret);
   if (NULL == dk)
     return mret;
-  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (dk->meta.expire_legal))
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (dk->meta.expire_legal.abs_time))
   {
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
-    now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-    (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+    now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
     /* Way too late now, even zombies have expired */
     return TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
       connection,
@@ -333,12 +332,11 @@ check_for_denomination_key (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
       TALER_EC_EXCHANGE_GENERIC_DENOMINATION_EXPIRED,
       "MELT");
   }
-  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (dk->meta.start))
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (dk->meta.start.abs_time))
   {
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
-    now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-    (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+    now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
     /* This denomination is not yet valid */
     return TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
       connection,
@@ -347,7 +345,7 @@ check_for_denomination_key (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
       TALER_EC_EXCHANGE_GENERIC_DENOMINATION_VALIDITY_IN_FUTURE,
       "MELT");
   }
-  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (dk->meta.expire_deposit))
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (dk->meta.expire_deposit.abs_time))
   {
     /* We are past deposit expiration time, but maybe this is a zombie? */
     struct TALER_DenominationHash denom_hash;
@@ -371,10 +369,9 @@ check_for_denomination_key (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
     }
     if (GNUNET_DB_STATUS_SUCCESS_ONE_RESULT != qs)
     {
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
-      now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-      (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+      now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
       /* We never saw this coin before, so _this_ justification is not OK */
       return TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
         connection,
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_recoup.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_recoup.c
index c2cae0861..ec67efc26 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_recoup.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_recoup.c
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ struct RecoupContext
    * Set by #recoup_transaction to the timestamp when the recoup
    * was accepted.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
   /**
    * true if the client claims the coin originated from a refresh.
@@ -233,8 +233,7 @@ recoup_transaction (void *cls,
   }
   TEH_plugin->free_coin_transaction_list (TEH_plugin->cls,
                                           tl);
-  pc->now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&pc->now);
+  pc->now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
 
   /* add coin to list of wire transfers for recoup */
   if (pc->refreshed)
@@ -307,45 +306,33 @@ verify_and_execute_recoup (
                                       &mret);
   if (NULL == dk)
     return mret;
-  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (dk->meta.expire_deposit))
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (dk->meta.expire_deposit.abs_time))
   {
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
-
-    now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-    (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
     /* This denomination is past the expiration time for recoup */
     return TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
       connection,
       &coin->denom_pub_hash,
-      now,
+      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
       TALER_EC_EXCHANGE_GENERIC_DENOMINATION_EXPIRED,
       "RECOUP");
   }
-  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (dk->meta.start))
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (dk->meta.start.abs_time))
   {
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
-
-    now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-    (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
     /* This denomination is not yet valid */
     return TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
       connection,
       &coin->denom_pub_hash,
-      now,
+      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
       TALER_EC_EXCHANGE_GENERIC_DENOMINATION_VALIDITY_IN_FUTURE,
       "RECOUP");
   }
   if (! dk->recoup_possible)
   {
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
-
-    now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-    (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
     /* This denomination is not eligible for recoup */
     return TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
       connection,
       &coin->denom_pub_hash,
-      now,
+      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
       TALER_EC_EXCHANGE_RECOUP_NOT_ELIGIBLE,
       "RECOUP");
   }
@@ -530,6 +517,7 @@ TEH_handler_recoup (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
   struct TALER_CoinPublicInfo coin;
   union TALER_DenominationBlindingKeyP coin_bks;
   struct TALER_CoinSpendSignatureP coin_sig;
+  struct TALER_Amount amount;
   bool refreshed = false;
   struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("denom_pub_hash",
@@ -540,6 +528,9 @@ TEH_handler_recoup (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
                                  &coin_bks),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("coin_sig",
                                  &coin_sig),
+    TALER_JSON_spec_amount ("amount",
+                            TEH_currency,
+                            &amount),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_mark_optional (
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_bool ("refreshed",
                              &refreshed)),
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_refreshes_reveal.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_refreshes_reveal.c
index 6c1766feb..36362a234 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_refreshes_reveal.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_refreshes_reveal.c
@@ -519,31 +519,23 @@ resolve_refreshes_reveal_denominations (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
     if (NULL == dks[i])
       return mret;
 
-    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (dks[i]->meta.expire_withdraw))
+    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (dks[i]->meta.expire_withdraw.abs_time))
     {
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
-
-      now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-      (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
       /* This denomination is past the expiration time for withdraws */
       return TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
         connection,
         &dk_h[i],
-        now,
+        GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
         TALER_EC_EXCHANGE_GENERIC_DENOMINATION_EXPIRED,
         "REVEAL");
     }
-    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (dks[i]->meta.start))
+    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (dks[i]->meta.start.abs_time))
     {
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
-
-      now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-      (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
       /* This denomination is not yet valid */
       return TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
         connection,
         &dk_h[i],
-        now,
+        GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
         TALER_EC_EXCHANGE_GENERIC_DENOMINATION_VALIDITY_IN_FUTURE,
         "REVEAL");
     }
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_responses.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_responses.c
index cb1179d6d..8c24efc9d 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_responses.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_responses.c
@@ -96,11 +96,11 @@ TEH_RESPONSE_compile_transaction_history (
                                         &deposit->amount_with_fee),
                 TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("deposit_fee",
                                         &deposit->deposit_fee),
-                GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("timestamp",
-                                           deposit->timestamp),
+                GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                            deposit->timestamp),
                 GNUNET_JSON_pack_allow_null (
-                  GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("refund_deadline",
-                                             deposit->refund_deadline)),
+                  GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("refund_deadline",
+                                              deposit->refund_deadline)),
                 GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("merchant_pub",
                                             &deposit->merchant_pub),
                 GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("h_contract_terms",
@@ -243,7 +243,7 @@ TEH_RESPONSE_compile_transaction_history (
           .purpose.purpose = htonl (
             TALER_SIGNATURE_EXCHANGE_CONFIRM_RECOUP_REFRESH),
           .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (pc)),
-          .timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (pr->timestamp),
+          .timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (pr->timestamp),
           .coin_pub = pr->coin.coin_pub,
           .old_coin_pub = pr->old_coin_pub
         };
@@ -278,8 +278,8 @@ TEH_RESPONSE_compile_transaction_history (
                                             &epub),
                 GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("coin_pub",
                                             &pr->coin.coin_pub),
-                GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("timestamp",
-                                           pr->timestamp))))
+                GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                            pr->timestamp))))
         {
           GNUNET_break (0);
           json_decref (history);
@@ -296,7 +296,7 @@ TEH_RESPONSE_compile_transaction_history (
         struct TALER_RecoupConfirmationPS pc = {
           .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_EXCHANGE_CONFIRM_RECOUP),
           .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (pc)),
-          .timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (recoup->timestamp),
+          .timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (recoup->timestamp),
           .coin_pub = *coin_pub,
           .reserve_pub = recoup->reserve_pub
         };
@@ -334,8 +334,8 @@ TEH_RESPONSE_compile_transaction_history (
                                             &recoup->coin_blind),
                 GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("reserve_pub",
                                             &recoup->reserve_pub),
-                GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("timestamp",
-                                           recoup->timestamp))))
+                GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                            recoup->timestamp))))
         {
           GNUNET_break (0);
           json_decref (history);
@@ -353,7 +353,7 @@ TEH_RESPONSE_compile_transaction_history (
           .purpose.purpose = htonl (
             TALER_SIGNATURE_EXCHANGE_CONFIRM_RECOUP_REFRESH),
           .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (pc)),
-          .timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (pr->timestamp),
+          .timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (pr->timestamp),
           .coin_pub = *coin_pub,
           .old_coin_pub = pr->old_coin_pub
         };
@@ -394,8 +394,8 @@ TEH_RESPONSE_compile_transaction_history (
                                             &pr->coin_sig),
                 GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("coin_blind",
                                             &pr->coin_blind),
-                GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("timestamp",
-                                           pr->timestamp))))
+                GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                            pr->timestamp))))
         {
           GNUNET_break (0);
           json_decref (history);
@@ -418,16 +418,15 @@ TEH_RESPONSE_reply_unknown_denom_pub_hash (
 {
   struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP epub;
   struct TALER_ExchangeSignatureP esig;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
   enum TALER_ErrorCode ec;
 
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   {
     struct TALER_DenominationUnknownAffirmationPS dua = {
       .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (dua)),
       .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_EXCHANGE_AFFIRM_DENOM_UNKNOWN),
-      .timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (now),
+      .timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (now),
       .h_denom_pub = *dph,
     };
 
@@ -447,8 +446,8 @@ TEH_RESPONSE_reply_unknown_denom_pub_hash (
     connection,
     MHD_HTTP_NOT_FOUND,
     TALER_JSON_pack_ec (TALER_EC_EXCHANGE_GENERIC_DENOMINATION_KEY_UNKNOWN),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("timestamp",
-                               now),
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                now),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("exchange_pub",
                                 &epub),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("exchange_sig",
@@ -462,7 +461,7 @@ MHD_RESULT
 TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
   struct MHD_Connection *connection,
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *dph,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now,
   enum TALER_ErrorCode ec,
   const char *oper)
 {
@@ -473,7 +472,7 @@ TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (dua)),
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (
       TALER_SIGNATURE_EXCHANGE_AFFIRM_DENOM_EXPIRED),
-    .timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (now),
+    .timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (now),
     .h_denom_pub = *dph,
   };
 
@@ -499,8 +498,8 @@ TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
     TALER_JSON_pack_ec (ec),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("oper",
                              oper),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("timestamp",
-                               now),
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                now),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("exchange_pub",
                                 &epub),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("exchange_sig",
@@ -607,8 +606,8 @@ TEH_RESPONSE_compile_reserve_history (
               GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
                 GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("type",
                                          "CREDIT"),
-                GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("timestamp",
-                                           bank->execution_date),
+                GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                            bank->execution_date),
                 GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("sender_account_url",
                                          bank->sender_account_details),
                 GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("wire_reference",
@@ -694,7 +693,7 @@ TEH_RESPONSE_compile_reserve_history (
           struct TALER_RecoupConfirmationPS pc = {
             .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_EXCHANGE_CONFIRM_RECOUP),
             .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (pc)),
-            .timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (recoup->timestamp),
+            .timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (recoup->timestamp),
             .coin_pub = recoup->coin.coin_pub,
             .reserve_pub = recoup->reserve_pub
           };
@@ -722,8 +721,8 @@ TEH_RESPONSE_compile_reserve_history (
                                             &pub),
                 GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("exchange_sig",
                                             &sig),
-                GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("timestamp",
-                                           recoup->timestamp),
+                GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                            recoup->timestamp),
                 TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount",
                                         &recoup->value),
                 GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("coin_pub",
@@ -765,7 +764,7 @@ TEH_RESPONSE_compile_reserve_history (
           struct TALER_ReserveCloseConfirmationPS rcc = {
             .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_EXCHANGE_RESERVE_CLOSED),
             .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (rcc)),
-            .timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (closing->execution_date),
+            .timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (closing->execution_date),
             .reserve_pub = pos->details.closing->reserve_pub,
             .wtid = closing->wtid
           };
@@ -800,8 +799,8 @@ TEH_RESPONSE_compile_reserve_history (
                                             &pub),
                 GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("exchange_sig",
                                             &sig),
-                GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("timestamp",
-                                           closing->execution_date),
+                GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                            closing->execution_date),
                 TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount",
                                         &value),
                 TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("closing_fee",
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_responses.h b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_responses.h
index 09d566af8..15fc57a58 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_responses.h
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_responses.h
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ MHD_RESULT
 TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
   struct MHD_Connection *connection,
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *dph,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now,
   enum TALER_ErrorCode ec,
   const char *oper);
 
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_transfers_get.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_transfers_get.c
index 38a5c211d..7ca0da974 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_transfers_get.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_transfers_get.c
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ reply_transfer_details (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
                         const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
                         const char *payto_uri,
                         const struct TALER_Amount *wire_fee,
-                        struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exec_time,
+                        struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exec_time,
                         const struct AggregatedDepositDetail *wdd_head)
 {
   json_t *deposits;
@@ -99,7 +99,6 @@ reply_transfer_details (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
   struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP pub;
   struct TALER_ExchangeSignatureP sig;
 
-  GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&exec_time);
   deposits = json_array ();
   GNUNET_assert (NULL != deposits);
   hash_context = GNUNET_CRYPTO_hash_context_start ();
@@ -108,7 +107,7 @@ reply_transfer_details (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
        wdd_pos = wdd_pos->next)
   {
     dd.h_contract_terms = wdd_pos->h_contract_terms;
-    dd.execution_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (exec_time);
+    dd.execution_time = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (exec_time);
     dd.coin_pub = wdd_pos->coin_pub;
     TALER_amount_hton (&dd.deposit_value,
                        &wdd_pos->deposit_value);
@@ -175,8 +174,8 @@ reply_transfer_details (struct MHD_Connection *connection,
                                 merchant_pub),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("h_payto",
                                 &wdp.h_payto),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("execution_time",
-                               exec_time),
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("execution_time",
+                                exec_time),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_array_steal ("deposits",
                                   deposits),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("exchange_sig",
@@ -219,7 +218,7 @@ struct WtidTransactionContext
   /**
    * Execution time of the wire transfer
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exec_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exec_time;
 
   /**
    * Head of DLL with deposit details for transfers GET response.
@@ -273,7 +272,7 @@ handle_deposit_data (void *cls,
                      uint64_t rowid,
                      const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
                      const char *account_payto_uri,
-                     struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exec_time,
+                     struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exec_time,
                      const struct TALER_PrivateContractHash *h_contract_terms,
                      const struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey *denom_pub,
                      const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
@@ -397,8 +396,8 @@ get_transfer_deposits (void *cls,
 {
   struct WtidTransactionContext *ctx = cls;
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_fee_start_date;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_fee_end_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_fee_start_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_fee_end_date;
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP wire_fee_master_sig;
   struct TALER_Amount closing_fee;
 
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_wire.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_wire.c
index 802204e30..911100583 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_wire.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_wire.c
@@ -212,8 +212,8 @@ static void
 add_wire_fee (void *cls,
               const struct TALER_Amount *wire_fee,
               const struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee,
-              struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date,
-              struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date,
+              struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date,
+              struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date,
               const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig)
 {
   json_t *a = cls;
@@ -226,10 +226,10 @@ add_wire_fee (void *cls,
                                   wire_fee),
           TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("closing_fee",
                                   closing_fee),
-          GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("start_date",
-                                     start_date),
-          GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("end_date",
-                                     end_date),
+          GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("start_date",
+                                      start_date),
+          GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("end_date",
+                                      end_date),
           GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("sig",
                                       master_sig))))
   {
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_withdraw.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_withdraw.c
index 9a45271bb..2c5cb4d75 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_withdraw.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-httpd_withdraw.c
@@ -141,11 +141,9 @@ withdraw_transaction (void *cls,
   bool found = false;
   bool balance_ok = false;
   uint64_t reserve_uuid;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
-
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   wc->collectable.reserve_pub = wc->wsrd.reserve_pub;
   wc->collectable.h_coin_envelope = wc->wsrd.h_coin_envelope;
   qs = TEH_plugin->do_withdraw (TEH_plugin->cls,
@@ -237,7 +235,7 @@ withdraw_transaction (void *cls,
     qs2 = TEH_plugin->do_withdraw_limit_check (
       TEH_plugin->cls,
       reserve_uuid,
-      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (now,
+      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (now.abs_time,
                                      TEH_kyc_config.withdraw_period),
       &TEH_kyc_config.withdraw_limit,
       &below_limit);
@@ -355,7 +353,6 @@ TEH_handler_withdraw (struct TEH_RequestContext *rc,
   }
   {
     MHD_RESULT mret;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
     struct TEH_KeyStateHandle *ksh;
 
     ksh = TEH_keys_get_state ();
@@ -392,14 +389,8 @@ TEH_handler_withdraw (struct TEH_RequestContext *rc,
       GNUNET_JSON_parse_free (spec);
       return mret;
     }
-    now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-    (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
-    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (dk->meta.expire_withdraw))
+    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (dk->meta.expire_withdraw.abs_time))
     {
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
-
-      now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-      (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
       /* This denomination is past the expiration time for withdraws */
       if (! check_request_idempotent (rc,
                                       &wc,
@@ -409,35 +400,27 @@ TEH_handler_withdraw (struct TEH_RequestContext *rc,
         return TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
           rc->connection,
           &wc.collectable.denom_pub_hash,
-          now,
+          GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
           TALER_EC_EXCHANGE_GENERIC_DENOMINATION_EXPIRED,
           "WITHDRAW");
       }
       GNUNET_JSON_parse_free (spec);
       return mret;
     }
-    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (dk->meta.start))
+    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (dk->meta.start.abs_time))
     {
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
-
-      now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-      (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
       /* This denomination is not yet valid, no need to check
          for idempotency! */
       GNUNET_JSON_parse_free (spec);
       return TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
         rc->connection,
         &wc.collectable.denom_pub_hash,
-        now,
+        GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
         TALER_EC_EXCHANGE_GENERIC_DENOMINATION_VALIDITY_IN_FUTURE,
         "WITHDRAW");
     }
     if (dk->recoup_possible)
     {
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
-
-      now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-      (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
       /* This denomination has been revoked */
       if (! check_request_idempotent (rc,
                                       &wc,
@@ -447,7 +430,7 @@ TEH_handler_withdraw (struct TEH_RequestContext *rc,
         return TEH_RESPONSE_reply_expired_denom_pub_hash (
           rc->connection,
           &wc.collectable.denom_pub_hash,
-          now,
+          GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
           TALER_EC_EXCHANGE_GENERIC_DENOMINATION_REVOKED,
           "WITHDRAW");
       }
diff --git a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-transfer.c b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-transfer.c
index c2ad59ae5..261b4006f 100644
--- a/src/exchange/taler-exchange-transfer.c
+++ b/src/exchange/taler-exchange-transfer.c
@@ -407,7 +407,7 @@ wire_confirm_cb (void *cls,
                  unsigned int http_status_code,
                  enum TALER_ErrorCode ec,
                  uint64_t row_id,
-                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_timestamp)
+                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_timestamp)
 {
   struct WirePrepareData *wpd = cls;
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
@@ -642,7 +642,8 @@ run_transfers (void *cls)
       /* normal case */
       break;
     }
-    shard_delay = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_duration (shard->shard_start_time);
+    shard_delay = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_duration (
+      shard->shard_start_time);
     GNUNET_free (shard);
     GNUNET_assert (NULL == task);
     task = GNUNET_SCHEDULER_add_now (&select_shard,
@@ -776,8 +777,8 @@ select_shard (void *cls)
       GNUNET_assert (NULL == task);
       GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_WARNING,
                   "Serialization failure, trying again in %s!\n",
-                  GNUNET_STRINGS_relative_time_to_string (serialization_delay,
-                                                          GNUNET_YES));
+                  GNUNET_TIME_relative2s (serialization_delay,
+                                          true));
       task = GNUNET_SCHEDULER_add_delayed (serialization_delay,
                                            &select_shard,
                                            NULL);
diff --git a/src/exchangedb/irbt_callbacks.c b/src/exchangedb/irbt_callbacks.c
index 4b1269606..47606ebc2 100644
--- a/src/exchangedb/irbt_callbacks.c
+++ b/src/exchangedb/irbt_callbacks.c
@@ -43,13 +43,13 @@ irbt_cb_table_denominations (struct PostgresClosure *pg,
       &td->details.denominations.denom_pub),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (
       &td->details.denominations.master_sig),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (
       &td->details.denominations.valid_from),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (
       &td->details.denominations.expire_withdraw),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (
       &td->details.denominations.expire_deposit),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (
       &td->details.denominations.expire_legal),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (&td->details.denominations.coin),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (
@@ -144,8 +144,8 @@ irbt_cb_table_reserves (struct PostgresClosure *pg,
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&td->serial),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&td->details.reserves.reserve_pub),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (&td->details.reserves.current_balance),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&td->details.reserves.expiration_date),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&td->details.reserves.gc_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&td->details.reserves.expiration_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&td->details.reserves.gc_date),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
 
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ irbt_cb_table_reserves_in (struct PostgresClosure *pg,
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&td->details.reserves_in.sender_account),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (
       td->details.reserves_in.exchange_account_section),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (
       &td->details.reserves_in.execution_date),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&td->details.reserves_in.reserve_uuid),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ irbt_cb_table_reserves_close (struct PostgresClosure *pg,
 {
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&td->serial),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (
       &td->details.reserves_close.execution_date),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (
       &td->details.reserves_close.wtid),
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@ irbt_cb_table_reserves_out (struct PostgresClosure *pg,
       &td->details.reserves_out.reserve_uuid),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (
       &td->details.reserves_out.reserve_sig),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (
       &td->details.reserves_out.execution_date),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (
       &td->details.reserves_out.amount_with_fee),
@@ -266,7 +266,7 @@ irbt_cb_table_auditors (struct PostgresClosure *pg,
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (td->details.auditors.auditor_name),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (td->details.auditors.auditor_url),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&is_active),
-    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&td->details.auditors.last_change),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&td->details.auditors.last_change),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
 
@@ -318,11 +318,11 @@ irbt_cb_table_exchange_sign_keys (struct PostgresClosure *pg,
       &td->details.exchange_sign_keys.exchange_pub),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (
       &td->details.exchange_sign_keys.master_sig),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (
       &td->details.exchange_sign_keys.meta.start),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (
       &td->details.exchange_sign_keys.meta.expire_sign),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (
       &td->details.exchange_sign_keys.meta.expire_legal),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
@@ -503,11 +503,11 @@ irbt_cb_table_deposits (struct PostgresClosure *pg,
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&td->details.deposits.shard),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&td->details.deposits.known_coin_id),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (&td->details.deposits.amount_with_fee),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&td->details.deposits.wallet_timestamp),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&td->details.deposits.wallet_timestamp),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (
       &td->details.deposits.exchange_timestamp),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&td->details.deposits.refund_deadline),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&td->details.deposits.wire_deadline),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&td->details.deposits.refund_deadline),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&td->details.deposits.wire_deadline),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&td->details.deposits.merchant_pub),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (
       &td->details.deposits.h_contract_terms),
@@ -565,7 +565,7 @@ irbt_cb_table_wire_out (struct PostgresClosure *pg,
 {
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&td->serial),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&td->details.wire_out.execution_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&td->details.wire_out.execution_date),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&td->details.wire_out.wtid_raw),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&td->details.wire_out.wire_target_serial_id),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (
@@ -618,8 +618,8 @@ irbt_cb_table_wire_fee (struct PostgresClosure *pg,
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&td->serial),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (td->details.wire_fee.wire_method),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&td->details.wire_fee.start_date),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&td->details.wire_fee.end_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&td->details.wire_fee.start_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&td->details.wire_fee.end_date),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (&td->details.wire_fee.wire_fee),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (&td->details.wire_fee.closing_fee),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&td->details.wire_fee.master_sig),
@@ -647,7 +647,7 @@ irbt_cb_table_recoup (struct PostgresClosure *pg,
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&td->details.recoup.coin_sig),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&td->details.recoup.coin_blind),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (&td->details.recoup.amount),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&td->details.recoup.timestamp),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&td->details.recoup.timestamp),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&td->details.recoup.known_coin_id),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&td->details.recoup.reserve_out_serial_id),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
@@ -675,7 +675,7 @@ irbt_cb_table_recoup_refresh (struct PostgresClosure *pg,
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (
       &td->details.recoup_refresh.coin_blind),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (&td->details.recoup_refresh.amount),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&td->details.recoup_refresh.timestamp),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&td->details.recoup_refresh.timestamp),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&td->details.recoup_refresh.known_coin_id),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&td->details.recoup_refresh.rrc_serial),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
diff --git a/src/exchangedb/lrbt_callbacks.c b/src/exchangedb/lrbt_callbacks.c
index 5a26a5d6b..6dc990dc2 100644
--- a/src/exchangedb/lrbt_callbacks.c
+++ b/src/exchangedb/lrbt_callbacks.c
@@ -61,18 +61,18 @@ lrbt_cb_table_denominations (void *cls,
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type (
         "master_sig",
         &td.details.denominations.master_sig),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time (
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp (
         "valid_from",
         &td.details.denominations.valid_from),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time (
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp (
         "expire_withdraw",
         &td.details.denominations.
         expire_withdraw),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time (
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp (
         "expire_deposit",
         &td.details.denominations.
         expire_deposit),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time (
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp (
         "expire_legal",
         &td.details.denominations.expire_legal),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT (
@@ -230,10 +230,10 @@ lrbt_cb_table_reserves (void *cls,
                                             &td.details.reserves.reserve_pub),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("current_balance",
                                    &td.details.reserves.current_balance),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expiration_date",
-                                          &td.details.reserves.expiration_date),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("gc_date",
-                                          &td.details.reserves.gc_date),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expiration_date",
+                                       &td.details.reserves.expiration_date),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("gc_date",
+                                       &td.details.reserves.gc_date),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
     };
 
@@ -292,7 +292,7 @@ lrbt_cb_table_reserves_in (void *cls,
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_string (
         "exchange_account_section",
         &td.details.reserves_in.exchange_account_section),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time (
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp (
         "execution_date",
         &td.details.reserves_in.execution_date),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
@@ -341,7 +341,7 @@ lrbt_cb_table_reserves_close (void *cls,
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_uint64 (
         "reserve_uuid",
         &td.details.reserves_close.reserve_uuid),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time (
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp (
         "execution_date",
         &td.details.reserves_close.execution_date),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type (
@@ -414,7 +414,7 @@ lrbt_cb_table_reserves_out (void *cls,
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type (
         "reserve_sig",
         &td.details.reserves_out.reserve_sig),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time (
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp (
         "execution_date",
         &td.details.reserves_out.execution_date),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT (
@@ -470,8 +470,8 @@ lrbt_cb_table_auditors (void *cls,
                                     &td.details.auditors.auditor_name),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("is_active",
                                             &is_active8),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("last_change",
-                                          &td.details.auditors.last_change),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("last_change",
+                                       &td.details.auditors.last_change),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
     };
 
@@ -571,15 +571,15 @@ lrbt_cb_table_exchange_sign_keys (void *cls,
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("master_sig",
                                             &td.details.exchange_sign_keys.
                                             master_sig),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("valid_from",
-                                          &td.details.exchange_sign_keys.meta.
-                                          start),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expire_sign",
-                                          &td.details.exchange_sign_keys.meta.
-                                          expire_sign),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expire_legal",
-                                          &td.details.exchange_sign_keys.meta.
-                                          expire_legal),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("valid_from",
+                                       &td.details.exchange_sign_keys.meta.
+                                       start),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expire_sign",
+                                       &td.details.exchange_sign_keys.meta.
+                                       expire_sign),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expire_legal",
+                                       &td.details.exchange_sign_keys.meta.
+                                       expire_legal),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
     };
 
@@ -916,16 +916,16 @@ lrbt_cb_table_deposits (void *cls,
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT (
         "amount_with_fee",
         &td.details.deposits.amount_with_fee),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time (
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp (
         "wallet_timestamp",
         &td.details.deposits.wallet_timestamp),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time (
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp (
         "exchange_timestamp",
         &td.details.deposits.exchange_timestamp),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time (
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp (
         "refund_deadline",
         &td.details.deposits.refund_deadline),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time (
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp (
         "wire_deadline",
         &td.details.deposits.wire_deadline),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type (
@@ -1054,7 +1054,7 @@ lrbt_cb_table_wire_out (void *cls,
     struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_uint64 ("serial",
                                     &td.serial),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time (
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp (
         "execution_date",
         &td.details.wire_out.execution_date),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type (
@@ -1161,10 +1161,10 @@ lrbt_cb_table_wire_fee (void *cls,
                                     &td.serial),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_string ("wire_method",
                                     &td.details.wire_fee.wire_method),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("start_date",
-                                          &td.details.wire_fee.start_date),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("end_date",
-                                          &td.details.wire_fee.end_date),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("start_date",
+                                       &td.details.wire_fee.start_date),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("end_date",
+                                       &td.details.wire_fee.end_date),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("wire_fee",
                                    &td.details.wire_fee.wire_fee),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("closing_fee",
@@ -1219,8 +1219,8 @@ lrbt_cb_table_recoup (void *cls,
                                             &td.details.recoup.coin_blind),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("amount",
                                    &td.details.recoup.amount),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("timestamp",
-                                          &td.details.recoup.timestamp),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                       &td.details.recoup.timestamp),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_uint64 ("known_coin_id",
                                     &td.details.recoup.known_coin_id),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_uint64 ("reserve_out_serial_id",
@@ -1274,8 +1274,8 @@ lrbt_cb_table_recoup_refresh (void *cls,
         &td.details.recoup_refresh.coin_blind),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("amount",
                                    &td.details.recoup_refresh.amount),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("timestamp",
-                                          &td.details.recoup_refresh.timestamp),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                       &td.details.recoup_refresh.timestamp),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_uint64 ("known_coin_id",
                                     &td.details.recoup_refresh.known_coin_id),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_uint64 ("rrc_serial",
diff --git a/src/exchangedb/plugin_exchangedb_postgres.c b/src/exchangedb/plugin_exchangedb_postgres.c
index 8e184a9dd..23307bf80 100644
--- a/src/exchangedb/plugin_exchangedb_postgres.c
+++ b/src/exchangedb/plugin_exchangedb_postgres.c
@@ -3149,10 +3149,10 @@ postgres_insert_denomination_info (
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&issue->properties.denom_hash),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_denom_pub (denom_pub),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&issue->signature),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time_nbo (&issue->properties.start),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time_nbo (&issue->properties.expire_withdraw),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time_nbo (&issue->properties.expire_deposit),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time_nbo (&issue->properties.expire_legal),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp_nbo (&issue->properties.start),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp_nbo (&issue->properties.expire_withdraw),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp_nbo (&issue->properties.expire_deposit),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp_nbo (&issue->properties.expire_legal),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount_nbo (&issue->properties.value),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount_nbo (&issue->properties.fee_withdraw),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount_nbo (&issue->properties.fee_deposit),
@@ -3161,14 +3161,18 @@ postgres_insert_denomination_info (
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
 
-  GNUNET_assert (0 != GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (
-                   issue->properties.start).abs_value_us);
-  GNUNET_assert (0 != GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (
-                   issue->properties.expire_withdraw).abs_value_us);
-  GNUNET_assert (0 != GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (
-                   issue->properties.expire_deposit).abs_value_us);
-  GNUNET_assert (0 != GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (
-                   issue->properties.expire_legal).abs_value_us);
+  GNUNET_assert (! GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_zero (
+                   GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (
+                     issue->properties.start).abs_time));
+  GNUNET_assert (! GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_zero (
+                   GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (
+                     issue->properties.expire_withdraw).abs_time));
+  GNUNET_assert (! GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_zero (
+                   GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (
+                     issue->properties.expire_deposit).abs_time));
+  GNUNET_assert (! GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_zero (
+                   GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (
+                     issue->properties.expire_legal).abs_time));
   /* check fees match coin currency */
   GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_YES ==
                  TALER_amount_cmp_currency_nbo (&issue->properties.value,
@@ -3212,14 +3216,14 @@ postgres_get_denomination_info (
   struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("master_sig",
                                           &issue->signature),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time_nbo ("valid_from",
-                                            &issue->properties.start),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time_nbo ("expire_withdraw",
-                                            &issue->properties.expire_withdraw),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time_nbo ("expire_deposit",
-                                            &issue->properties.expire_deposit),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time_nbo ("expire_legal",
-                                            &issue->properties.expire_legal),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp_nbo ("valid_from",
+                                         &issue->properties.start),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp_nbo ("expire_withdraw",
+                                         &issue->properties.expire_withdraw),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp_nbo ("expire_deposit",
+                                         &issue->properties.expire_deposit),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp_nbo ("expire_legal",
+                                         &issue->properties.expire_legal),
     TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT_NBO ("coin",
                                      &issue->properties.value),
     TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT_NBO ("fee_withdraw",
@@ -3296,14 +3300,14 @@ domination_cb_helper (void *cls,
     struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("master_sig",
                                             &issue.signature),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time_nbo ("valid_from",
-                                              &issue.properties.start),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time_nbo ("expire_withdraw",
-                                              &issue.properties.expire_withdraw),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time_nbo ("expire_deposit",
-                                              &issue.properties.expire_deposit),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time_nbo ("expire_legal",
-                                              &issue.properties.expire_legal),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp_nbo ("valid_from",
+                                           &issue.properties.start),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp_nbo ("expire_withdraw",
+                                           &issue.properties.expire_withdraw),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp_nbo ("expire_deposit",
+                                           &issue.properties.expire_deposit),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp_nbo ("expire_legal",
+                                           &issue.properties.expire_legal),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT_NBO ("coin",
                                        &issue.properties.value),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT_NBO ("fee_withdraw",
@@ -3425,14 +3429,14 @@ dominations_cb_helper (void *cls,
                                             &master_sig),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_bool ("revoked",
                                   &revoked),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("valid_from",
-                                          &meta.start),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expire_withdraw",
-                                          &meta.expire_withdraw),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expire_deposit",
-                                          &meta.expire_deposit),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expire_legal",
-                                          &meta.expire_legal),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("valid_from",
+                                       &meta.start),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expire_withdraw",
+                                       &meta.expire_withdraw),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expire_deposit",
+                                       &meta.expire_deposit),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expire_legal",
+                                       &meta.expire_legal),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("coin",
                                    &meta.value),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("fee_withdraw",
@@ -3546,12 +3550,12 @@ signkeys_cb_helper (void *cls,
                                             &master_sig),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("exchange_pub",
                                             &exchange_pub),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("valid_from",
-                                          &meta.start),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expire_sign",
-                                          &meta.expire_sign),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expire_legal",
-                                          &meta.expire_legal),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("valid_from",
+                                       &meta.start),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expire_sign",
+                                       &meta.expire_sign),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expire_legal",
+                                       &meta.expire_legal),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
     };
 
@@ -3821,10 +3825,10 @@ postgres_reserves_get (void *cls,
   struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
     TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("current_balance",
                                  &reserve->balance),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expiration_date",
-                                        &reserve->expiry),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("gc_date",
-                                        &reserve->gc),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expiration_date",
+                                     &reserve->expiry),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("gc_date",
+                                     &reserve->gc),
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_uint64 ("payment_target_uuid",
                                   &kyc->payment_target_uuid),
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_bool ("kyc_ok",
@@ -4086,10 +4090,10 @@ reserves_get_internal (void *cls,
   struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
     TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("current_balance",
                                  &reserve->balance),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expiration_date",
-                                        &reserve->expiry),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("gc_date",
-                                        &reserve->gc),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expiration_date",
+                                     &reserve->expiry),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("gc_date",
+                                     &reserve->gc),
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
   };
 
@@ -4114,8 +4118,8 @@ reserves_update (void *cls,
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&reserve->expiry),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&reserve->gc),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&reserve->expiry),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&reserve->gc),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (&reserve->balance),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&reserve->pub),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
@@ -4172,7 +4176,7 @@ static enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
 postgres_reserves_in_insert (void *cls,
                              const struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP *reserve_pub,
                              const struct TALER_Amount *balance,
-                             struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_time,
+                             struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_time,
                              const char *sender_account_details,
                              const char *exchange_account_section,
                              uint64_t wire_ref)
@@ -4180,20 +4184,17 @@ postgres_reserves_in_insert (void *cls,
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs1;
   struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Reserve reserve;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expiry;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute gc;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expiry;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp gc;
   uint64_t reserve_uuid;
 
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
   reserve.pub = *reserve_pub;
-  expiry = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (execution_time,
-                                     pg->idle_reserve_expiration_time);
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&expiry);
-  gc = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (now,
-                                 pg->legal_reserve_expiration_time);
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&gc);
+  expiry = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (execution_time.abs_time,
+                              pg->idle_reserve_expiration_time));
+  gc = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                              pg->legal_reserve_expiration_time));
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
               "Creating reserve %s with expiration in %s\n",
               TALER_B2S (reserve_pub),
@@ -4208,8 +4209,8 @@ postgres_reserves_in_insert (void *cls,
     struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
       GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (reserve_pub),
       TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (balance),
-      TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&expiry),
-      TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&gc),
+      GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&expiry),
+      GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&gc),
       GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
     };
     struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
@@ -4257,7 +4258,7 @@ postgres_reserves_in_insert (void *cls,
         TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (balance),
         GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (exchange_account_section),
         GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&kyc.payment_target_uuid),
-        TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&execution_time),
+        GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&execution_time),
         GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
       };
 
@@ -4274,7 +4275,7 @@ postgres_reserves_in_insert (void *cls,
         TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (balance),
         GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (exchange_account_section),
         GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&kyc.payment_target_uuid),
-        TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&execution_time),
+        GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&execution_time),
         GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
       };
 
@@ -4367,12 +4368,10 @@ postgres_reserves_in_insert (void *cls,
                   "Attempt to deposit incompatible amount into reserve\n");
       return GNUNET_DB_STATUS_HARD_ERROR;
     }
-    updated_reserve.expiry = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_max (expiry,
-                                                       reserve.expiry);
-    (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&updated_reserve.expiry);
-    updated_reserve.gc = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_max (gc,
-                                                   reserve.gc);
-    (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&updated_reserve.gc);
+    updated_reserve.expiry = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_max (expiry,
+                                                        reserve.expiry);
+    updated_reserve.gc = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_max (gc,
+                                                    reserve.gc);
     qs3 = reserves_update (pg,
                            &updated_reserve);
     switch (qs3)
@@ -4566,14 +4565,14 @@ static enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
 postgres_do_withdraw (
   void *cls,
   const struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_CollectableBlindcoin *collectable,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now,
   bool *found,
   bool *balance_ok,
   struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_KycStatus *kyc,
   uint64_t *reserve_uuid)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute gc;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp gc;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (&collectable->amount_with_fee),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&collectable->denom_pub_hash),
@@ -4581,8 +4580,8 @@ postgres_do_withdraw (
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&collectable->reserve_sig),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&collectable->h_coin_envelope),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_blinded_denom_sig (&collectable->sig),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&now),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&gc),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&now),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&gc),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
   struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
@@ -4599,9 +4598,9 @@ postgres_do_withdraw (
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
   };
 
-  gc = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (now,
-                                 pg->legal_reserve_expiration_time);
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&gc);
+  gc = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (now.abs_time,
+                              pg->legal_reserve_expiration_time));
   kyc->type = TALER_EXCHANGEDB_KYC_WITHDRAW;
   return GNUNET_PQ_eval_prepared_singleton_select (pg->conn,
                                                    "call_withdraw",
@@ -4633,7 +4632,7 @@ postgres_do_withdraw_limit_check (
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&reserve_uuid),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&withdraw_start),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&withdraw_start),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (upper_limit),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
@@ -4748,8 +4747,8 @@ add_bank_to_exchange (void *cls,
                                       &bt->wire_reference),
         TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("credit",
                                      &bt->amount),
-        TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("execution_date",
-                                            &bt->execution_date),
+        GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("execution_date",
+                                         &bt->execution_date),
         GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_string ("sender_account_details",
                                       &bt->sender_account_details),
         GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
@@ -4870,8 +4869,8 @@ add_recoup (void *cls,
                                               &recoup->coin_blind),
         GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("coin_sig",
                                               &recoup->coin_sig),
-        TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("timestamp",
-                                            &recoup->timestamp),
+        GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                         &recoup->timestamp),
         GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("denom_pub_hash",
                                               &recoup->coin.denom_pub_hash),
         TALER_PQ_result_spec_denom_sig (
@@ -4931,8 +4930,8 @@ add_exchange_to_bank (void *cls,
                                      &closing->amount),
         TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("closing_fee",
                                      &closing->closing_fee),
-        TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("execution_date",
-                                            &closing->execution_date),
+        GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("execution_date",
+                                         &closing->execution_date),
         GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_string ("receiver_account",
                                       &closing->receiver_account_details),
         GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("wtid",
@@ -5152,9 +5151,10 @@ postgres_select_withdraw_amounts_by_account (
     .cb = cb,
     .cb_cls = cb_cls
   };
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start
-    = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
-                                     duration);
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start;
+
+  start = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                         duration);
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (reserve_pub),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&start),
@@ -5193,7 +5193,7 @@ static enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
 postgres_have_deposit (void *cls,
                        const struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Deposit *deposit,
                        struct TALER_Amount *deposit_fee,
-                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *exchange_timestamp)
+                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *exchange_timestamp)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
@@ -5206,14 +5206,14 @@ postgres_have_deposit (void *cls,
   struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
     TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("amount_with_fee",
                                  &deposit2.amount_with_fee),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("wallet_timestamp",
-                                        &deposit2.timestamp),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("exchange_timestamp",
-                                        exchange_timestamp),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("refund_deadline",
-                                        &deposit2.refund_deadline),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("wire_deadline",
-                                        &deposit2.wire_deadline),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("wallet_timestamp",
+                                     &deposit2.timestamp),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("exchange_timestamp",
+                                     exchange_timestamp),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("refund_deadline",
+                                     &deposit2.refund_deadline),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("wire_deadline",
+                                     &deposit2.wire_deadline),
     TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("fee_deposit",
                                  deposit_fee),
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("wire_salt",
@@ -5246,10 +5246,12 @@ postgres_have_deposit (void *cls,
      also matches, and if not report inconsistencies. */
   if ( (0 != TALER_amount_cmp (&deposit->amount_with_fee,
                                &deposit2.amount_with_fee)) ||
-       (deposit->timestamp.abs_value_us !=
-        deposit2.timestamp.abs_value_us) ||
-       (deposit->refund_deadline.abs_value_us !=
-        deposit2.refund_deadline.abs_value_us) ||
+       (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (deposit->timestamp,
+                                   !=,
+                                   deposit2.timestamp)) ||
+       (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (deposit->refund_deadline,
+                                   !=,
+                                   deposit2.refund_deadline)) ||
        (0 != strcmp (deposit->receiver_wire_account,
                      deposit2.receiver_wire_account)) ||
        (0 != GNUNET_memcmp (&deposit->wire_salt,
@@ -5289,9 +5291,9 @@ postgres_have_deposit2 (
   const struct TALER_MerchantWireHash *h_wire,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
   const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline,
   struct TALER_Amount *deposit_fee,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *exchange_timestamp)
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *exchange_timestamp)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
@@ -5304,14 +5306,14 @@ postgres_have_deposit2 (
   struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
     TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("amount_with_fee",
                                  &deposit2.amount_with_fee),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("wallet_timestamp",
-                                        &deposit2.timestamp),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("exchange_timestamp",
-                                        exchange_timestamp),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("refund_deadline",
-                                        &deposit2.refund_deadline),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("wire_deadline",
-                                        &deposit2.wire_deadline),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("wallet_timestamp",
+                                     &deposit2.timestamp),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("exchange_timestamp",
+                                     exchange_timestamp),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("refund_deadline",
+                                     &deposit2.refund_deadline),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("wire_deadline",
+                                     &deposit2.wire_deadline),
     TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("fee_deposit",
                                  deposit_fee),
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("wire_salt",
@@ -5347,8 +5349,9 @@ postgres_have_deposit2 (
   GNUNET_free (deposit2.receiver_wire_account);
   /* Now we check that the other information in @a deposit
      also matches, and if not report inconsistencies. */
-  if ( (refund_deadline.abs_value_us !=
-        deposit2.refund_deadline.abs_value_us) ||
+  if ( (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (refund_deadline,
+                                   !=,
+                                   deposit2.refund_deadline)) ||
        (0 != GNUNET_memcmp (h_wire,
                             &h_wire2) ) )
   {
@@ -5435,9 +5438,9 @@ postgres_get_ready_deposit (void *cls,
                             void *deposit_cb_cls)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&now),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&now),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&start_shard_row),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&end_shard_row),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_bool (kyc_off),
@@ -5472,12 +5475,12 @@ postgres_get_ready_deposit (void *cls,
   };
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
 
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
   GNUNET_assert (start_shard_row < end_shard_row);
   GNUNET_assert (end_shard_row <= INT32_MAX);
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
               "Finding ready deposits by deadline %s (%llu)\n",
-              GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (now),
+              GNUNET_TIME_absolute2s (now),
               (unsigned long long) now.abs_value_us);
 
   qs = GNUNET_PQ_eval_prepared_singleton_select (pg->conn,
@@ -5633,7 +5636,7 @@ postgres_iterate_matching_deposits (
   uint32_t limit)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (merchant_pub),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&wire_target),
@@ -5650,8 +5653,6 @@ postgres_iterate_matching_deposits (
   };
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
 
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
   qs = GNUNET_PQ_eval_prepared_multi_select (pg->conn,
                                              "deposits_iterate_matching",
                                              params,
@@ -5917,7 +5918,7 @@ compute_shard (const struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Deposit *deposit)
  */
 static enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
 postgres_insert_deposit (void *cls,
-                         struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp,
+                         struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp,
                          const struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Deposit *deposit)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
@@ -5937,25 +5938,26 @@ postgres_insert_deposit (void *cls,
     struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
       GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&deposit->coin.coin_pub),
       TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (&deposit->amount_with_fee),
-      TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&deposit->timestamp),
-      TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&deposit->refund_deadline),
-      TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&deposit->wire_deadline),
+      GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&deposit->timestamp),
+      GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&deposit->refund_deadline),
+      GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&deposit->wire_deadline),
       GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&deposit->merchant_pub),
       GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&deposit->h_contract_terms),
       GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&deposit->wire_salt),
       GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&kyc.payment_target_uuid),
       GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&deposit->csig),
-      TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&exchange_timestamp),
+      GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&exchange_timestamp),
       GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&shard),
       GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
     };
 
     GNUNET_assert (shard <= INT32_MAX);
-    GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
-                "Inserting deposit to be executed at %s (%llu/%llu)\n",
-                GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (deposit->wire_deadline),
-                (unsigned long long) deposit->wire_deadline.abs_value_us,
-                (unsigned long long) deposit->refund_deadline.abs_value_us);
+    GNUNET_log (
+      GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
+      "Inserting deposit to be executed at %s (%llu/%llu)\n",
+      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (deposit->wire_deadline),
+      (unsigned long long) deposit->wire_deadline.abs_time.abs_value_us,
+      (unsigned long long) deposit->refund_deadline.abs_time.abs_value_us);
     return GNUNET_PQ_eval_prepared_non_select (pg->conn,
                                                "insert_deposit",
                                                params);
@@ -6739,12 +6741,12 @@ add_coin_deposit (void *cls,
                                      &deposit->amount_with_fee),
         TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("fee_deposit",
                                      &deposit->deposit_fee),
-        TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("wallet_timestamp",
-                                            &deposit->timestamp),
-        TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("refund_deadline",
-                                            &deposit->refund_deadline),
-        TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("wire_deadline",
-                                            &deposit->wire_deadline),
+        GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("wallet_timestamp",
+                                         &deposit->timestamp),
+        GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("refund_deadline",
+                                         &deposit->refund_deadline),
+        GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("wire_deadline",
+                                         &deposit->wire_deadline),
         GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("denom_pub_hash",
                                               &deposit->h_denom_pub),
         GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("merchant_pub",
@@ -6944,8 +6946,8 @@ add_old_coin_recoup (void *cls,
                                               &recoup->coin_blind),
         TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("amount",
                                      &recoup->value),
-        TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("timestamp",
-                                            &recoup->timestamp),
+        GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                         &recoup->timestamp),
         GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("denom_pub_hash",
                                               &recoup->coin.denom_pub_hash),
         TALER_PQ_result_spec_denom_sig ("denom_sig",
@@ -7012,8 +7014,8 @@ add_coin_recoup (void *cls,
                                               &recoup->coin_blind),
         TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("amount",
                                      &recoup->value),
-        TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("timestamp",
-                                            &recoup->timestamp),
+        GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                         &recoup->timestamp),
         GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_uint64 ("recoup_uuid",
                                       &serial_id),
         GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
@@ -7073,8 +7075,8 @@ add_coin_recoup_refresh (void *cls,
                                               &recoup->coin_blind),
         TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("amount",
                                      &recoup->value),
-        TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("timestamp",
-                                            &recoup->timestamp),
+        GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                         &recoup->timestamp),
         GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("denom_pub_hash",
                                               &recoup->coin.denom_pub_hash),
         TALER_PQ_result_spec_denom_sig ("denom_sig",
@@ -7272,7 +7274,7 @@ handle_wt_result (void *cls,
     struct TALER_PrivateContractHash h_contract_terms;
     struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP coin_pub;
     struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP merchant_pub;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exec_time;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exec_time;
     struct TALER_Amount amount_with_fee;
     struct TALER_Amount deposit_fee;
     struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey denom_pub;
@@ -7289,8 +7291,8 @@ handle_wt_result (void *cls,
                                             &coin_pub),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("merchant_pub",
                                             &merchant_pub),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("execution_date",
-                                          &exec_time),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("execution_date",
+                                       &exec_time),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("amount_with_fee",
                                    &amount_with_fee),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("fee_deposit",
@@ -7392,7 +7394,7 @@ postgres_lookup_transfer_by_deposit (
   const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
   bool *pending,
   struct TALER_WireTransferIdentifierRawP *wtid,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *exec_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *exec_time,
   struct TALER_Amount *amount_with_fee,
   struct TALER_Amount *deposit_fee,
   struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_KycStatus *kyc)
@@ -7414,8 +7416,8 @@ postgres_lookup_transfer_by_deposit (
                                           &wire_salt),
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_string ("payto_uri",
                                   &payto_uri),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("execution_date",
-                                        exec_time),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("execution_date",
+                                     exec_time),
     TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("amount_with_fee",
                                  amount_with_fee),
     TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("fee_deposit",
@@ -7476,8 +7478,8 @@ postgres_lookup_transfer_by_deposit (
                                    amount_with_fee),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("fee_deposit",
                                    deposit_fee),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("wire_deadline",
-                                          exec_time),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("wire_deadline",
+                                       exec_time),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
     };
 
@@ -7548,9 +7550,9 @@ postgres_insert_aggregation_tracking (
 static enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
 postgres_get_wire_fee (void *cls,
                        const char *type,
-                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute date,
-                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *start_date,
-                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *end_date,
+                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp date,
+                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *start_date,
+                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *end_date,
                        struct TALER_Amount *wire_fee,
                        struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee,
                        struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig)
@@ -7558,12 +7560,12 @@ postgres_get_wire_fee (void *cls,
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (type),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&date),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
   struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("start_date", start_date),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("end_date", end_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("start_date", start_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("end_date", end_date),
     TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("wire_fee", wire_fee),
     TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("closing_fee", closing_fee),
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("master_sig", master_sig),
@@ -7592,8 +7594,8 @@ postgres_get_wire_fee (void *cls,
 static enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
 postgres_insert_wire_fee (void *cls,
                           const char *type,
-                          struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date,
-                          struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date,
+                          struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date,
+                          struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date,
                           const struct TALER_Amount *wire_fee,
                           const struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee,
                           const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig)
@@ -7601,8 +7603,8 @@ postgres_insert_wire_fee (void *cls,
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (type),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&start_date),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&end_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&start_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&end_date),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (wire_fee),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (closing_fee),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (master_sig),
@@ -7611,8 +7613,8 @@ postgres_insert_wire_fee (void *cls,
   struct TALER_Amount wf;
   struct TALER_Amount cf;
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP sig;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute sd;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute ed;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp sd;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp ed;
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
 
   qs = postgres_get_wire_fee (pg,
@@ -7645,8 +7647,12 @@ postgres_insert_wire_fee (void *cls,
       GNUNET_break (0);
       return GNUNET_DB_STATUS_HARD_ERROR;
     }
-    if ( (sd.abs_value_us != start_date.abs_value_us) ||
-         (ed.abs_value_us != end_date.abs_value_us) )
+    if ( (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (sd,
+                                     !=,
+                                     start_date)) ||
+         (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (ed,
+                                     !=,
+                                     end_date)) )
     {
       GNUNET_break (0);
       return GNUNET_DB_STATUS_HARD_ERROR;
@@ -7708,13 +7714,13 @@ reserve_expired_cb (void *cls,
   ret = GNUNET_OK;
   for (unsigned int i = 0; i<num_results; i++)
   {
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exp_date;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exp_date;
     char *account_details;
     struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP reserve_pub;
     struct TALER_Amount remaining_balance;
     struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expiration_date",
-                                          &exp_date),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expiration_date",
+                                       &exp_date),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_string ("account_details",
                                     &account_details),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("reserve_pub",
@@ -7758,13 +7764,13 @@ reserve_expired_cb (void *cls,
  */
 static enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
 postgres_get_expired_reserves (void *cls,
-                               struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now,
+                               struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now,
                                TALER_EXCHANGEDB_ReserveExpiredCallback rec,
                                void *rec_cls)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&now),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&now),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
   struct ExpiredReserveContext ectx;
@@ -7801,7 +7807,7 @@ static enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
 postgres_insert_reserve_closed (
   void *cls,
   const struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP *reserve_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date,
   const char *receiver_account,
   const struct TALER_WireTransferIdentifierRawP *wtid,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount_with_fee,
@@ -7824,7 +7830,7 @@ postgres_insert_reserve_closed (
   {
     struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
       GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (reserve_pub),
-      TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&execution_date),
+      GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&execution_date),
       GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (wtid),
       GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&kyc.payment_target_uuid),
       TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (amount_with_fee),
@@ -8115,7 +8121,7 @@ postgres_start_deferred_wire_out (void *cls)
 static enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
 postgres_store_wire_transfer_out (
   void *cls,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute date,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp date,
   const struct TALER_WireTransferIdentifierRawP *wtid,
   uint64_t wire_target,
   const char *exchange_account_section,
@@ -8123,7 +8129,7 @@ postgres_store_wire_transfer_out (
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&date),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (wtid),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (&wire_target),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (exchange_account_section),
@@ -8131,8 +8137,6 @@ postgres_store_wire_transfer_out (
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
 
-  GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_OK ==
-                 GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&date));
   return GNUNET_PQ_eval_prepared_non_select (pg->conn,
                                              "insert_wire_out",
                                              params);
@@ -8151,31 +8155,30 @@ static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 postgres_gc (void *cls)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute long_ago;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params_none[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params_time[] = {
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&now),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&now),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params_ancient_time[] = {
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&long_ago),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&long_ago),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
   struct GNUNET_PQ_Context *conn;
-  int ret;
+  enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue ret;
 
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
   /* Keep wire fees for 10 years, that should always
      be enough _and_ they are tiny so it does not
      matter to make this tight */
-  long_ago = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (now,
-                                            GNUNET_TIME_relative_multiply (
-                                              GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_YEARS,
-                                              10));
+  long_ago = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (
+    now,
+    GNUNET_TIME_relative_multiply (
+      GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_YEARS,
+      10));
   {
     struct GNUNET_PQ_PreparedStatement ps[] = {
       /* Used in #postgres_gc() */
@@ -8283,17 +8286,17 @@ deposit_serial_helper_cb (void *cls,
   for (unsigned int i = 0; i<num_results; i++)
   {
     struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Deposit deposit;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp;
     struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey denom_pub;
     bool done;
     uint64_t rowid;
     struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("amount_with_fee",
                                    &deposit.amount_with_fee),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("wallet_timestamp",
-                                          &deposit.timestamp),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("exchange_timestamp",
-                                          &exchange_timestamp),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("wallet_timestamp",
+                                       &deposit.timestamp),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("exchange_timestamp",
+                                       &exchange_timestamp),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("merchant_pub",
                                             &deposit.merchant_pub),
       TALER_PQ_result_spec_denom_pub ("denom_pub",
@@ -8302,10 +8305,10 @@ deposit_serial_helper_cb (void *cls,
                                             &deposit.coin.coin_pub),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("coin_sig",
                                             &deposit.csig),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("refund_deadline",
-                                          &deposit.refund_deadline),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("wire_deadline",
-                                          &deposit.wire_deadline),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("refund_deadline",
+                                       &deposit.refund_deadline),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("wire_deadline",
+                                       &deposit.wire_deadline),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("h_contract_terms",
                                             &deposit.h_contract_terms),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("wire_salt",
@@ -8705,7 +8708,7 @@ reserves_in_serial_helper_cb (void *cls,
     struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP reserve_pub;
     struct TALER_Amount credit;
     char *sender_account_details;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date;
     uint64_t rowid;
     uint64_t wire_reference;
     struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
@@ -8715,8 +8718,8 @@ reserves_in_serial_helper_cb (void *cls,
                                     &wire_reference),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("credit",
                                    &credit),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("execution_date",
-                                          &execution_date),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("execution_date",
+                                       &execution_date),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_string ("sender_account_details",
                                     &sender_account_details),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_uint64 ("reserve_in_serial_id",
@@ -8883,7 +8886,7 @@ reserves_out_serial_helper_cb (void *cls,
     struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey denom_pub;
     struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP reserve_pub;
     struct TALER_ReserveSignatureP reserve_sig;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date;
     struct TALER_Amount amount_with_fee;
     uint64_t rowid;
     struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
@@ -8895,8 +8898,8 @@ reserves_out_serial_helper_cb (void *cls,
                                             &reserve_pub),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("reserve_sig",
                                             &reserve_sig),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("execution_date",
-                                          &execution_date),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("execution_date",
+                                       &execution_date),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("amount_with_fee",
                                    &amount_with_fee),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_uint64 ("reserve_out_serial_id",
@@ -9017,15 +9020,15 @@ wire_out_serial_helper_cb (void *cls,
   for (unsigned int i = 0; i<num_results; i++)
   {
     uint64_t rowid;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute date;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp date;
     struct TALER_WireTransferIdentifierRawP wtid;
     char *payto_uri;
     struct TALER_Amount amount;
     struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_uint64 ("wireout_uuid",
                                     &rowid),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("execution_date",
-                                          &date),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("execution_date",
+                                       &date),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("wtid_raw",
                                             &wtid),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_string ("payto_uri",
@@ -9197,12 +9200,12 @@ recoup_serial_helper_cb (void *cls,
     struct TALER_Amount amount;
     struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey denom_pub;
     struct TALER_BlindedCoinHash h_blind_ev;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
     struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_uint64 ("recoup_uuid",
                                     &rowid),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("timestamp",
-                                          &timestamp),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                       &timestamp),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("reserve_pub",
                                             &reserve_pub),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("coin_pub",
@@ -9346,12 +9349,12 @@ recoup_refresh_serial_helper_cb (void *cls,
     struct TALER_DenominationHash old_denom_pub_hash;
     struct TALER_Amount amount;
     struct TALER_BlindedCoinHash h_blind_ev;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
     struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_uint64 ("recoup_refresh_uuid",
                                     &rowid),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("timestamp",
-                                          &timestamp),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                       &timestamp),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("old_coin_pub",
                                             &old_coin_pub),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("old_denom_pub_hash",
@@ -9495,14 +9498,14 @@ reserve_closed_serial_helper_cb (void *cls,
     struct TALER_WireTransferIdentifierRawP wtid;
     struct TALER_Amount amount_with_fee;
     struct TALER_Amount closing_fee;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date;
     struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_uint64 ("close_uuid",
                                     &rowid),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("reserve_pub",
                                             &reserve_pub),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("execution_date",
-                                          &execution_date),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("execution_date",
+                                       &execution_date),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("wtid",
                                             &wtid),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_string ("receiver_account",
@@ -9605,18 +9608,18 @@ postgres_insert_recoup_request (
   const union TALER_DenominationBlindingKeyP *coin_blind,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount,
   const struct TALER_BlindedCoinHash *h_blind_ev,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp)
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expiry;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute gc;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expiry;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp gc;
   struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Reserve reserve;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (&coin->coin_pub),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (coin_sig),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (coin_blind),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (amount),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&timestamp),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&timestamp),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (h_blind_ev),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
@@ -9652,16 +9655,16 @@ postgres_insert_recoup_request (
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
               "Inserting recoup for coin %s\n",
               TALER_B2S (&coin->coin_pub));
-  gc = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (timestamp,
-                                 pg->legal_reserve_expiration_time);
-  reserve.gc = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_max (gc,
-                                         reserve.gc);
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&reserve.gc);
-  expiry = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (timestamp,
-                                     pg->idle_reserve_expiration_time);
-  reserve.expiry = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_max (expiry,
-                                             reserve.expiry);
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&reserve.expiry);
+  gc = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (timestamp.abs_time,
+                              pg->legal_reserve_expiration_time));
+  reserve.gc = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_max (gc,
+                                          reserve.gc);
+  expiry = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (timestamp.abs_time,
+                              pg->idle_reserve_expiration_time));
+  reserve.expiry = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_max (expiry,
+                                              reserve.expiry);
   qs = reserves_update (pg,
                         &reserve);
   if (0 >= qs)
@@ -9697,7 +9700,7 @@ postgres_insert_recoup_refresh_request (
   const union TALER_DenominationBlindingKeyP *coin_blind,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount,
   const struct TALER_BlindedCoinHash *h_blind_ev,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp)
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
@@ -9705,7 +9708,7 @@ postgres_insert_recoup_refresh_request (
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (coin_sig),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (coin_blind),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (amount),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&timestamp),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&timestamp),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (h_blind_ev),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
@@ -9903,7 +9906,7 @@ missing_wire_cb (void *cls,
     struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP coin_pub;
     struct TALER_Amount amount;
     char *payto_uri;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute deadline;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp deadline;
     bool tiny;
     bool done;
     struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
@@ -9915,8 +9918,8 @@ missing_wire_cb (void *cls,
                                    &amount),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_string ("payto_uri",
                                     &payto_uri),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("wire_deadline",
-                                          &deadline),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("wire_deadline",
+                                       &deadline),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_bool ("tiny",
                                   &tiny),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_bool ("done",
@@ -9960,15 +9963,15 @@ missing_wire_cb (void *cls,
  */
 static enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
 postgres_select_deposits_missing_wire (void *cls,
-                                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date,
-                                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date,
+                                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date,
+                                       struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date,
                                        TALER_EXCHANGEDB_WireMissingCallback cb,
                                        void *cb_cls)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&start_date),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&end_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&start_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&end_date),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
   struct MissingWireContext mwc = {
@@ -10002,7 +10005,7 @@ static enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
 postgres_lookup_auditor_timestamp (
   void *cls,
   const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *last_date)
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *last_date)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
@@ -10010,8 +10013,8 @@ postgres_lookup_auditor_timestamp (
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
   struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("last_change",
-                                        last_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("last_change",
+                                     last_date),
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
   };
 
@@ -10075,14 +10078,14 @@ postgres_insert_auditor (void *cls,
                          const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
                          const char *auditor_url,
                          const char *auditor_name,
-                         struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date)
+                         struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (auditor_pub),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (auditor_name),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (auditor_url),
-    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&start_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&start_date),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
 
@@ -10109,7 +10112,7 @@ postgres_update_auditor (void *cls,
                          const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
                          const char *auditor_url,
                          const char *auditor_name,
-                         struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute change_date,
+                         struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp change_date,
                          bool enabled)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
@@ -10118,7 +10121,7 @@ postgres_update_auditor (void *cls,
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (auditor_url),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (auditor_name),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_bool (enabled),
-    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&change_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&change_date),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
 
@@ -10139,7 +10142,7 @@ postgres_update_auditor (void *cls,
 static enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
 postgres_lookup_wire_timestamp (void *cls,
                                 const char *payto_uri,
-                                struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *last_date)
+                                struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *last_date)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
@@ -10147,8 +10150,8 @@ postgres_lookup_wire_timestamp (void *cls,
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
   struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("last_change",
-                                        last_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("last_change",
+                                     last_date),
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
   };
 
@@ -10173,14 +10176,14 @@ postgres_lookup_wire_timestamp (void *cls,
 static enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
 postgres_insert_wire (void *cls,
                       const char *payto_uri,
-                      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date,
+                      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date,
                       const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (payto_uri),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (master_sig),
-    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&start_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&start_date),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
 
@@ -10203,14 +10206,14 @@ postgres_insert_wire (void *cls,
 static enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
 postgres_update_wire (void *cls,
                       const char *payto_uri,
-                      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute change_date,
+                      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp change_date,
                       bool enabled)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (payto_uri),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_bool (enabled),
-    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&change_date),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&change_date),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
 
@@ -10370,17 +10373,17 @@ get_wire_fees_cb (void *cls,
     struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
     struct TALER_Amount wire_fee;
     struct TALER_Amount closing_fee;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date;
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date;
     struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("wire_fee",
                                    &wire_fee),
       TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("closing_fee",
                                    &closing_fee),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("start_date",
-                                          &start_date),
-      TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("end_date",
-                                          &end_date),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("start_date",
+                                       &start_date),
+      GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("end_date",
+                                       &end_date),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_auto_from_type ("master_sig",
                                             &master_sig),
       GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
@@ -10525,14 +10528,14 @@ postgres_lookup_denomination_key (
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
   struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("valid_from",
-                                        &meta->start),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expire_withdraw",
-                                        &meta->expire_withdraw),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expire_deposit",
-                                        &meta->expire_deposit),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expire_legal",
-                                        &meta->expire_legal),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("valid_from",
+                                     &meta->start),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expire_withdraw",
+                                     &meta->expire_withdraw),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expire_deposit",
+                                     &meta->expire_deposit),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expire_legal",
+                                     &meta->expire_legal),
     TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("coin",
                                  &meta->value),
     TALER_PQ_RESULT_SPEC_AMOUNT ("fee_withdraw",
@@ -10577,10 +10580,10 @@ postgres_add_denomination_key (
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (h_denom_pub),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_denom_pub (denom_pub),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (master_sig),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&meta->start),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&meta->expire_withdraw),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&meta->expire_deposit),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&meta->expire_legal),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&meta->start),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&meta->expire_withdraw),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&meta->expire_deposit),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&meta->expire_legal),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (&meta->value),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (&meta->fee_withdraw),
     TALER_PQ_query_param_amount (&meta->fee_deposit),
@@ -10627,9 +10630,9 @@ postgres_activate_signing_key (
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam iparams[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (exchange_pub),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&meta->start),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&meta->expire_sign),
-    TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&meta->expire_legal),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&meta->start),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&meta->expire_sign),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&meta->expire_legal),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_auto_from_type (master_sig),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
@@ -10660,12 +10663,12 @@ postgres_lookup_signing_key (
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
   struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec rs[] = {
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("valid_from",
-                                        &meta->start),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expire_sign",
-                                        &meta->expire_sign),
-    TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time ("expire_legal",
-                                        &meta->expire_legal),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("valid_from",
+                                     &meta->start),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expire_sign",
+                                     &meta->expire_sign),
+    GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_timestamp ("expire_legal",
+                                     &meta->expire_legal),
     GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_end
   };
 
@@ -10864,16 +10867,16 @@ static enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
 postgres_lookup_wire_fee_by_time (
   void *cls,
   const char *wire_method,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_time,
   struct TALER_Amount *wire_fee,
   struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee)
 {
   struct PostgresClosure *pg = cls;
   struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (wire_method),
-    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&start_time),
-    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&end_time),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&start_time),
+    GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&end_time),
     GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
   };
   struct WireFeeLookupContext wlc = {
@@ -11338,16 +11341,16 @@ postgres_begin_shard (void *cls,
       case GNUNET_DB_STATUS_SUCCESS_ONE_RESULT:
         {
           enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
-          struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+          struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
           struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
             GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (job_name),
-            GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&now),
+            GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&now),
             GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (start_row),
             GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (end_row),
             GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
           };
 
-          now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
+          now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
           qs = GNUNET_PQ_eval_prepared_non_select (pg->conn,
                                                    "reclaim_shard",
                                                    params);
@@ -11412,16 +11415,16 @@ postgres_begin_shard (void *cls,
     /* Claim fresh shard */
     {
       enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
       struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
         GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (job_name),
-        GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&now),
+        GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&now),
         GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (start_row),
         GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint64 (end_row),
         GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
       };
 
-      now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
+      now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
       GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
                   "Trying to claim shard %llu-%llu\n",
                   (unsigned long long) *start_row,
@@ -11583,10 +11586,10 @@ postgres_begin_revolving_shard (void *cls,
     {
       /* Claim fresh shard */
       enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
       struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
         GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (job_name),
-        GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&now),
+        GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&now),
         GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint32 (start_row),
         GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint32 (end_row),
         GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
@@ -11594,7 +11597,7 @@ postgres_begin_revolving_shard (void *cls,
 
       *end_row = GNUNET_MIN (shard_limit,
                              *start_row + shard_size - 1);
-      now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
+      now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
       GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
                   "Trying to claim shard %llu-%llu\n",
                   (unsigned long long) *start_row,
@@ -11657,15 +11660,16 @@ postgres_begin_revolving_shard (void *cls,
       case GNUNET_DB_STATUS_SUCCESS_ONE_RESULT:
         {
           enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus qs;
-          struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
+          struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
           struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam params[] = {
             GNUNET_PQ_query_param_string (job_name),
-            GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (&now),
+            GNUNET_PQ_query_param_timestamp (&now),
             GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint32 (start_row),
             GNUNET_PQ_query_param_uint32 (end_row),
             GNUNET_PQ_query_param_end
           };
 
+          now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
           qs = GNUNET_PQ_eval_prepared_non_select (pg->conn,
                                                    "reclaim_revolving_shard",
                                                    params);
diff --git a/src/include/taler_auditor_service.h b/src/include/taler_auditor_service.h
index bc990a143..f71520345 100644
--- a/src/include/taler_auditor_service.h
+++ b/src/include/taler_auditor_service.h
@@ -259,18 +259,18 @@ TALER_AUDITOR_deposit_confirmation (
   const struct TALER_MerchantWireHash *h_wire,
   const struct TALER_ExtensionContractHash *h_extensions,
   const struct TALER_PrivateContractHash *h_contract_terms,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_deadline,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount_without_fee,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
   const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
   const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP *exchange_pub,
   const struct TALER_ExchangeSignatureP *exchange_sig,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute ep_start,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute ep_expire,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute ep_end,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp ep_start,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp ep_expire,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp ep_end,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig,
   TALER_AUDITOR_DepositConfirmationResultCallback cb,
   void *cb_cls);
diff --git a/src/include/taler_auditordb_plugin.h b/src/include/taler_auditordb_plugin.h
index 7756db2bc..e4ff8e8e2 100644
--- a/src/include/taler_auditordb_plugin.h
+++ b/src/include/taler_auditordb_plugin.h
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ typedef enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 (*TALER_AUDITORDB_HistoricDenominationRevenueDataCallback)(
   void *cls,
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *denom_pub_hash,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute revenue_timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp revenue_timestamp,
   const struct TALER_Amount *revenue_balance,
   const struct TALER_Amount *loss_balance);
 
@@ -84,8 +84,8 @@ typedef enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 typedef enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 (*TALER_AUDITORDB_HistoricReserveRevenueDataCallback)(
   void *cls,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_time,
   const struct TALER_Amount *reserve_profits);
 
 
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ struct TALER_AUDITORDB_WireProgressPoint
    * Time until which we have confirmed that all wire transactions
    * that the exchange should do, have indeed been done.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute last_timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp last_timestamp;
 
   /**
    * reserves_close uuid until which we have checked
@@ -240,17 +240,17 @@ struct TALER_AUDITORDB_ExchangeSigningKey
   /**
    * When does @e exchange_pub start to be used?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute ep_start;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp ep_start;
 
   /**
    * When will the exchange stop signing with @e exchange_pub?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute ep_expire;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp ep_expire;
 
   /**
    * When does the signing key expire (for legal disputes)?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute ep_end;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp ep_end;
 
   /**
    * What is the public offline signing key this is all about?
@@ -289,7 +289,7 @@ struct TALER_AUDITORDB_DepositConfirmation
   /**
    * Time when this deposit confirmation was generated by the exchange.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp;
 
   /**
    * How much time does the @e merchant have to issue a refund
@@ -298,12 +298,12 @@ struct TALER_AUDITORDB_DepositConfirmation
    * performed by the exchange until the refund deadline.  This value
    * is taken from the original deposit request.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline;
 
   /**
    * How much time does the @e exchange have to wire the funds?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_deadline;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_deadline;
 
   /**
    * Amount to be deposited, excluding fee.  Calculated from the
@@ -872,7 +872,7 @@ struct TALER_AUDITORDB_Plugin
                          const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
                          const struct TALER_Amount *reserve_balance,
                          const struct TALER_Amount *withdraw_fee_balance,
-                         struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expiration_date,
+                         struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expiration_date,
                          const char *origin_account);
 
 
@@ -895,7 +895,7 @@ struct TALER_AUDITORDB_Plugin
                          const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
                          const struct TALER_Amount *reserve_balance,
                          const struct TALER_Amount *withdraw_fee_balance,
-                         struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expiration_date);
+                         struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expiration_date);
 
 
   /**
@@ -919,7 +919,7 @@ struct TALER_AUDITORDB_Plugin
                       uint64_t *rowid,
                       struct TALER_Amount *reserve_balance,
                       struct TALER_Amount *withdraw_fee_balance,
-                      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *expiration_date,
+                      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *expiration_date,
                       char **sender_account);
 
 
@@ -1220,7 +1220,7 @@ struct TALER_AUDITORDB_Plugin
     void *cls,
     const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
     const struct TALER_DenominationHash *denom_pub_hash,
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute revenue_timestamp,
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp revenue_timestamp,
     const struct TALER_Amount *revenue_balance,
     const struct TALER_Amount *recoup_loss_balance);
 
@@ -1257,8 +1257,8 @@ struct TALER_AUDITORDB_Plugin
   (*insert_historic_reserve_revenue)(
     void *cls,
     const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time,
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_time,
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time,
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_time,
     const struct TALER_Amount *reserve_profits);
 
 
diff --git a/src/include/taler_bank_service.h b/src/include/taler_bank_service.h
index db78ca6a8..bb7f3d33b 100644
--- a/src/include/taler_bank_service.h
+++ b/src/include/taler_bank_service.h
@@ -112,12 +112,13 @@ struct TALER_BANK_AdminAddIncomingHandle;
  * @param json detailed response from the HTTPD, or NULL if reply was not in JSON
  */
 typedef void
-(*TALER_BANK_AdminAddIncomingCallback) (void *cls,
-                                        unsigned int http_status,
-                                        enum TALER_ErrorCode ec,
-                                        uint64_t serial_id,
-                                        struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp,
-                                        const json_t *json);
+(*TALER_BANK_AdminAddIncomingCallback) (
+  void *cls,
+  unsigned int http_status,
+  enum TALER_ErrorCode ec,
+  uint64_t serial_id,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp,
+  const json_t *json);
 
 
 /**
@@ -199,11 +200,12 @@ struct TALER_BANK_TransferHandle;
  * @param timestamp when did the transaction go into effect
  */
 typedef void
-(*TALER_BANK_TransferCallback)(void *cls,
-                               unsigned int response_code,
-                               enum TALER_ErrorCode ec,
-                               uint64_t row_id,
-                               struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp);
+(*TALER_BANK_TransferCallback)(
+  void *cls,
+  unsigned int response_code,
+  enum TALER_ErrorCode ec,
+  uint64_t row_id,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp);
 
 
 /**
@@ -266,7 +268,7 @@ struct TALER_BANK_CreditDetails
   /**
    * Time of the the transfer
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date;
 
   /**
    * Reserve public key encoded in the wire
@@ -332,13 +334,14 @@ typedef enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
  *         In this case, the callback is not called.
  */
 struct TALER_BANK_CreditHistoryHandle *
-TALER_BANK_credit_history (struct GNUNET_CURL_Context *ctx,
-                           const struct TALER_BANK_AuthenticationData *auth,
-                           uint64_t start_row,
-                           int64_t num_results,
-                           struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative timeout,
-                           TALER_BANK_CreditHistoryCallback hres_cb,
-                           void *hres_cb_cls);
+TALER_BANK_credit_history (
+  struct GNUNET_CURL_Context *ctx,
+  const struct TALER_BANK_AuthenticationData *auth,
+  uint64_t start_row,
+  int64_t num_results,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative timeout,
+  TALER_BANK_CreditHistoryCallback hres_cb,
+  void *hres_cb_cls);
 
 
 /**
@@ -374,7 +377,7 @@ struct TALER_BANK_DebitDetails
   /**
    * Time of the the transfer
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date;
 
   /**
    * Wire transfer identifier used by the exchange.
@@ -477,7 +480,7 @@ TALER_BANK_debit_history_cancel (struct TALER_BANK_DebitHistoryHandle *hh);
  * @param[out] auth set to the configuration data found
  * @return #GNUNET_OK on success
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_BANK_auth_parse_cfg (const struct GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_Handle *cfg,
                            const char *section,
                            struct TALER_BANK_AuthenticationData *auth);
diff --git a/src/include/taler_crypto_lib.h b/src/include/taler_crypto_lib.h
index ea53efb66..0a59ab9e3 100644
--- a/src/include/taler_crypto_lib.h
+++ b/src/include/taler_crypto_lib.h
@@ -1367,7 +1367,7 @@ typedef void
 (*TALER_CRYPTO_RsaDenominationKeyStatusCallback)(
   void *cls,
   const char *section_name,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time,
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative validity_duration,
   const struct TALER_RsaPubHashP *h_rsa,
   const struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey *denom_pub,
@@ -1484,7 +1484,7 @@ struct TALER_CRYPTO_ExchangeSignHelper;
 typedef void
 (*TALER_CRYPTO_ExchangeKeyStatusCallback)(
   void *cls,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time,
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative validity_duration,
   const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP *exchange_pub,
   const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *sm_pub,
@@ -1625,9 +1625,9 @@ TALER_exchange_deposit_confirm_verify (
   const struct TALER_PrivateContractHash *h_contract_terms,
   const struct TALER_MerchantWireHash *h_wire,
   const struct TALER_ExtensionContractHash *h_extensions,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_deadline,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount_without_fee,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
   const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
@@ -1661,9 +1661,9 @@ TALER_wallet_deposit_sign (
   const struct TALER_PrivateContractHash *h_contract_terms,
   const struct TALER_ExtensionContractHash *h_extensions,
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *h_denom_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wallet_timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wallet_timestamp,
   const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendPrivateKeyP *coin_priv,
   struct TALER_CoinSpendSignatureP *coin_sig);
 
@@ -1692,9 +1692,9 @@ TALER_wallet_deposit_verify (
   const struct TALER_PrivateContractHash *h_contract_terms,
   const struct TALER_ExtensionContractHash *h_extensions,
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *h_denom_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wallet_timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wallet_timestamp,
   const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendSignatureP *coin_sig);
 
@@ -1754,7 +1754,7 @@ void
 TALER_exchange_offline_auditor_add_sign (
   const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
   const char *auditor_url,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date,
   const struct TALER_MasterPrivateKeyP *master_priv,
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig);
 
@@ -1773,7 +1773,7 @@ enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_offline_auditor_add_verify (
   const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
   const char *auditor_url,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig);
 
@@ -1789,7 +1789,7 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_auditor_add_verify (
 void
 TALER_exchange_offline_auditor_del_sign (
   const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date,
   const struct TALER_MasterPrivateKeyP *master_priv,
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig);
 
@@ -1806,7 +1806,7 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_auditor_del_sign (
 enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_offline_auditor_del_verify (
   const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig);
 
@@ -1882,9 +1882,9 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_signkey_revoke_verify (
 void
 TALER_exchange_offline_signkey_validity_sign (
   const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP *exchange_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_sign,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_sign,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_legal,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_sign,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_sign,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_legal,
   const struct TALER_MasterPrivateKeyP *master_priv,
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig);
 
@@ -1903,9 +1903,9 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_signkey_validity_sign (
 enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_offline_signkey_validity_verify (
   const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP *exchange_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_sign,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_sign,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_legal,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_sign,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_sign,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_legal,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig);
 
@@ -1929,10 +1929,10 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_signkey_validity_verify (
 void
 TALER_exchange_offline_denom_validity_sign (
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *h_denom_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_start,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_withdraw,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_deposit,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_legal,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_start,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_withdraw,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_deposit,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_legal,
   const struct TALER_Amount *coin_value,
   const struct TALER_Amount *fee_withdraw,
   const struct TALER_Amount *fee_deposit,
@@ -1962,10 +1962,10 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_denom_validity_sign (
 enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_offline_denom_validity_verify (
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *h_denom_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_start,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_withdraw,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_deposit,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_legal,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_start,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_withdraw,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_deposit,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_legal,
   const struct TALER_Amount *coin_value,
   const struct TALER_Amount *fee_withdraw,
   const struct TALER_Amount *fee_deposit,
@@ -1987,7 +1987,7 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_denom_validity_verify (
 void
 TALER_exchange_secmod_eddsa_sign (
   const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP *exchange_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_sign,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_sign,
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative duration,
   const struct TALER_SecurityModulePrivateKeyP *secm_priv,
   struct TALER_SecurityModuleSignatureP *secm_sig);
@@ -2006,7 +2006,7 @@ TALER_exchange_secmod_eddsa_sign (
 enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_secmod_eddsa_verify (
   const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP *exchange_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_sign,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_sign,
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative duration,
   const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
   const struct TALER_SecurityModuleSignatureP *secm_sig);
@@ -2026,7 +2026,7 @@ void
 TALER_exchange_secmod_rsa_sign (
   const struct TALER_RsaPubHashP *h_rsa,
   const char *section_name,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_sign,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_sign,
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative duration,
   const struct TALER_SecurityModulePrivateKeyP *secm_priv,
   struct TALER_SecurityModuleSignatureP *secm_sig);
@@ -2047,7 +2047,7 @@ enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_secmod_rsa_verify (
   const struct TALER_RsaPubHashP *h_rsa,
   const char *section_name,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_sign,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_sign,
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative duration,
   const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
   const struct TALER_SecurityModuleSignatureP *secm_sig);
@@ -2076,10 +2076,10 @@ TALER_auditor_denom_validity_sign (
   const char *auditor_url,
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *h_denom_pub,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_start,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_withdraw,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_deposit,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_legal,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_start,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_withdraw,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_deposit,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_legal,
   const struct TALER_Amount *coin_value,
   const struct TALER_Amount *fee_withdraw,
   const struct TALER_Amount *fee_deposit,
@@ -2113,10 +2113,10 @@ TALER_auditor_denom_validity_verify (
   const char *auditor_url,
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *h_denom_pub,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_start,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_withdraw,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_deposit,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_legal,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_start,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_withdraw,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_deposit,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_legal,
   const struct TALER_Amount *coin_value,
   const struct TALER_Amount *fee_withdraw,
   const struct TALER_Amount *fee_deposit,
@@ -2143,8 +2143,8 @@ TALER_auditor_denom_validity_verify (
 void
 TALER_exchange_offline_wire_fee_sign (
   const char *payment_method,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_time,
   const struct TALER_Amount *wire_fee,
   const struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee,
   const struct TALER_MasterPrivateKeyP *master_priv,
@@ -2166,8 +2166,8 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_wire_fee_sign (
 enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_offline_wire_fee_verify (
   const char *payment_method,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_time,
   const struct TALER_Amount *wire_fee,
   const struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
@@ -2185,7 +2185,7 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_wire_fee_verify (
 void
 TALER_exchange_offline_wire_add_sign (
   const char *payto_uri,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now,
   const struct TALER_MasterPrivateKeyP *master_priv,
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig);
 
@@ -2202,7 +2202,7 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_wire_add_sign (
 enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_offline_wire_add_verify (
   const char *payto_uri,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute sign_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp sign_time,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig);
 
@@ -2218,7 +2218,7 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_wire_add_verify (
 void
 TALER_exchange_offline_wire_del_sign (
   const char *payto_uri,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now,
   const struct TALER_MasterPrivateKeyP *master_priv,
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig);
 
@@ -2235,7 +2235,7 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_wire_del_sign (
 enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_offline_wire_del_verify (
   const char *payto_uri,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute sign_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp sign_time,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig);
 
diff --git a/src/include/taler_exchange_service.h b/src/include/taler_exchange_service.h
index 09c50b17e..60a471ab6 100644
--- a/src/include/taler_exchange_service.h
+++ b/src/include/taler_exchange_service.h
@@ -70,17 +70,17 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_SigningPublicKey
   /**
    * Validity start time
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute valid_from;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp valid_from;
 
   /**
    * Validity expiration time (how long the exchange may use it).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute valid_until;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp valid_until;
 
   /**
    * Validity expiration time for legal disputes.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute valid_legal;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp valid_legal;
 };
 
 
@@ -107,18 +107,18 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_DenomPublicKey
   /**
    * Timestamp indicating when the denomination key becomes valid
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute valid_from;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp valid_from;
 
   /**
    * Timestamp indicating when the denomination key can’t be used anymore to
    * withdraw new coins.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute withdraw_valid_until;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp withdraw_valid_until;
 
   /**
    * Timestamp indicating when coins of this denomination become invalid.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire_deposit;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire_deposit;
 
   /**
    * When do signatures with this denomination key become invalid?
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_DenomPublicKey
    * of the evidence.  @e expire_legal is expected to be significantly
    * larger than @e expire_deposit (by a year or more).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire_legal;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire_legal;
 
   /**
    * The value of this denomination
@@ -273,14 +273,14 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Keys
   /**
    * Timestamp indicating the /keys generation.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute list_issue_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp list_issue_date;
 
   /**
    * Timestamp indicating the creation time of the last
    * denomination key in /keys.
    * Used to fetch /keys incrementally.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute last_denom_issue_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp last_denom_issue_date;
 
   /**
    * Length of the @e sign_keys array (number of valid entries).
@@ -491,7 +491,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_get_keys (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange);
  */
 void
 TALER_EXCHANGE_set_last_denom (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange,
-                               struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute last_denom_new);
+                               struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp last_denom_new);
 
 
 /**
@@ -535,7 +535,7 @@ enum TALER_EXCHANGE_CheckKeysFlags
  * @param flags options controlling when to download what
  * @return until when the existing response is current, 0 if we are re-downloading now
  */
-struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute
+struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp
 TALER_EXCHANGE_check_keys_current (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange,
                                    enum TALER_EXCHANGE_CheckKeysFlags flags);
 
@@ -663,12 +663,12 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_WireAggregateFees
   /**
    * Time when this fee goes into effect (inclusive)
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date;
 
   /**
    * Time when this fee stops being in effect (exclusive).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date;
 
   /**
    * Signature affirming the above fee structure.
@@ -789,9 +789,9 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_deposit_permission_sign (
   const struct TALER_ExtensionContractHash *h_extensions,
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *h_denom_pub,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendPrivateKeyP *coin_priv,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wallet_timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wallet_timestamp,
   const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline,
   struct TALER_CoinSpendSignatureP *coin_sig);
 
 
@@ -824,7 +824,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_DepositResult
       /**
        * Time when the exchange generated the deposit confirmation
        */
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute deposit_timestamp;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp deposit_timestamp;
 
       /**
        * signature provided by the exchange
@@ -910,7 +910,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_DepositHandle *
 TALER_EXCHANGE_deposit (
   struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_deadline,
   const char *merchant_payto_uri,
   const struct TALER_WireSalt *wire_salt,
   const struct TALER_PrivateContractHash *h_contract_terms,
@@ -918,9 +918,9 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_deposit (
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
   const struct TALER_DenominationSignature *denom_sig,
   const struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey *denom_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp,
   const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendSignatureP *coin_sig,
   TALER_EXCHANGE_DepositResultCallback cb,
   void *cb_cls,
@@ -1102,7 +1102,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_ReserveHistory
       /**
        * When did the wire transfer happen?
        */
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
 
     } in_details;
 
@@ -1149,7 +1149,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_ReserveHistory
       /**
        * When did the /recoup operation happen?
        */
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
 
     } recoup_details;
 
@@ -1183,7 +1183,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_ReserveHistory
       /**
        * When did the wire transfer happen?
        */
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
 
       /**
        * Fee that was charged for the closing.
@@ -1716,7 +1716,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_TransferData
   /**
    * time when the exchange claims to have performed the wire transfer
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_time;
 
   /**
    * Actual amount of the wire transfer, excluding the wire fee.
@@ -1837,7 +1837,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_GetDepositResponse
       /**
        * actual execution time for the wire transfer
        */
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_time;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_time;
 
       /**
        * contribution to the total amount by this coin, all zeros if exchange did not
@@ -1861,7 +1861,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_GetDepositResponse
       /**
        * planned execution time for the wire transfer
        */
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_time;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_time;
 
       /**
        * Payment target that the merchant should use
@@ -2029,6 +2029,7 @@ typedef void
  * @param pk kind of coin to pay back
  * @param denom_sig signature over the coin by the exchange using @a pk
  * @param ps secret internals of the original planchet
+ * @param amount value remaining on the coin that is being recouped
  * @param was_refreshed true if the coin in @a ps was refreshed
  * @param recoup_cb the callback to call when the final result for this request is available
  * @param recoup_cb_cls closure for @a recoup_cb
@@ -2041,6 +2042,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_recoup (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange,
                        const struct TALER_EXCHANGE_DenomPublicKey *pk,
                        const struct TALER_DenominationSignature *denom_sig,
                        const struct TALER_PlanchetSecretsP *ps,
+                       const struct TALER_Amount *amount,
                        bool was_refreshed,
                        TALER_EXCHANGE_RecoupResultCallback recoup_cb,
                        void *recoup_cb_cls);
@@ -2091,7 +2093,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_KycStatus
       /**
        * Time of the affirmation.
        */
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
 
       /**
        * The signing public key used for @e exchange_sig.
@@ -2327,17 +2329,17 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_FutureSigningPublicKey
   /**
    * Validity start time
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute valid_from;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp valid_from;
 
   /**
    * Validity expiration time (how long the exchange may use it).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute valid_until;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp valid_until;
 
   /**
    * Validity expiration time for legal disputes.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute valid_legal;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp valid_legal;
 };
 
 
@@ -2359,18 +2361,18 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_FutureDenomPublicKey
   /**
    * Timestamp indicating when the denomination key becomes valid
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute valid_from;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp valid_from;
 
   /**
    * Timestamp indicating when the denomination key can’t be used anymore to
    * withdraw new coins.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute withdraw_valid_until;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp withdraw_valid_until;
 
   /**
    * Timestamp indicating when coins of this denomination become invalid.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire_deposit;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire_deposit;
 
   /**
    * When do signatures with this denomination key become invalid?
@@ -2379,7 +2381,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_FutureDenomPublicKey
    * of the evidence.  @e expire_legal is expected to be significantly
    * larger than @e expire_deposit (by a year or more).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire_legal;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire_legal;
 
   /**
    * The value of this denomination
@@ -2750,7 +2752,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_enable_auditor (
   const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
   const char *auditor_url,
   const char *auditor_name,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute validity_start,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp validity_start,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig,
   TALER_EXCHANGE_ManagementAuditorEnableCallback cb,
   void *cb_cls);
@@ -2801,7 +2803,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_disable_auditor (
   struct GNUNET_CURL_Context *ctx,
   const char *url,
   const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute validity_end,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp validity_end,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig,
   TALER_EXCHANGE_ManagementAuditorDisableCallback cb,
   void *cb_cls);
@@ -2855,7 +2857,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_enable_wire (
   struct GNUNET_CURL_Context *ctx,
   const char *url,
   const char *payto_uri,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute validity_start,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp validity_start,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig1,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig2,
   TALER_EXCHANGE_ManagementWireEnableCallback cb,
@@ -2908,7 +2910,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_disable_wire (
   struct GNUNET_CURL_Context *ctx,
   const char *url,
   const char *payto_uri,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute validity_end,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp validity_end,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig,
   TALER_EXCHANGE_ManagementWireDisableCallback cb,
   void *cb_cls);
@@ -2963,8 +2965,8 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_set_wire_fees (
   struct GNUNET_CURL_Context *ctx,
   const char *exchange_base_url,
   const char *wire_method,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute validity_start,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute validity_end,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp validity_start,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp validity_end,
   const struct TALER_Amount *wire_fee,
   const struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig,
diff --git a/src/include/taler_exchangedb_plugin.h b/src/include/taler_exchangedb_plugin.h
index 56a16dd72..ad840fc92 100644
--- a/src/include/taler_exchangedb_plugin.h
+++ b/src/include/taler_exchangedb_plugin.h
@@ -117,12 +117,12 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_SignkeyMetaData
   /**
    * Start time of the validity period for this key.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start;
 
   /**
    * The exchange will sign messages with this key between @e start and this time.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire_sign;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire_sign;
 
   /**
    * When do signatures with this sign key become invalid?
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_SignkeyMetaData
    * of the evidence.  @e expire_legal is expected to be significantly
    * larger than @e expire_sign (by a year or more).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire_legal;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire_legal;
 
 };
 
@@ -197,10 +197,10 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_TableData
       uint32_t age_restrictions;
       struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey denom_pub;
       struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute valid_from;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire_withdraw;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire_deposit;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire_legal;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp valid_from;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire_withdraw;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire_deposit;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire_legal;
       struct TALER_Amount coin;
       struct TALER_Amount fee_withdraw;
       struct TALER_Amount fee_deposit;
@@ -228,8 +228,8 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_TableData
        * Note: not useful for auditor, because not UPDATEd!
        */
       struct TALER_Amount current_balance;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expiration_date;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute gc_date;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expiration_date;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp gc_date;
     } reserves;
 
     struct
@@ -238,14 +238,14 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_TableData
       struct TALER_Amount credit;
       uint64_t sender_account;
       char *exchange_account_section;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date;
       uint64_t reserve_uuid;
     } reserves_in;
 
     struct
     {
       uint64_t reserve_uuid;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date;
       struct TALER_WireTransferIdentifierRawP wtid;
       uint64_t wire_target_serial_id;
       struct TALER_Amount amount;
@@ -259,7 +259,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_TableData
       struct TALER_BlindedDenominationSignature denom_sig;
       uint64_t reserve_uuid;
       struct TALER_ReserveSignatureP reserve_sig;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date;
       struct TALER_Amount amount_with_fee;
     } reserves_out;
 
@@ -269,7 +269,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_TableData
       char *auditor_url;
       char *auditor_name;
       bool is_active;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute last_change;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp last_change;
     } auditors;
 
     struct
@@ -333,10 +333,10 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_TableData
       uint64_t shard;
       uint64_t known_coin_id;
       struct TALER_Amount amount_with_fee;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wallet_timestamp;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_deadline;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wallet_timestamp;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_deadline;
       struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP merchant_pub;
       struct TALER_PrivateContractHash h_contract_terms;
       struct TALER_CoinSpendSignatureP coin_sig;
@@ -358,7 +358,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_TableData
 
     struct
     {
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date;
       struct TALER_WireTransferIdentifierRawP wtid_raw;
       uint64_t wire_target_serial_id;
       char *exchange_account_section;
@@ -374,8 +374,8 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_TableData
     struct
     {
       char *wire_method;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date;
       struct TALER_Amount wire_fee;
       struct TALER_Amount closing_fee;
       struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
@@ -387,7 +387,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_TableData
       struct TALER_CoinSpendSignatureP coin_sig;
       union TALER_DenominationBlindingKeyP coin_blind;
       struct TALER_Amount amount;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
       uint64_t reserve_out_serial_id;
     } recoup;
 
@@ -397,7 +397,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_TableData
       struct TALER_CoinSpendSignatureP coin_sig;
       union TALER_DenominationBlindingKeyP coin_blind;
       struct TALER_Amount amount;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
       uint64_t rrc_serial;
     } recoup_refresh;
 
@@ -467,7 +467,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_BankTransfer
    * (This is the execution date of the exchange's database,
    * the execution date of the bank should be in @e wire).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date;
 
   /**
    * Detailed wire information about the sending account
@@ -508,7 +508,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_ClosingTransfer
   /**
    * When did the exchange execute the transaction?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date;
 
   /**
    * Detailed wire information about the receiving account
@@ -544,13 +544,13 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Reserve
    * The expiration date of this reserve; funds will be wired back
    * at this time.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expiry;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expiry;
 
   /**
    * The legal expiration date of this reserve; we will forget about
    * it at this time.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute gc;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp gc;
 };
 
 
@@ -562,7 +562,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_DenominationKeyMetaData
   /**
  * Start time of the validity period for this key.
  */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start;
 
   /**
    * The exchange will sign fresh coins between @e start and this time.
@@ -576,7 +576,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_DenominationKeyMetaData
    * with the same value with overlapping validity periods, to address
    * issues such as clock skew.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire_withdraw;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire_withdraw;
 
   /**
    * Coins signed with the denomination key must be spent or refreshed
@@ -588,7 +588,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_DenominationKeyMetaData
    * significantly larger than @e expire_withdraw (by months or even
    * years).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire_deposit;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire_deposit;
 
   /**
    * When do signatures with this denomination key become invalid?
@@ -597,7 +597,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_DenominationKeyMetaData
    * of the evidence.  @e expire_legal is expected to be significantly
    * larger than @e expire_deposit (by a year or more).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire_legal;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire_legal;
 
   /**
    * The value of the coins signed with this denomination key.
@@ -815,7 +815,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Recoup
   /**
    * When did the recoup operation happen?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
 
 };
 
@@ -857,7 +857,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_RecoupListEntry
   /**
    * When did the /recoup operation happen?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
 
 };
 
@@ -900,7 +900,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_RecoupRefreshListEntry
   /**
    * When did the recoup operation happen?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
 
 };
 
@@ -1054,14 +1054,14 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Deposit
    * deposit request in a timely fashion (so back-dating is not
    * prevented).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
 
   /**
    * How much time does the merchant have to issue a refund request?
    * Zero if refunds are not allowed.  After this time, the coin
    * cannot be refunded.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline;
 
   /**
    * How much time does the merchant have to execute the wire transfer?
@@ -1069,7 +1069,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Deposit
    * constraint (as the merchant can theoretically pick any time,
    * including one in the past).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_deadline;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_deadline;
 
   /**
    * Fraction of the coin's remaining value to be deposited, including
@@ -1141,14 +1141,14 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_DepositListEntry
    * deposit request in a timely fashion (so back-dating is not
    * prevented).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
 
   /**
    * How much time does the merchant have to issue a refund request?
    * Zero if refunds are not allowed.  After this time, the coin
    * cannot be refunded.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline;
 
   /**
    * How much time does the merchant have to execute the wire transfer?
@@ -1156,7 +1156,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_DepositListEntry
    * constraint (as the merchant can theoretically pick any time,
    * including one in the past).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_deadline;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_deadline;
 
   /**
    * Fraction of the coin's remaining value to be deposited, including
@@ -1572,7 +1572,7 @@ typedef enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 (*TALER_EXCHANGEDB_DepositCallback)(
   void *cls,
   uint64_t rowid,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp,
   const struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Deposit *deposit,
   const struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey *denom_pub,
   bool done);
@@ -1787,7 +1787,7 @@ typedef enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
   const struct TALER_Amount *credit,
   const char *sender_account_details,
   uint64_t wire_reference,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date);
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date);
 
 
 /**
@@ -1821,8 +1821,8 @@ typedef void
   void *cls,
   const struct TALER_Amount *wire_fee,
   const struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig);
 
 
@@ -1847,7 +1847,7 @@ typedef enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
   const struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey *denom_pub,
   const struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP *reserve_pub,
   const struct TALER_ReserveSignatureP *reserve_sig,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount_with_fee);
 
 
@@ -1888,7 +1888,7 @@ typedef void
   uint64_t rowid,
   const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
   const char *account_payto_uri,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exec_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exec_time,
   const struct TALER_PrivateContractHash *h_contract_terms,
   const struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey *denom_pub,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
@@ -1912,7 +1912,7 @@ typedef enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 (*TALER_EXCHANGEDB_WireTransferOutCallback)(
   void *cls,
   uint64_t rowid,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute date,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp date,
   const struct TALER_WireTransferIdentifierRawP *wtid,
   const char *payto_uri,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount);
@@ -1956,7 +1956,7 @@ typedef enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 (*TALER_EXCHANGEDB_RecoupCallback)(
   void *cls,
   uint64_t rowid,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount,
   const struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP *reserve_pub,
   const struct TALER_CoinPublicInfo *coin,
@@ -1985,7 +1985,7 @@ typedef enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 (*TALER_EXCHANGEDB_RecoupRefreshCallback)(
   void *cls,
   uint64_t rowid,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *old_coin_pub,
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *old_denom_pub_hash,
@@ -2013,7 +2013,7 @@ typedef enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 (*TALER_EXCHANGEDB_ReserveClosedCallback)(
   void *cls,
   uint64_t rowid,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount_with_fee,
   const struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee,
   const struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP *reserve_pub,
@@ -2049,7 +2049,7 @@ typedef enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
   const struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP *reserve_pub,
   const struct TALER_Amount *left,
   const char *account_details,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expiration_date);
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expiration_date);
 
 
 /**
@@ -2095,7 +2095,7 @@ typedef void
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount,
   const char *payto_uri,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp deadline,
   bool tiny,
   bool done);
 
@@ -2462,7 +2462,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
   (*reserves_in_insert)(void *cls,
                         const struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP *reserve_pub,
                         const struct TALER_Amount *balance,
-                        struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_time,
+                        struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_time,
                         const char *sender_account_details,
                         const char *exchange_account_name,
                         uint64_t wire_reference);
@@ -2544,7 +2544,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
   (*do_withdraw)(
     void *cls,
     const struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_CollectableBlindcoin *collectable,
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now,
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now,
     bool *found,
     bool *balance_ok,
     struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_KycStatus *kyc_ok,
@@ -2712,7 +2712,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
   (*have_deposit)(void *cls,
                   const struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Deposit *deposit,
                   struct TALER_Amount *deposit_fee,
-                  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *exchange_timestamp);
+                  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *exchange_timestamp);
 
 
   /**
@@ -2737,9 +2737,9 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
     const struct TALER_MerchantWireHash *h_wire,
     const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
     const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant,
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline,
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline,
     struct TALER_Amount *deposit_fee,
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *exchange_timestamp);
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *exchange_timestamp);
 
 
   /**
@@ -2752,7 +2752,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
    */
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
   (*insert_deposit)(void *cls,
-                    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp,
+                    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp,
                     const struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Deposit *deposit);
 
 
@@ -3055,7 +3055,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
     const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
     bool *pending,
     struct TALER_WireTransferIdentifierRawP *wtid,
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *exec_time,
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *exec_time,
     struct TALER_Amount *amount_with_fee,
     struct TALER_Amount *deposit_fee,
     struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_KycStatus *kyc);
@@ -3091,8 +3091,8 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
   (*insert_wire_fee)(void *cls,
                      const char *wire_method,
-                     struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date,
-                     struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date,
+                     struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date,
+                     struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date,
                      const struct TALER_Amount *wire_fee,
                      const struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee,
                      const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig);
@@ -3114,9 +3114,9 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
   (*get_wire_fee)(void *cls,
                   const char *type,
-                  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute date,
-                  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *start_date,
-                  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *end_date,
+                  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp date,
+                  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *start_date,
+                  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *end_date,
                   struct TALER_Amount *wire_fee,
                   struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee,
                   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig);
@@ -3134,7 +3134,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
    */
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
   (*get_expired_reserves)(void *cls,
-                          struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now,
+                          struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now,
                           TALER_EXCHANGEDB_ReserveExpiredCallback rec,
                           void *rec_cls);
 
@@ -3154,7 +3154,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
   (*insert_reserve_closed)(void *cls,
                            const struct TALER_ReservePublicKeyP *reserve_pub,
-                           struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute execution_date,
+                           struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp execution_date,
                            const char *receiver_account,
                            const struct TALER_WireTransferIdentifierRawP *wtid,
                            const struct TALER_Amount *amount_with_fee,
@@ -3248,7 +3248,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
   (*store_wire_transfer_out)(
     void *cls,
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute date,
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp date,
     const struct TALER_WireTransferIdentifierRawP *wtid,
     uint64_t wire_target,
     const char *exchange_account_section,
@@ -3486,7 +3486,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
     const union TALER_DenominationBlindingKeyP *coin_blind,
     const struct TALER_Amount *amount,
     const struct TALER_BlindedCoinHash *h_blind_ev,
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp);
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp);
 
 
   /**
@@ -3511,7 +3511,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
     const union TALER_DenominationBlindingKeyP *coin_blind,
     const struct TALER_Amount *amount,
     const struct TALER_BlindedCoinHash *h_blind_ev,
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp);
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp);
 
 
   /**
@@ -3592,8 +3592,8 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
    */
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
   (*select_deposits_missing_wire)(void *cls,
-                                  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date,
-                                  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date,
+                                  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date,
+                                  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date,
                                   TALER_EXCHANGEDB_WireMissingCallback cb,
                                   void *cb_cls);
 
@@ -3609,7 +3609,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
   (*lookup_auditor_timestamp)(void *cls,
                               const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
-                              struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *last_date);
+                              struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *last_date);
 
 
   /**
@@ -3645,7 +3645,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
                     const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
                     const char *auditor_url,
                     const char *auditor_name,
-                    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date);
+                    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date);
 
 
   /**
@@ -3665,7 +3665,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
                     const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
                     const char *auditor_url,
                     const char *auditor_name,
-                    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute change_date,
+                    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp change_date,
                     bool enabled);
 
 
@@ -3680,7 +3680,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
   (*lookup_wire_timestamp)(void *cls,
                            const char *payto_uri,
-                           struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *last_date);
+                           struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *last_date);
 
 
   /**
@@ -3697,7 +3697,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
   (*insert_wire)(void *cls,
                  const char *payto_uri,
-                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date,
+                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date,
                  const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig);
 
 
@@ -3714,7 +3714,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
   enum GNUNET_DB_QueryStatus
   (*update_wire)(void *cls,
                  const char *payto_uri,
-                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute change_date,
+                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp change_date,
                  bool enabled);
 
 
@@ -3899,8 +3899,8 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_Plugin
   (*lookup_wire_fee_by_time)(
     void *cls,
     const char *wire_method,
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time,
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_time,
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time,
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_time,
     struct TALER_Amount *wire_fee,
     struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee);
 
diff --git a/src/include/taler_json_lib.h b/src/include/taler_json_lib.h
index 73d0c418f..b20bd4ea4 100644
--- a/src/include/taler_json_lib.h
+++ b/src/include/taler_json_lib.h
@@ -38,20 +38,6 @@
               __FILE__, __LINE__, error.text, error.source)
 
 
-/**
- * Generate packer instruction for a JSON field of type
- * absolute time.
- * The absolute time value is expected to be already rounded.
- *
- * @param name name of the field to add to the object
- * @param at absolute time to pack
- * @return json pack specification
- */
-struct GNUNET_JSON_PackSpec
-TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs (const char *name,
-                          struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute at);
-
-
 /**
  * Generate packer instruction for a JSON field of type
  * absolute time creating a human-readable timestamp.
@@ -65,20 +51,6 @@ TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human (const char *name,
                                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute at);
 
 
-/**
- * Generate packer instruction for a JSON field of type
- * absolute time in network byte order.
- * The absolute time value is expected to be already rounded.
- *
- * @param name name of the field to add to the object
- * @param at absolute time to pack
- * @return json pack specification
- */
-struct GNUNET_JSON_PackSpec
-TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_nbo (const char *name,
-                              struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO at);
-
-
 /**
  * Put an error code into a JSON reply, including
  * both the numeric value and the hint.
@@ -102,34 +74,6 @@ TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_nbo_human (const char *name,
                                     struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO at);
 
 
-/**
- * Generate packer instruction for a JSON field of type
- * relative time.
- * The relative time value is expected to be already rounded.
- *
- * @param name name of the field to add to the object
- * @param rt relative time to pack
- * @return json pack specification
- */
-struct GNUNET_JSON_PackSpec
-TALER_JSON_pack_time_rel (const char *name,
-                          struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative rt);
-
-
-/**
- * Generate packer instruction for a JSON field of type
- * relative time in network byte order.
- * The relative time value is expected to be already rounded.
- *
- * @param name name of the field to add to the object
- * @param rt relative time to pack
- * @return json pack specification
- */
-struct GNUNET_JSON_PackSpec
-TALER_JSON_pack_time_rel_nbo (const char *name,
-                              struct GNUNET_TIME_RelativeNBO rt);
-
-
 /**
  * Generate packer instruction for a JSON field of type
  * denomination public key.
@@ -278,46 +222,6 @@ TALER_JSON_spec_amount_any_nbo (const char *name,
                                 struct TALER_AmountNBO *r_amount);
 
 
-/**
- * Provide specification to parse given JSON object to an absolute time.
- * The absolute time value is expected to be already rounded.
- *
- * @param name name of the time field in the JSON
- * @param[out] r_time where the time has to be written
- * @return spec for parsing an absolute time
- */
-struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification
-TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time (const char *name,
-                               struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *r_time);
-
-
-/**
- * Provide specification to parse given JSON object to an absolute time
- * in network byte order.
- * The absolute time value is expected to be already rounded.
- *
- * @param name name of the time field in the JSON
- * @param[out] r_time where the time has to be written
- * @return spec for parsing an absolute time
- */
-struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification
-TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time_nbo (const char *name,
-                                   struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *r_time);
-
-
-/**
- * Provide specification to parse given JSON object to a relative time.
- * The absolute time value is expected to be already rounded.
- *
- * @param name name of the time field in the JSON
- * @param[out] r_time where the time has to be written
- * @return spec for parsing a relative time
- */
-struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification
-TALER_JSON_spec_relative_time (const char *name,
-                               struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative *r_time);
-
-
 /**
  * Generate line in parser specification for denomination public key.
  *
diff --git a/src/include/taler_pq_lib.h b/src/include/taler_pq_lib.h
index 6e69cdf6d..2189a4f61 100644
--- a/src/include/taler_pq_lib.h
+++ b/src/include/taler_pq_lib.h
@@ -101,33 +101,6 @@ struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam
 TALER_PQ_query_param_json (const json_t *x);
 
 
-/**
- * Generate query parameter for an absolute time value.
- * In contrast to
- * #GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time(), this function
- * will abort (!) if the time given is not rounded!
- * The database must store a 64-bit integer.
- *
- * @param x pointer to the query parameter to pass
- */
-struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam
-TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (const struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *x);
-
-
-/**
- * Generate query parameter for an absolute time value.
- * In contrast to
- * #GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time(), this function
- * will abort (!) if the time given is not rounded!
- * The database must store a 64-bit integer.
- *
- * @param x pointer to the query parameter to pass
- */
-struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam
-TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time_nbo (const struct
-                                        GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *x);
-
-
 /**
  * Currency amount expected.
  *
@@ -205,36 +178,6 @@ TALER_PQ_result_spec_json (const char *name,
                            json_t **jp);
 
 
-/**
- * Rounded absolute time expected.
- * In contrast to #GNUNET_PQ_query_param_absolute_time_nbo(),
- * this function ensures that the result is rounded and can
- * be converted to JSON.
- *
- * @param name name of the field in the table
- * @param[out] at where to store the result
- * @return array entry for the result specification to use
- */
-struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec
-TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time (const char *name,
-                                    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *at);
-
-
-/**
- * Rounded absolute time expected.
- * In contrast to #GNUNET_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time_nbo(),
- * this function ensures that the result is rounded and can
- * be converted to JSON.
- *
- * @param name name of the field in the table
- * @param[out] at where to store the result
- * @return array entry for the result specification to use
- */
-struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec
-TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time_nbo (const char *name,
-                                        struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *at);
-
-
 #endif  /* TALER_PQ_LIB_H_ */
 
 /* end of include/taler_pq_lib.h */
diff --git a/src/include/taler_signatures.h b/src/include/taler_signatures.h
index 991c56e65..87a004e31 100644
--- a/src/include/taler_signatures.h
+++ b/src/include/taler_signatures.h
@@ -342,7 +342,7 @@ struct TALER_DenominationKeyAnnouncementPS
   /**
    * When does the key become available?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO anchor_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO anchor_time;
 
   /**
    * How long is the key available after @e anchor_time?
@@ -373,7 +373,7 @@ struct TALER_SigningKeyAnnouncementPS
   /**
    * When does the key become available?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO anchor_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO anchor_time;
 
   /**
    * How long is the key available after @e anchor_time?
@@ -497,14 +497,14 @@ struct TALER_DepositRequestPS
    * deposit request in a timely fashion (so back-dating is not
    * prevented).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO wallet_timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO wallet_timestamp;
 
   /**
    * How much time does the merchant have to issue a refund request?
    * Zero if refunds are not allowed.  After this time, the coin
    * cannot be refunded.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO refund_deadline;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO refund_deadline;
 
   /**
    * Amount to be deposited, including deposit fee charged by the
@@ -565,13 +565,13 @@ struct TALER_DepositConfirmationPS
    * Time when this confirmation was generated / when the exchange received
    * the deposit request.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO exchange_timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO exchange_timestamp;
 
   /**
    * By when does the exchange expect to pay the merchant
    * (as per the merchant's request).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO wire_deadline;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO wire_deadline;
 
   /**
    * How much time does the @e merchant have to issue a refund
@@ -580,7 +580,7 @@ struct TALER_DepositConfirmationPS
    * performed by the exchange until the refund deadline.  This value
    * is taken from the original deposit request.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO refund_deadline;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO refund_deadline;
 
   /**
    * Amount to be deposited, excluding fee.  Calculated from the
@@ -782,7 +782,7 @@ struct TALER_ExchangeSigningKeyValidityPS
   /**
    * When does this signing key begin to be valid?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO start;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO start;
 
   /**
    * When does this signing key expire? Note: This is currently when
@@ -792,7 +792,7 @@ struct TALER_ExchangeSigningKeyValidityPS
    * the use of either key during the overlap time (due to the
    * possibility of clock skew).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO expire;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO expire;
 
   /**
    * When do signatures with this signing key become invalid?  After
@@ -801,7 +801,7 @@ struct TALER_ExchangeSigningKeyValidityPS
    * evidence.  @e end is expected to be significantly larger than @e
    * expire (by a year or more).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO end;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO end;
 
   /**
    * The public online signing key that the exchange will use
@@ -828,7 +828,7 @@ struct TALER_ExchangeKeySetPS
   /**
    * Time of the key set issue.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO list_issue_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO list_issue_date;
 
   /**
    * Hash over the various denomination signing keys returned.
@@ -858,7 +858,7 @@ struct TALER_ExchangeAccountSetupSuccessPS
   /**
    * When was the signature made.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO timestamp;
 };
 
 
@@ -878,7 +878,7 @@ struct TALER_MasterAddAuditorPS
   /**
    * Time of the change.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO start_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO start_date;
 
   /**
    * Public key of the auditor.
@@ -908,7 +908,7 @@ struct TALER_MasterDelAuditorPS
   /**
    * Time of the change.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO end_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO end_date;
 
   /**
    * Public key of the auditor.
@@ -934,7 +934,7 @@ struct TALER_MasterAddWirePS
   /**
    * Time of the change.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO start_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO start_date;
 
   /**
    * Hash over the exchange's payto URI.
@@ -959,7 +959,7 @@ struct TALER_MasterDelWirePS
   /**
    * Time of the change.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO end_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO end_date;
 
   /**
    * Hash over the exchange's payto URI.
@@ -990,7 +990,7 @@ struct TALER_DenominationKeyValidityPS
   /**
    * Start time of the validity period for this key.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO start;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO start;
 
   /**
    * The exchange will sign fresh coins between @e start and this time.
@@ -1004,7 +1004,7 @@ struct TALER_DenominationKeyValidityPS
    * with the same value with overlapping validity periods, to address
    * issues such as clock skew.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO expire_withdraw;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO expire_withdraw;
 
   /**
    * Coins signed with the denomination key must be spent or refreshed
@@ -1016,7 +1016,7 @@ struct TALER_DenominationKeyValidityPS
    * significantly larger than @e expire_withdraw (by months or even
    * years).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO expire_deposit;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO expire_deposit;
 
   /**
    * When do signatures with this denomination key become invalid?
@@ -1025,7 +1025,7 @@ struct TALER_DenominationKeyValidityPS
    * of the evidence.  @e expire_legal is expected to be significantly
    * larger than @e expire_deposit (by a year or more).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO expire_legal;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO expire_legal;
 
   /**
    * The value of the coins signed with this denomination key.
@@ -1093,7 +1093,7 @@ struct TALER_ExchangeKeyValidityPS
   /**
    * Start time of the validity period for this key.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO start;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO start;
 
   /**
    * The exchange will sign fresh coins between @e start and this time.
@@ -1107,7 +1107,7 @@ struct TALER_ExchangeKeyValidityPS
    * with the same value with overlapping validity periods, to address
    * issues such as clock skew.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO expire_withdraw;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO expire_withdraw;
 
   /**
    * Coins signed with the denomination key must be spent or refreshed
@@ -1119,7 +1119,7 @@ struct TALER_ExchangeKeyValidityPS
    * significantly larger than @e expire_withdraw (by months or even
    * years).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO expire_deposit;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO expire_deposit;
 
   /**
    * When do signatures with this denomination key become invalid?
@@ -1128,7 +1128,7 @@ struct TALER_ExchangeKeyValidityPS
    * of the evidence.  @e expire_legal is expected to be significantly
    * larger than @e expire_deposit (by a year or more).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO expire_legal;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO expire_legal;
 
   /**
    * The value of the coins signed with this denomination key.
@@ -1231,12 +1231,12 @@ struct TALER_MasterWireFeePS
   /**
    * Start date when the fee goes into effect.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO start_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO start_date;
 
   /**
    * End date when the fee stops being in effect (exclusive)
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO end_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO end_date;
 
   /**
    * Fee charged to the merchant per wire transfer.
@@ -1338,7 +1338,7 @@ struct TALER_WireDepositDetailP
   /**
    * Time when the wire transfer was performed by the exchange.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO execution_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO execution_time;
 
   /**
    * Coin's public key.
@@ -1473,7 +1473,7 @@ struct TALER_ConfirmWirePS
    * timestamp may not be exactly the same on the wire, i.e.
    * because the wire has a different timezone or resolution.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO execution_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO execution_time;
 
   /**
    * The contribution of @e coin_pub to the total transfer volume.
@@ -1532,7 +1532,7 @@ struct TALER_RecoupConfirmationPS
    * Indirectly determines when the wire transfer is (likely)
    * to happen.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO timestamp;
 
   /**
    * How much of the coin's value will the exchange transfer?
@@ -1570,7 +1570,7 @@ struct TALER_RecoupRefreshConfirmationPS
    * Indirectly determines when the wire transfer is (likely)
    * to happen.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO timestamp;
 
   /**
    * How much of the coin's value will the exchange transfer?
@@ -1605,7 +1605,7 @@ struct TALER_DenominationUnknownAffirmationPS
   /**
    * When did the exchange sign this message.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO timestamp;
 
   /**
    * Hash of the public denomination key we do not know.
@@ -1630,7 +1630,7 @@ struct TALER_DenominationExpiredAffirmationPS
   /**
    * When did the exchange sign this message.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO timestamp;
 
   /**
    * Name of the operation that is not allowed at this time.  Might NOT be 0-terminated, but is padded with 0s.
@@ -1660,7 +1660,7 @@ struct TALER_ReserveCloseConfirmationPS
   /**
    * When did the exchange initiate the wire transfer.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO timestamp;
 
   /**
    * How much did the exchange send?
diff --git a/src/include/taler_sq_lib.h b/src/include/taler_sq_lib.h
index 66bd38c82..b5749308e 100644
--- a/src/include/taler_sq_lib.h
+++ b/src/include/taler_sq_lib.h
@@ -60,33 +60,6 @@ struct GNUNET_SQ_QueryParam
 TALER_SQ_query_param_json (const json_t *x);
 
 
-/**
- * Generate query parameter for an absolute time value.
- * In contrast to
- * #GNUNET_SQ_query_param_absolute_time(), this function
- * will abort (!) if the time given is not rounded!
- * The database must store a 64-bit integer.
- *
- * @param x pointer to the query parameter to pass
- */
-struct GNUNET_SQ_QueryParam
-TALER_SQ_query_param_absolute_time (const struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *x);
-
-
-/**
- * Generate query parameter for an absolute time value.
- * In contrast to
- * #GNUNET_SQ_query_param_absolute_time(), this function
- * will abort (!) if the time given is not rounded!
- * The database must store a 64-bit integer.
- *
- * @param x pointer to the query parameter to pass
- */
-struct GNUNET_SQ_QueryParam
-TALER_SQ_query_param_absolute_time_nbo (const struct
-                                        GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *x);
-
-
 /**
  * Currency amount expected.
  *
@@ -121,32 +94,6 @@ struct GNUNET_SQ_ResultSpec
 TALER_SQ_result_spec_json (json_t **jp);
 
 
-/**
- * Rounded absolute time expected.
- * In contrast to #GNUNET_SQ_query_param_absolute_time_nbo(),
- * this function ensures that the result is rounded and can
- * be converted to JSON.
- *
- * @param[out] at where to store the result
- * @return array entry for the result specification to use
- */
-struct GNUNET_SQ_ResultSpec
-TALER_SQ_result_spec_absolute_time (struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *at);
-
-
-/**
- * Rounded absolute time expected.
- * In contrast to #GNUNET_SQ_result_spec_absolute_time_nbo(),
- * this function ensures that the result is rounded and can
- * be converted to JSON.
- *
- * @param[out] at where to store the result
- * @return array entry for the result specification to use
- */
-struct GNUNET_SQ_ResultSpec
-TALER_SQ_result_spec_absolute_time_nbo (struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *at);
-
-
 #endif  /* TALER_SQ_LIB_H_ */
 
 /* end of include/taler_sq_lib.h */
diff --git a/src/include/taler_testing_lib.h b/src/include/taler_testing_lib.h
index f50e13a21..4733cf2f6 100644
--- a/src/include/taler_testing_lib.h
+++ b/src/include/taler_testing_lib.h
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ struct TALER_TESTING_LibeufinServices
  * @return #GNUNET_OK on success, #GNUNET_NO if test should be
  *         skipped, #GNUNET_SYSERR on test failure
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_prepare_exchange (const char *config_filename,
                                 int reset_db,
                                 struct TALER_TESTING_ExchangeConfiguration *ec);
@@ -208,7 +208,7 @@ TALER_TESTING_cleanup_files (const char *config_name);
  * @param cfg configuration
  * @return #GNUNET_OK on success
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_cleanup_files_cfg (void *cls,
                                  const struct GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_Handle *cfg);
 
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ TALER_TESTING_cleanup_files_cfg (void *cls,
  * @param auditor_url URL of auditor to enable, can be NULL
  * @return #GNUNET_OK on success
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_run_exchange_offline (const char *config_filename,
                                     const char *payto_uri,
                                     const char *auditor_pub,
@@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ TALER_TESTING_run_exchange_offline (const char *config_filename,
  * @param config_filename configuration file to use
  * @return #GNUNET_OK on success
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_auditor_db_reset (const char *config_filename);
 
 
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ TALER_TESTING_auditor_db_reset (const char *config_filename);
  * @param config_filename configuration file to use
  * @return #GNUNET_OK on success
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_exchange_db_reset (const char *config_filename);
 
 
@@ -255,7 +255,7 @@ TALER_TESTING_exchange_db_reset (const char *config_filename);
  * @param config_filename configuration file to use
  * @return #GNUNET_OK on success
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_run_auditor_offline (const char *config_filename);
 
 
@@ -268,7 +268,7 @@ TALER_TESTING_run_auditor_offline (const char *config_filename);
  * @param do_remove #GNUNET_NO to add exchange, #GNUNET_YES to remove
  * @return #GNUNET_OK on success
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_run_auditor_exchange (const char *config_filename,
                                     const char *exchange_master_pub,
                                     const char *exchange_base_url,
@@ -281,7 +281,7 @@ TALER_TESTING_run_auditor_exchange (const char *config_filename,
  * @param url URL to extract port from, 80 is default
  * @return #GNUNET_OK if the port is free
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_url_port_free (const char *url);
 
 
@@ -324,7 +324,7 @@ struct TALER_TESTING_BankConfiguration
  * @param[out] bc set to the bank's configuration data
  * @return #GNUNET_OK on success
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_prepare_fakebank (const char *config_filename,
                                 const char *config_section,
                                 struct TALER_TESTING_BankConfiguration *bc);
@@ -531,7 +531,7 @@ struct TALER_TESTING_Command
    * @param index index number of the object to extract.
    * @return #GNUNET_OK on success
    */
-  int
+  enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
   (*traits)(void *cls,
             const void **ret,
             const char *trait,
@@ -731,7 +731,7 @@ typedef void
  *         non-#GNUNET_OK codes are #GNUNET_SYSERR most of the
  *         times.
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_setup (TALER_TESTING_Main main_cb,
                      void *main_cb_cls,
                      const struct GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_Handle *cfg,
@@ -751,7 +751,7 @@ TALER_TESTING_setup (TALER_TESTING_Main main_cb,
  *         non-GNUNET_OK codes are #GNUNET_SYSERR most of the
  *         times.
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_auditor_setup (TALER_TESTING_Main main_cb,
                              void *main_cb_cls,
                              const char *config_filename);
@@ -788,7 +788,7 @@ struct TALER_TESTING_SetupContext
  * @param cfg configuration to use.
  * @return #GNUNET_OK if no errors occurred.
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_setup_with_exchange_cfg (
   void *cls,
   const struct GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_Handle *cfg);
@@ -809,7 +809,7 @@ TALER_TESTING_setup_with_exchange_cfg (
  *        at its base URL.
  * @return #GNUNET_OK if no errors occurred.
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_setup_with_exchange (TALER_TESTING_Main main_cb,
                                    void *main_cb_cls,
                                    const char *config_file);
@@ -824,7 +824,7 @@ TALER_TESTING_setup_with_exchange (TALER_TESTING_Main main_cb,
  * @param cfg configuration to use.
  * @return #GNUNET_OK if no errors occurred.
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_setup_with_auditor_and_exchange_cfg (
   void *cls,
   const struct GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_Handle *cfg);
@@ -845,7 +845,7 @@ TALER_TESTING_setup_with_auditor_and_exchange_cfg (
  *        at its base URL.
  * @return #GNUNET_OK if no errors occurred.
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_setup_with_auditor_and_exchange (TALER_TESTING_Main main_cb,
                                                void *main_cb_cls,
                                                const char *config_file);
@@ -905,7 +905,7 @@ TALER_TESTING_run_fakebank (const char *bank_url,
  * @param[out] bc set to the bank's configuration data
  * @return #GNUNET_OK on success
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_prepare_bank (const char *config_filename,
                             int reset_db,
                             const char *config_section,
@@ -922,7 +922,7 @@ TALER_TESTING_prepare_bank (const char *config_filename,
  * @return the base url, or NULL upon errors.  Must be freed
  *         by the caller.
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_prepare_nexus (const char *config_filename,
                              int reset_db,
                              const char *config_section,
@@ -934,7 +934,7 @@ TALER_TESTING_prepare_nexus (const char *config_filename,
  * @param prog program's name to look into
  * @param marker chunk to find in @a prog
  */
-int
+enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_TESTING_has_in_name (const char *prog,
                            const char *marker);
 
@@ -1966,7 +1966,7 @@ TALER_TESTING_cmd_insert_deposit (
   const struct TALER_TESTING_DatabaseConnection *dbc,
   const char *merchant_name,
   const char *merchant_account,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp,
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative wire_deadline,
   const char *amount_with_fee,
   const char *deposit_fee);
@@ -2446,12 +2446,12 @@ TALER_TESTING_get_trait (const struct TALER_TESTING_Trait *traits,
   op (debit_payto_uri, const char *)                               \
   op (order_id, const char *)                                      \
   op (amount, const struct TALER_Amount)                           \
-  op (amount_with_fee, const struct TALER_Amount)                        \
-  op (deposit_amount, const struct TALER_Amount)                           \
-  op (deposit_fee_amount, const struct TALER_Amount)                           \
+  op (amount_with_fee, const struct TALER_Amount)                  \
+  op (deposit_amount, const struct TALER_Amount)                   \
+  op (deposit_fee_amount, const struct TALER_Amount)               \
   op (batch_cmds, struct TALER_TESTING_Command *)                  \
   op (uuid, const struct GNUNET_Uuid)                              \
-  op (fresh_coins, const struct TALER_TESTING_FreshCoinData *)            \
+  op (fresh_coins, const struct TALER_TESTING_FreshCoinData *)     \
   op (claim_token, const struct TALER_ClaimTokenP)                 \
   op (relative_time, const struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative)            \
   op (process, struct GNUNET_OS_Process *)
@@ -2460,14 +2460,15 @@ TALER_TESTING_get_trait (const struct TALER_TESTING_Trait *traits,
 /**
  * Call #op on all indexed traits.
  */
-#define TALER_TESTING_INDEXED_TRAITS(op)                         \
+#define TALER_TESTING_INDEXED_TRAITS(op)                               \
   op (denom_pub, const struct TALER_EXCHANGE_DenomPublicKey)           \
-  op (denom_sig, const struct TALER_DenominationSignature) \
+  op (denom_sig, const struct TALER_DenominationSignature)             \
   op (coin_priv, const struct TALER_CoinSpendPrivateKeyP)              \
   op (coin_pub, const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP)                \
   op (absolute_time, const struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute)                \
-  op (wire_deadline, const struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute)                \
-  op (refund_deadline, const struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute)                \
+  op (timestamp, const struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp)                   \
+  op (wire_deadline, const struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp)               \
+  op (refund_deadline, const struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp)             \
   op (exchange_pub, const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP)             \
   op (exchange_sig, const struct TALER_ExchangeSignatureP)             \
   op (blinding_key, const union TALER_DenominationBlindingKeyP)
diff --git a/src/json/json_helper.c b/src/json/json_helper.c
index 7c01cde0c..949354e24 100644
--- a/src/json/json_helper.c
+++ b/src/json/json_helper.c
@@ -215,219 +215,6 @@ TALER_JSON_spec_amount_any_nbo (const char *name,
 }
 
 
-/**
- * Parse given JSON object to *rounded* absolute time.
- *
- * @param cls closure, NULL
- * @param root the json object representing data
- * @param[out] spec where to write the data
- * @return #GNUNET_OK upon successful parsing; #GNUNET_SYSERR upon error
- */
-static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
-parse_abs_time (void *cls,
-                json_t *root,
-                struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification *spec)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *abs = spec->ptr;
-  json_t *json_t_ms;
-  unsigned long long int tval;
-
-  (void) cls;
-  if (! json_is_object (root))
-  {
-    GNUNET_break_op (0);
-    return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-  }
-  json_t_ms = json_object_get (root,
-                               "t_ms");
-  if (json_is_integer (json_t_ms))
-  {
-    tval = json_integer_value (json_t_ms);
-    /* Time is in milliseconds in JSON, but in microseconds in GNUNET_TIME_Absolute */
-    abs->abs_value_us = tval * 1000LL;
-    if ((abs->abs_value_us) / 1000LL != tval)
-    {
-      /* Integer overflow */
-      GNUNET_break_op (0);
-      return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-    }
-    if (GNUNET_OK !=
-        GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (abs))
-    {
-      /* time not rounded */
-      GNUNET_break_op (0);
-      return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-    }
-    return GNUNET_OK;
-  }
-  if (json_is_string (json_t_ms))
-  {
-    const char *val;
-
-    val = json_string_value (json_t_ms);
-    if ((0 == strcasecmp (val, "never")))
-    {
-      *abs = GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_FOREVER_ABS;
-      return GNUNET_OK;
-    }
-    GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_ERROR,
-                "`%s' is not a valid absolute time\n",
-                json_string_value (json_t_ms));
-    return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-  }
-  return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-}
-
-
-struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification
-TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time (const char *name,
-                               struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *r_time)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification ret = {
-    .parser = &parse_abs_time,
-    .cleaner = NULL,
-    .cls = NULL,
-    .field = name,
-    .ptr = r_time,
-    .ptr_size = sizeof(struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute),
-    .size_ptr = NULL
-  };
-
-  return ret;
-}
-
-
-/**
- * Parse given JSON object to absolute time.
- *
- * @param cls closure, NULL
- * @param root the json object representing data
- * @param[out] spec where to write the data
- * @return #GNUNET_OK upon successful parsing; #GNUNET_SYSERR upon error
- */
-static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
-parse_abs_time_nbo (void *cls,
-                    json_t *root,
-                    struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification *spec)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *abs = spec->ptr;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute a;
-  struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification ispec;
-
-  (void) cls;
-  ispec = *spec;
-  ispec.parser = &parse_abs_time;
-  ispec.ptr = &a;
-  if (GNUNET_OK !=
-      parse_abs_time (NULL,
-                      root,
-                      &ispec))
-  {
-    GNUNET_break_op (0);
-    return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-  }
-  *abs = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (a);
-  return GNUNET_OK;
-}
-
-
-struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification
-TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time_nbo (const char *name,
-                                   struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *r_time)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification ret = {
-    .parser = &parse_abs_time_nbo,
-    .cleaner = NULL,
-    .cls = NULL,
-    .field = name,
-    .ptr = r_time,
-    .ptr_size = sizeof(struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO),
-    .size_ptr = NULL
-  };
-
-  return ret;
-}
-
-
-/**
- * Parse given JSON object to relative time.
- *
- * @param cls closure, NULL
- * @param root the json object representing data
- * @param[out] spec where to write the data
- * @return #GNUNET_OK upon successful parsing; #GNUNET_SYSERR upon error
- */
-static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
-parse_rel_time (void *cls,
-                json_t *root,
-                struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification *spec)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative *rel = spec->ptr;
-  json_t *json_d_ms;
-  unsigned long long int tval;
-
-  (void) cls;
-  if (! json_is_object (root))
-  {
-    GNUNET_break_op (0);
-    return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-  }
-  json_d_ms = json_object_get (root, "d_ms");
-  if (json_is_integer (json_d_ms))
-  {
-    tval = json_integer_value (json_d_ms);
-    /* Time is in milliseconds in JSON, but in microseconds in GNUNET_TIME_Absolute */
-    rel->rel_value_us = tval * 1000LL;
-    if ((rel->rel_value_us) / 1000LL != tval)
-    {
-      /* Integer overflow */
-      GNUNET_break_op (0);
-      return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-    }
-    if (GNUNET_OK !=
-        GNUNET_TIME_round_rel (rel))
-    {
-      /* time not rounded */
-      GNUNET_break_op (0);
-      return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-    }
-    return GNUNET_OK;
-  }
-  if (json_is_string (json_d_ms))
-  {
-    const char *val;
-    val = json_string_value (json_d_ms);
-    if ((0 == strcasecmp (val, "forever")))
-    {
-      *rel = GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_FOREVER_REL;
-      return GNUNET_OK;
-    }
-    GNUNET_break_op (0);
-    return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-  }
-  GNUNET_break_op (0);
-  return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-}
-
-
-struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification
-TALER_JSON_spec_relative_time (const char *name,
-                               struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative *r_time)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification ret = {
-    .parser = &parse_rel_time,
-    .cleaner = NULL,
-    .cls = NULL,
-    .field = name,
-    .ptr = r_time,
-    .ptr_size = sizeof(struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative),
-    .size_ptr = NULL
-  };
-
-  return ret;
-}
-
-
 /**
  * Parse given JSON object to denomination public key.
  *
diff --git a/src/json/json_pack.c b/src/json/json_pack.c
index f41ba5234..6fea72a39 100644
--- a/src/json/json_pack.c
+++ b/src/json/json_pack.c
@@ -24,17 +24,6 @@
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
 
 
-struct GNUNET_JSON_PackSpec
-TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs (const char *name,
-                          struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute at)
-{
-  GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_OK ==
-                 GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&at));
-  return GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs (name,
-                                    at);
-}
-
-
 struct GNUNET_JSON_PackSpec
 TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human (const char *name,
                                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute at)
@@ -49,15 +38,6 @@ TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_human (const char *name,
 }
 
 
-struct GNUNET_JSON_PackSpec
-TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_nbo (const char *name,
-                              struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO at)
-{
-  return TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs (name,
-                                   GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (at));
-}
-
-
 struct GNUNET_JSON_PackSpec
 TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_nbo_human (const char *name,
                                     struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO at)
@@ -67,26 +47,6 @@ TALER_JSON_pack_time_abs_nbo_human (const char *name,
 }
 
 
-struct GNUNET_JSON_PackSpec
-TALER_JSON_pack_time_rel (const char *name,
-                          struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative rt)
-{
-  GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_OK ==
-                 GNUNET_TIME_round_rel (&rt));
-  return GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_rel (name,
-                                    rt);
-}
-
-
-struct GNUNET_JSON_PackSpec
-TALER_JSON_pack_time_rel_nbo (const char *name,
-                              struct GNUNET_TIME_RelativeNBO rt)
-{
-  return TALER_JSON_pack_time_rel (name,
-                                   GNUNET_TIME_relative_ntoh (rt));
-}
-
-
 struct GNUNET_JSON_PackSpec
 TALER_JSON_pack_denom_pub (
   const char *name,
diff --git a/src/lib/auditor_api_curl_defaults.c b/src/lib/auditor_api_curl_defaults.c
index d8c6f619c..81fcd7bac 100644
--- a/src/lib/auditor_api_curl_defaults.c
+++ b/src/lib/auditor_api_curl_defaults.c
@@ -22,12 +22,6 @@
 #include "auditor_api_curl_defaults.h"
 
 
-/**
- * Get a curl handle with the right defaults
- * for the exchange lib.  In the future, we might manage a pool of connections here.
- *
- * @param url URL to query
- */
 CURL *
 TALER_AUDITOR_curl_easy_get_ (const char *url)
 {
@@ -47,6 +41,12 @@ TALER_AUDITOR_curl_easy_get_ (const char *url)
                  curl_easy_setopt (eh,
                                    CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION,
                                    1L));
+  /* Enable compression (using whatever curl likes), see
+     https://curl.se/libcurl/c/CURLOPT_ACCEPT_ENCODING.html  */
+  GNUNET_break (CURLE_OK ==
+                curl_easy_setopt (eh,
+                                  CURLOPT_ACCEPT_ENCODING,
+                                  ""));
   /* limit MAXREDIRS to 5 as a simple security measure against
      a potential infinite loop caused by a malicious target */
   GNUNET_assert (CURLE_OK ==
diff --git a/src/lib/auditor_api_deposit_confirmation.c b/src/lib/auditor_api_deposit_confirmation.c
index 5b207a18c..cdf1c5ef3 100644
--- a/src/lib/auditor_api_deposit_confirmation.c
+++ b/src/lib/auditor_api_deposit_confirmation.c
@@ -173,18 +173,18 @@ static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 verify_signatures (const struct TALER_MerchantWireHash *h_wire,
                    const struct TALER_ExtensionContractHash *h_extensions,
                    const struct TALER_PrivateContractHash *h_contract_terms,
-                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp,
-                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_deadline,
-                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline,
+                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp,
+                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_deadline,
+                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline,
                    const struct TALER_Amount *amount_without_fee,
                    const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
                    const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
                    const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP *exchange_pub,
                    const struct TALER_ExchangeSignatureP *exchange_sig,
                    const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
-                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute ep_start,
-                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute ep_expire,
-                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute ep_end,
+                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp ep_start,
+                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp ep_expire,
+                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp ep_end,
                    const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig)
 {
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
@@ -223,7 +223,7 @@ verify_signatures (const struct TALER_MerchantWireHash *h_wire,
     TALER_LOG_WARNING ("Invalid signature on exchange signing key!\n");
     return GNUNET_SYSERR;
   }
-  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (ep_end))
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (ep_end.abs_time))
   {
     GNUNET_break (0);
     TALER_LOG_WARNING ("Exchange signing key is no longer valid!\n");
@@ -239,18 +239,18 @@ TALER_AUDITOR_deposit_confirmation (
   const struct TALER_MerchantWireHash *h_wire,
   const struct TALER_ExtensionContractHash *h_extensions,
   const struct TALER_PrivateContractHash *h_contract_terms,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_deadline,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount_without_fee,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
   const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
   const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP *exchange_pub,
   const struct TALER_ExchangeSignatureP *exchange_sig,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute ep_start,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute ep_expire,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute ep_end,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp ep_start,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp ep_expire,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp ep_end,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig,
   TALER_AUDITOR_DepositConfirmationResultCallback cb,
   void *cb_cls)
@@ -260,11 +260,6 @@ TALER_AUDITOR_deposit_confirmation (
   json_t *deposit_confirmation_obj;
   CURL *eh;
 
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&exchange_timestamp);
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&refund_deadline);
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&ep_start);
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&ep_expire);
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&ep_end);
   GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_YES ==
                  TALER_AUDITOR_handle_is_ready_ (auditor));
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
@@ -297,12 +292,12 @@ TALER_AUDITOR_deposit_confirmation (
                                     h_extensions),
         GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("h_contract_terms",
                                     h_contract_terms),
-        GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("exchange_timestamp",
-                                   exchange_timestamp),
-        GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("refund_deadline",
-                                   refund_deadline),
-        GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("wire_deadline",
-                                   wire_deadline),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("exchange_timestamp",
+                                    exchange_timestamp),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("refund_deadline",
+                                    refund_deadline),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("wire_deadline",
+                                    wire_deadline),
         TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount_without_fee",
                                 amount_without_fee),
         GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("coin_pub",
@@ -313,12 +308,12 @@ TALER_AUDITOR_deposit_confirmation (
                                     exchange_sig),
         GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("master_pub",
                                     master_pub),
-        GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("ep_start",
-                                   ep_start),
-        GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("ep_expire",
-                                   ep_expire),
-        GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("ep_end",
-                                   ep_end),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("ep_start",
+                                    ep_start),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("ep_expire",
+                                    ep_expire),
+        GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("ep_end",
+                                    ep_end),
         GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("master_sig",
                                     master_sig),
         GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("exchange_pub",
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_auditor_add_denomination.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_auditor_add_denomination.c
index fbe46e51f..27eb43bcf 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_auditor_add_denomination.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_auditor_add_denomination.c
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
 #include <gnunet/gnunet_curl_lib.h>
 #include "taler_exchange_service.h"
+#include "auditor_api_curl_defaults.h"
 #include "taler_signatures.h"
 #include "taler_curl_lib.h"
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
@@ -190,7 +191,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_add_auditor_denomination (
   body = GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("auditor_sig",
                                 auditor_sig));
-  eh = curl_easy_init ();
+  eh = TALER_AUDITOR_curl_easy_get_ (ah->url);
   GNUNET_assert (NULL != eh);
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       TALER_curl_easy_post (&ah->post_ctx,
@@ -207,9 +208,6 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_add_auditor_denomination (
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
               "Requesting URL '%s'\n",
               ah->url);
-  GNUNET_assert (CURLE_OK == curl_easy_setopt (eh,
-                                               CURLOPT_URL,
-                                               ah->url));
   ah->job = GNUNET_CURL_job_add2 (ctx,
                                   eh,
                                   ah->post_ctx.headers,
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_common.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_common.c
index 98a6ab20f..b14714ac6 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_common.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_common.c
@@ -86,12 +86,12 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_parse_reserve_history (
     {
       const char *wire_url;
       uint64_t wire_reference;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
       struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification withdraw_spec[] = {
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_uint64 ("wire_reference",
                                  &wire_reference),
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("timestamp",
-                                       &timestamp),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                    &timestamp),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_string ("sender_account_url",
                                  &wire_url),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_parse_reserve_history (
                               "RECOUP"))
     {
       struct TALER_RecoupConfirmationPS pc;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
       const struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Keys *key_state;
       struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification recoup_spec[] = {
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("coin_pub",
@@ -235,8 +235,8 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_parse_reserve_history (
                                      &rh->details.recoup_details.exchange_sig),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("exchange_pub",
                                      &rh->details.recoup_details.exchange_pub),
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time_nbo ("timestamp",
-                                           &pc.timestamp),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp_nbo ("timestamp",
+                                        &pc.timestamp),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
       };
 
@@ -256,7 +256,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_parse_reserve_history (
       pc.purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (pc));
       pc.purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_EXCHANGE_CONFIRM_RECOUP);
       pc.reserve_pub = *reserve_pub;
-      timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (pc.timestamp);
+      timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (pc.timestamp);
       rh->details.recoup_details.timestamp = timestamp;
 
       key_state = TALER_EXCHANGE_get_keys (exchange);
@@ -294,7 +294,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_parse_reserve_history (
     {
       const struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Keys *key_state;
       struct TALER_ReserveCloseConfirmationPS rcc;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
       struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification closing_spec[] = {
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_string (
           "receiver_account_details",
@@ -307,8 +307,8 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_parse_reserve_history (
                                      &rh->details.close_details.exchange_pub),
         TALER_JSON_spec_amount_any_nbo ("closing_fee",
                                         &rcc.closing_fee),
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time_nbo ("timestamp",
-                                           &rcc.timestamp),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp_nbo ("timestamp",
+                                        &rcc.timestamp),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
       };
 
@@ -330,7 +330,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_parse_reserve_history (
       rcc.purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (rcc));
       rcc.purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_EXCHANGE_RESERVE_CLOSED);
       rcc.reserve_pub = *reserve_pub;
-      timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (rcc.timestamp);
+      timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (rcc.timestamp);
       rh->details.close_details.timestamp = timestamp;
       TALER_amount_ntoh (&rh->details.close_details.fee,
                          &rcc.closing_fee);
@@ -478,9 +478,9 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_verify_coin_history (
       struct TALER_MerchantWireHash h_wire;
       struct TALER_PrivateContractHash h_contract_terms;
       // struct TALER_ExtensionContractHash h_extensions; // FIXME!
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wallet_timestamp;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wallet_timestamp;
       struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP merchant_pub;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline = {0};
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline = {0};
       struct TALER_CoinSpendSignatureP sig;
       struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("coin_sig",
@@ -491,11 +491,11 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_verify_coin_history (
                                      &h_wire),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("h_denom_pub",
                                      h_denom_pub),
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("timestamp",
-                                       &wallet_timestamp),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                    &wallet_timestamp),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_mark_optional (
-          TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("refund_deadline",
-                                         &refund_deadline)),
+          GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("refund_deadline",
+                                      &refund_deadline)),
         TALER_JSON_spec_amount_any ("deposit_fee",
                                     &fee),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("merchant_pub",
@@ -711,8 +711,8 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_verify_coin_history (
                                      &rr.coin_blind),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("h_denom_pub",
                                      &rr.h_denom_pub),
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time_nbo ("timestamp",
-                                           &pc.timestamp),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp_nbo ("timestamp",
+                                        &pc.timestamp),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
       };
 
@@ -781,8 +781,8 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_verify_coin_history (
                                      &rr.coin_blind),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("h_denom_pub",
                                      &rr.h_denom_pub),
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time_nbo ("timestamp",
-                                           &pc.timestamp),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp_nbo ("timestamp",
+                                        &pc.timestamp),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
       };
 
@@ -840,8 +840,8 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_verify_coin_history (
                                      &exchange_pub),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("coin_pub",
                                      &pc.coin_pub),
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time_nbo ("timestamp",
-                                           &pc.timestamp),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp_nbo ("timestamp",
+                                        &pc.timestamp),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
       };
 
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_curl_defaults.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_curl_defaults.c
index 6d6016953..9627db9ff 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_curl_defaults.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_curl_defaults.c
@@ -30,7 +30,10 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_curl_easy_get_ (const char *url)
 
   eh = curl_easy_init ();
   if (NULL == eh)
+  {
+    GNUNET_break (0);
     return NULL;
+  }
   GNUNET_assert (CURLE_OK ==
                  curl_easy_setopt (eh,
                                    CURLOPT_URL,
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_deposit.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_deposit.c
index 3fd3353b2..de67bc5f2 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_deposit.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_deposit.c
@@ -100,13 +100,13 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_DepositHandle
    * Time when this confirmation was generated / when the exchange received
    * the deposit request.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp;
 
   /**
    * By when does the exchange expect to pay the merchant
    * (as per the merchant's request).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_deadline;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_deadline;
 
   /**
    * How much time does the @e merchant have to issue a refund
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_DepositHandle
    * performed by the exchange until the refund deadline.  This value
    * is taken from the original deposit request.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline;
 
   /**
    * Amount to be deposited, excluding fee.  Calculated from the
@@ -334,8 +334,8 @@ handle_deposit_finished (void *cls,
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_mark_optional (
           GNUNET_JSON_spec_string ("transaction_base_url",
                                    &dr.details.success.transaction_base_url)),
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("exchange_timestamp",
-                                       &dh->exchange_timestamp),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("exchange_timestamp",
+                                    &dh->exchange_timestamp),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
       };
 
@@ -481,9 +481,9 @@ verify_signatures (const struct TALER_EXCHANGE_DenomPublicKey *dki,
                    const struct TALER_DenominationSignature *denom_sig,
                    const struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey *denom_pub,
                    const struct TALER_DenominationHash *denom_pub_hash,
-                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp,
+                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp,
                    const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
-                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline,
+                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline,
                    const struct TALER_CoinSpendSignatureP *coin_sig)
 {
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
@@ -543,7 +543,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_DepositHandle *
 TALER_EXCHANGE_deposit (
   struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_deadline,
   const char *merchant_payto_uri,
   const struct TALER_WireSalt *wire_salt,
   const struct TALER_PrivateContractHash *h_contract_terms,
@@ -551,9 +551,9 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_deposit (
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
   const struct TALER_DenominationSignature *denom_sig,
   const struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey *denom_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp,
   const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendSignatureP *coin_sig,
   TALER_EXCHANGE_DepositResultCallback cb,
   void *cb_cls,
@@ -589,9 +589,9 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_deposit (
                      "/coins/%s/deposit",
                      pub_str);
   }
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&wire_deadline);
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&refund_deadline);
-  if (refund_deadline.abs_value_us > wire_deadline.abs_value_us)
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (refund_deadline,
+                                 >,
+                                 wire_deadline))
   {
     GNUNET_break_op (0);
     *ec = TALER_EC_EXCHANGE_DEPOSIT_REFUND_DEADLINE_AFTER_WIRE_DEADLINE;
@@ -658,15 +658,15 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_deposit (
                                 &denom_pub_hash),
     TALER_JSON_pack_denom_sig ("ub_sig",
                                denom_sig),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("timestamp",
-                               timestamp),
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                timestamp),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("merchant_pub",
                                 merchant_pub),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_allow_null (
-      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("refund_deadline",
-                                 refund_deadline)),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("wire_transfer_deadline",
-                               wire_deadline),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("refund_deadline",
+                                  refund_deadline)),
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("wire_transfer_deadline",
+                                wire_deadline),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("coin_sig",
                                 coin_sig));
   dh = GNUNET_new (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_DepositHandle);
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_deposits_get.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_deposits_get.c
index 3c334d760..18fb9b7bd 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_deposits_get.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_deposits_get.c
@@ -147,8 +147,8 @@ handle_deposit_wtid_finished (void *cls,
       struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("wtid",
                                      &dr.details.success.wtid),
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("execution_time",
-                                       &dr.details.success.execution_time),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("execution_time",
+                                    &dr.details.success.execution_time),
         TALER_JSON_spec_amount_any ("coin_contribution",
                                     &dr.details.success.coin_contribution),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("exchange_sig",
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ handle_deposit_wtid_finished (void *cls,
         dr.hr.ec = TALER_EC_GENERIC_REPLY_MALFORMED;
         break;
       }
-      dwh->depconf.execution_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (
+      dwh->depconf.execution_time = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (
         dr.details.success.execution_time);
       dwh->depconf.wtid = dr.details.success.wtid;
       TALER_amount_hton (&dwh->depconf.coin_contribution,
@@ -192,8 +192,8 @@ handle_deposit_wtid_finished (void *cls,
     {
       /* Transaction known, but not executed yet */
       struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("execution_time",
-                                       &dr.details.accepted.execution_time),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("execution_time",
+                                    &dr.details.accepted.execution_time),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_uint64 ("payment_target_uuid",
                                  &dr.details.accepted.payment_target_uuid),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_bool ("kyc_ok",
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_handle.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_handle.c
index 5898a0df4..0f2a079b4 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_handle.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_handle.c
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
  * Which version of the Taler protocol is implemented
  * by this library?  Used to determine compatibility.
  */
-#define EXCHANGE_PROTOCOL_CURRENT 10
+#define EXCHANGE_PROTOCOL_CURRENT 11
 
 /**
  * How many versions are we backwards compatible with?
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ struct KeysRequest
    * Expiration time according to "Expire:" header.
    * 0 if not provided by the server.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire;
 
 };
 
@@ -264,12 +264,12 @@ parse_json_signkey (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_SigningPublicKey *sign_key,
                                  &sign_key_issue_sig),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("key",
                                  &sign_key->key),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_start",
-                                   &sign_key->valid_from),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire",
-                                   &sign_key->valid_until),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_end",
-                                   &sign_key->valid_legal),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_start",
+                                &sign_key->valid_from),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire",
+                                &sign_key->valid_until),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_end",
+                                &sign_key->valid_legal),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
   };
 
@@ -322,14 +322,14 @@ parse_json_denomkey (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_DenomPublicKey *denom_key,
   struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("master_sig",
                                  &denom_key->master_sig),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_deposit",
-                                   &denom_key->expire_deposit),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
-                                   &denom_key->withdraw_valid_until),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_start",
-                                   &denom_key->valid_from),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_legal",
-                                   &denom_key->expire_legal),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_deposit",
+                                &denom_key->expire_deposit),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
+                                &denom_key->withdraw_valid_until),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_start",
+                                &denom_key->valid_from),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_legal",
+                                &denom_key->expire_legal),
     TALER_JSON_spec_amount_any ("value",
                                 &denom_key->value),
     TALER_JSON_spec_amount_any ("fee_withdraw",
@@ -675,10 +675,10 @@ decode_keys_json (const json_t *resp_obj,
                                  &pub),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("master_public_key",
                                  &key_data->master_pub),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("list_issue_date",
-                                   &key_data->list_issue_date),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_relative_time ("reserve_closing_delay",
-                                   &key_data->reserve_closing_delay),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("list_issue_date",
+                                &key_data->list_issue_date),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_relative_time ("reserve_closing_delay",
+                                    &key_data->reserve_closing_delay),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_string ("currency",
                              &currency),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_mark_optional (
@@ -843,10 +843,10 @@ decode_keys_json (const json_t *resp_obj,
 
       /* Update "last_denom_issue_date" */
       TALER_LOG_DEBUG ("Adding denomination key that is valid_until %s\n",
-                       GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (dk.valid_from));
+                       GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (dk.valid_from));
       key_data->last_denom_issue_date
-        = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_max (key_data->last_denom_issue_date,
-                                    dk.valid_from);
+        = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_max (key_data->last_denom_issue_date,
+                                     dk.valid_from);
     };
   }
 
@@ -970,7 +970,7 @@ decode_keys_json (const json_t *resp_obj,
     struct TALER_ExchangeKeySetPS ks = {
       .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (ks)),
       .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_EXCHANGE_KEY_SET),
-      .list_issue_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (key_data->list_issue_date)
+      .list_issue_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (key_data->list_issue_date)
     };
 
     GNUNET_CRYPTO_hash_context_finish (hash_context,
@@ -1040,16 +1040,16 @@ request_keys (void *cls);
 
 void
 TALER_EXCHANGE_set_last_denom (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange,
-                               struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute last_denom_new)
+                               struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp last_denom_new)
 {
   TALER_LOG_DEBUG (
     "Application explicitly set last denomination validity to %s\n",
-    GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (last_denom_new));
+    GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (last_denom_new));
   exchange->key_data.last_denom_issue_date = last_denom_new;
 }
 
 
-struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute
+struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp
 TALER_EXCHANGE_check_keys_current (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange,
                                    enum TALER_EXCHANGE_CheckKeysFlags flags)
 {
@@ -1057,7 +1057,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_check_keys_current (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange,
   bool pull_all_keys = 0 != (flags & TALER_EXCHANGE_CKF_PULL_ALL_KEYS);
 
   if (NULL != exchange->kr)
-    return GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_ABS;
+    return GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_TS;
 
   if (pull_all_keys)
   {
@@ -1067,12 +1067,13 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_check_keys_current (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange,
     exchange->state = MHS_INIT;
   }
   if ( (! force_download) &&
-       (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (exchange->key_data_expiration)) )
+       (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (
+          exchange->key_data_expiration.abs_time)) )
     return exchange->key_data_expiration;
   if (NULL == exchange->retry_task)
     exchange->retry_task = GNUNET_SCHEDULER_add_now (&request_keys,
                                                      exchange);
-  return GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_ABS;
+  return GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_TS;
 }
 
 
@@ -1104,15 +1105,16 @@ keys_completed_cb (void *cls,
               "Received keys from URL `%s' with status %ld and expiration %s.\n",
               kr->url,
               response_code,
-              GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (kr->expire));
-  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (kr->expire))
+              GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (kr->expire));
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (kr->expire.abs_time))
   {
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_WARNING,
                 "Exchange failed to give expiration time, assuming in %s\n",
-                GNUNET_STRINGS_relative_time_to_string (DEFAULT_EXPIRATION,
-                                                        GNUNET_YES));
-    kr->expire = GNUNET_TIME_relative_to_absolute (DEFAULT_EXPIRATION);
-    (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&kr->expire);
+                GNUNET_TIME_relative2s (DEFAULT_EXPIRATION,
+                                        true));
+    kr->expire
+      = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+          GNUNET_TIME_relative_to_absolute (DEFAULT_EXPIRATION));
   }
   kd_old = exchange->key_data;
   memset (&kd,
@@ -1250,13 +1252,14 @@ keys_completed_cb (void *cls,
     break;
   }
   exchange->key_data = kd;
-  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (exchange->key_data.last_denom_issue_date))
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (
+        exchange->key_data.last_denom_issue_date.abs_time))
     TALER_LOG_WARNING ("Last DK issue date from exchange is in the past: %s\n",
-                       GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (
+                       GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (
                          exchange->key_data.last_denom_issue_date));
   else
     TALER_LOG_DEBUG ("Last DK issue date updated to: %s\n",
-                     GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (
+                     GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (
                        exchange->key_data.last_denom_issue_date));
 
 
@@ -1340,7 +1343,7 @@ TEAH_path_to_url (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *h,
  */
 static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 parse_date_string (const char *dateline,
-                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *at)
+                   struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *at)
 {
   static const char *MONTHS[] =
   { "Jan", "Feb", "Mar", "Apr", "May", "Jun",
@@ -1422,7 +1425,7 @@ parse_date_string (const char *dateline,
   }
   if (t < 0)
     t = 0; /* can happen due to timezone issues if date was 1.1.1970 */
-  at->abs_value_us = 1000LL * 1000LL * t;
+  *at = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_from_s (t);
   return GNUNET_OK;
 }
 
@@ -1464,7 +1467,7 @@ header_cb (char *buffer,
                 "Failed to parse %s-header `%s'\n",
                 MHD_HTTP_HEADER_EXPIRES,
                 val);
-    kr->expire = GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_ABS;
+    kr->expire = GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_TS;
   }
   GNUNET_free (val);
   return total;
@@ -1490,7 +1493,7 @@ deserialize_data (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange,
   json_t *keys;
   const char *url;
   uint32_t version;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire;
   struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_uint32 ("version",
                              &version),
@@ -1498,8 +1501,8 @@ deserialize_data (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange,
                            &keys),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_string ("exchange_url",
                              &url),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("expire",
-                                   &expire),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("expire",
+                                &expire),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
   };
   struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Keys key_data;
@@ -1566,13 +1569,13 @@ json_t *
 TALER_EXCHANGE_serialize_data (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange)
 {
   const struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Keys *kd = &exchange->key_data;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
   json_t *keys;
   json_t *signkeys;
   json_t *denoms;
   json_t *auditors;
 
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   signkeys = json_array ();
   if (NULL == signkeys)
   {
@@ -1584,19 +1587,21 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_serialize_data (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange)
     const struct TALER_EXCHANGE_SigningPublicKey *sk = &kd->sign_keys[i];
     json_t *signkey;
 
-    if (now.abs_value_us > sk->valid_until.abs_value_us)
+    if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (now,
+                                   >,
+                                   sk->valid_until))
       continue; /* skip keys that have expired */
     signkey = GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
       GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("key",
                                   &sk->key),
       GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("master_sig",
                                   &sk->master_sig),
-      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_start",
-                                 sk->valid_from),
-      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_expire",
-                                 sk->valid_until),
-      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_end",
-                                 sk->valid_legal));
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_start",
+                                  sk->valid_from),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_expire",
+                                  sk->valid_until),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_end",
+                                  sk->valid_legal));
     if (NULL == signkey)
     {
       GNUNET_break (0);
@@ -1623,17 +1628,19 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_serialize_data (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange)
     const struct TALER_EXCHANGE_DenomPublicKey *dk = &kd->denom_keys[i];
     json_t *denom;
 
-    if (now.abs_value_us > dk->expire_deposit.abs_value_us)
+    if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (now,
+                                   >,
+                                   dk->expire_deposit))
       continue; /* skip keys that have expired */
     denom = GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
-      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_expire_deposit",
-                                 dk->expire_deposit),
-      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
-                                 dk->withdraw_valid_until),
-      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_start",
-                                 dk->valid_from),
-      GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("stamp_expire_legal",
-                                 dk->expire_legal),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_expire_deposit",
+                                  dk->expire_deposit),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
+                                  dk->withdraw_valid_until),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_start",
+                                  dk->valid_from),
+      GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("stamp_expire_legal",
+                                  dk->expire_legal),
       TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("value",
                               &dk->value),
       TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("fee_withdraw",
@@ -1677,7 +1684,9 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_serialize_data (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange)
         &kd->denom_keys[adi->denom_key_offset];
       json_t *k;
 
-      if (now.abs_value_us > dk->expire_deposit.abs_value_us)
+      if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (now,
+                                     >,
+                                     dk->expire_deposit))
         continue; /* skip auditor signatures for denomination keys that have expired */
       GNUNET_assert (adi->denom_key_offset < kd->num_denom_keys);
       k = GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
@@ -1710,8 +1719,8 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_serialize_data (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange)
                                 &kd->master_pub),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_rel ("reserve_closing_delay",
                                kd->reserve_closing_delay),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("list_issue_date",
-                               kd->list_issue_date),
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("list_issue_date",
+                                kd->list_issue_date),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_array_steal ("signkeys",
                                   signkeys),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_array_steal ("denoms",
@@ -1721,8 +1730,8 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_serialize_data (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange)
   return GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_uint64 ("version",
                              EXCHANGE_SERIALIZATION_FORMAT_VERSION),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("expire",
-                               exchange->key_data_expiration),
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("expire",
+                                exchange->key_data_expiration),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_string ("exchange_url",
                              exchange->url),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_object_steal ("keys",
@@ -1823,12 +1832,12 @@ request_keys (void *cls)
   if (GNUNET_YES == TEAH_handle_is_ready (exchange))
   {
     TALER_LOG_DEBUG ("Last DK issue date (before GETting /keys): %s\n",
-                     GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (
+                     GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (
                        exchange->key_data.last_denom_issue_date));
     sprintf (&url[strlen (url)],
              "last_issue_date=%llu&",
-             (unsigned long
-              long) exchange->key_data.last_denom_issue_date.abs_value_us
+             (unsigned long long)
+             exchange->key_data.last_denom_issue_date.abs_time.abs_value_us
              / 1000000LLU);
   }
 
@@ -1951,18 +1960,22 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_test_signing_key (const struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Keys *keys,
   /* we will check using a tolerance of 1h for the time */
   now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
   for (unsigned int i = 0; i<keys->num_sign_keys; i++)
-    if ( (keys->sign_keys[i].valid_from.abs_value_us <=
-          GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (now,
-                                    LIFETIME_TOLERANCE).abs_value_us) &&
-         (keys->sign_keys[i].valid_until.abs_value_us >
-          GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (now,
-                                         LIFETIME_TOLERANCE).abs_value_us) &&
+    if ( (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_cmp (
+            keys->sign_keys[i].valid_from.abs_time,
+            <=,
+            GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (now,
+                                      LIFETIME_TOLERANCE))) &&
+         (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_cmp (
+            keys->sign_keys[i].valid_until.abs_time,
+            >,
+            GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (now,
+                                           LIFETIME_TOLERANCE))) &&
          (0 == GNUNET_memcmp (pub,
                               &keys->sign_keys[i].key)) )
       return GNUNET_OK;
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_WARNING,
-              "Signing key not valid at time %llu\n",
-              (unsigned long long) now.abs_value_us);
+              "Signing key not valid at time %s\n",
+              GNUNET_TIME_absolute2s (now));
   return GNUNET_SYSERR;
 }
 
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_handle.h b/src/lib/exchange_api_handle.h
index df0ccf7fc..569c723c4 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_handle.h
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_handle.h
@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle
   /**
    * When does @e key_data expire?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute key_data_expiration;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp key_data_expiration;
 
   /**
    * Number of subsequent failed requests to /keys.
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_kyc_check.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_kyc_check.c
index f64dfe4ea..bf7b0bf40 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_kyc_check.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_kyc_check.c
@@ -100,8 +100,8 @@ handle_kyc_check_finished (void *cls,
                                      &ks.details.kyc_ok.exchange_sig),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("exchange_pub",
                                      &ks.details.kyc_ok.exchange_pub),
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("now",
-                                       &ks.details.kyc_ok.timestamp),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("now",
+                                    &ks.details.kyc_ok.timestamp),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
       };
       const struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Keys *key_state;
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ handle_kyc_check_finished (void *cls,
         ks.ec = TALER_EC_GENERIC_INVALID_RESPONSE;
         break;
       }
-      kyc_purpose.timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (
+      kyc_purpose.timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (
         ks.details.kyc_ok.timestamp);
       key_state = TALER_EXCHANGE_get_keys (kch->exchange);
       if (GNUNET_OK !=
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_auditor_disable.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_auditor_disable.c
index fb68ad6d3..bfe60ee79 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_auditor_disable.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_auditor_disable.c
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
 #include <gnunet/gnunet_curl_lib.h>
 #include "taler_exchange_service.h"
+#include "exchange_api_curl_defaults.h"
 #include "taler_signatures.h"
 #include "taler_curl_lib.h"
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
@@ -128,7 +129,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_disable_auditor (
   struct GNUNET_CURL_Context *ctx,
   const char *url,
   const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute validity_end,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp validity_end,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig,
   TALER_EXCHANGE_ManagementAuditorDisableCallback cb,
   void *cb_cls)
@@ -169,9 +170,9 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_disable_auditor (
   body = GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("master_sig",
                                 master_sig),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("validity_end",
-                               validity_end));
-  eh = curl_easy_init ();
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("validity_end",
+                                validity_end));
+  eh = TALER_EXCHANGE_curl_easy_get_ (ah->url);
   GNUNET_assert (NULL != eh);
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       TALER_curl_easy_post (&ah->post_ctx,
@@ -188,9 +189,6 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_disable_auditor (
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
               "Requesting URL '%s'\n",
               ah->url);
-  GNUNET_assert (CURLE_OK == curl_easy_setopt (eh,
-                                               CURLOPT_URL,
-                                               ah->url));
   ah->job = GNUNET_CURL_job_add2 (ctx,
                                   eh,
                                   ah->post_ctx.headers,
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_auditor_enable.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_auditor_enable.c
index 1f53cb120..a99449307 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_auditor_enable.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_auditor_enable.c
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
 #include <gnunet/gnunet_curl_lib.h>
 #include "taler_exchange_service.h"
+#include "exchange_api_curl_defaults.h"
 #include "taler_signatures.h"
 #include "taler_curl_lib.h"
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
@@ -127,7 +128,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_enable_auditor (
   const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
   const char *auditor_url,
   const char *auditor_name,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute validity_start,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp validity_start,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig,
   TALER_EXCHANGE_ManagementAuditorEnableCallback cb,
   void *cb_cls)
@@ -159,9 +160,9 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_enable_auditor (
                                 auditor_pub),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("master_sig",
                                 master_sig),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("validity_start",
-                               validity_start));
-  eh = curl_easy_init ();
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("validity_start",
+                                validity_start));
+  eh = TALER_EXCHANGE_curl_easy_get_ (ah->url);
   GNUNET_assert (NULL != eh);
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       TALER_curl_easy_post (&ah->post_ctx,
@@ -178,9 +179,6 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_enable_auditor (
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
               "Requesting URL '%s'\n",
               ah->url);
-  GNUNET_assert (CURLE_OK == curl_easy_setopt (eh,
-                                               CURLOPT_URL,
-                                               ah->url));
   ah->job = GNUNET_CURL_job_add2 (ctx,
                                   eh,
                                   ah->post_ctx.headers,
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_get_keys.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_get_keys.c
index 5e6024f27..e776082d3 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_get_keys.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_get_keys.c
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
 #include <gnunet/gnunet_curl_lib.h>
 #include "taler_exchange_service.h"
+#include "exchange_api_curl_defaults.h"
 #include "taler_signatures.h"
 #include "taler_curl_lib.h"
 #include "taler_crypto_lib.h"
@@ -124,12 +125,12 @@ handle_ok (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_ManagementGetKeysHandle *gh,
                                    &sign_key->key),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("signkey_secmod_sig",
                                    &sign_key->signkey_secmod_sig),
-      TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_start",
-                                     &sign_key->valid_from),
-      TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire",
-                                     &sign_key->valid_until),
-      TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_end",
-                                     &sign_key->valid_legal),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_start",
+                                  &sign_key->valid_from),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire",
+                                  &sign_key->valid_until),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_end",
+                                  &sign_key->valid_legal),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
     };
 
@@ -144,8 +145,8 @@ handle_ok (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_ManagementGetKeysHandle *gh,
     }
     {
       struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative duration
-        = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (sign_key->valid_from,
-                                               sign_key->valid_until);
+        = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (sign_key->valid_from.abs_time,
+                                               sign_key->valid_until.abs_time);
 
       if (GNUNET_OK !=
           TALER_exchange_secmod_eddsa_verify (
@@ -171,14 +172,14 @@ handle_ok (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_ManagementGetKeysHandle *gh,
     struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
       TALER_JSON_spec_amount_any ("value",
                                   &denom_key->value),
-      TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_start",
-                                     &denom_key->valid_from),
-      TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
-                                     &denom_key->withdraw_valid_until),
-      TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_deposit",
-                                     &denom_key->expire_deposit),
-      TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("stamp_expire_legal",
-                                     &denom_key->expire_legal),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_start",
+                                  &denom_key->valid_from),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_withdraw",
+                                  &denom_key->withdraw_valid_until),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_deposit",
+                                  &denom_key->expire_deposit),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("stamp_expire_legal",
+                                  &denom_key->expire_legal),
       TALER_JSON_spec_denom_pub ("denom_pub",
                                  &denom_key->key),
       TALER_JSON_spec_amount_any ("fee_withdraw",
@@ -214,8 +215,9 @@ handle_ok (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_ManagementGetKeysHandle *gh,
     {
       struct TALER_DenominationHash h_denom_pub;
       struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative duration
-        = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (denom_key->valid_from,
-                                               denom_key->withdraw_valid_until);
+        = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_difference (
+            denom_key->valid_from.abs_time,
+            denom_key->withdraw_valid_until.abs_time);
 
       TALER_denom_pub_hash (&denom_key->key,
                             &h_denom_pub);
@@ -335,16 +337,6 @@ handle_get_keys_finished (void *cls,
 };
 
 
-/**
- * Request future keys from the exchange.  The obtained information will be
- * passed to the @a cb.
- *
- * @param ctx the context
- * @param url HTTP base URL for the exchange
- * @param cb function to call with the exchange's future keys result
- * @param cb_cls closure for @a cb
- * @return the request handle; NULL upon error
- */
 struct TALER_EXCHANGE_ManagementGetKeysHandle *
 TALER_EXCHANGE_get_management_keys (struct GNUNET_CURL_Context *ctx,
                                     const char *url,
@@ -368,14 +360,10 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_get_management_keys (struct GNUNET_CURL_Context *ctx,
     GNUNET_free (gh);
     return NULL;
   }
-  eh = curl_easy_init ();
+  eh = TALER_EXCHANGE_curl_easy_get_ (gh->url);
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
               "Requesting URL '%s'\n",
               gh->url);
-  GNUNET_assert (CURLE_OK ==
-                 curl_easy_setopt (eh,
-                                   CURLOPT_URL,
-                                   gh->url));
   gh->job = GNUNET_CURL_job_add (ctx,
                                  eh,
                                  &handle_get_keys_finished,
@@ -389,11 +377,6 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_get_management_keys (struct GNUNET_CURL_Context *ctx,
 }
 
 
-/**
- * Cancel #TALER_EXCHANGE_get_management_keys() operation.
- *
- * @param gh handle of the operation to cancel
- */
 void
 TALER_EXCHANGE_get_management_keys_cancel (
   struct TALER_EXCHANGE_ManagementGetKeysHandle *gh)
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_post_keys.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_post_keys.c
index 6b040bdaa..d7790599a 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_post_keys.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_post_keys.c
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
 #include <gnunet/gnunet_curl_lib.h>
 #include "taler_exchange_service.h"
+#include "exchange_api_curl_defaults.h"
 #include "taler_signatures.h"
 #include "taler_curl_lib.h"
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
@@ -189,7 +190,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_post_management_keys (
                                   denom_sigs),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_array_steal ("signkey_sigs",
                                   signkey_sigs));
-  eh = curl_easy_init ();
+  eh = TALER_EXCHANGE_curl_easy_get_ (ph->url);
   GNUNET_assert (NULL != eh);
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       TALER_curl_easy_post (&ph->post_ctx,
@@ -206,9 +207,6 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_post_management_keys (
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
               "Requesting URL '%s'\n",
               ph->url);
-  GNUNET_assert (CURLE_OK == curl_easy_setopt (eh,
-                                               CURLOPT_URL,
-                                               ph->url));
   ph->job = GNUNET_CURL_job_add2 (ctx,
                                   eh,
                                   ph->post_ctx.headers,
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_revoke_denomination_key.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_revoke_denomination_key.c
index 4a1a79d03..383d9532e 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_revoke_denomination_key.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_revoke_denomination_key.c
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
 #include <gnunet/gnunet_curl_lib.h>
 #include "taler_exchange_service.h"
+#include "exchange_api_curl_defaults.h"
 #include "taler_signatures.h"
 #include "taler_curl_lib.h"
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
@@ -173,7 +174,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_revoke_denomination_key (
     GNUNET_free (rh);
     return NULL;
   }
-  eh = curl_easy_init ();
+  eh = TALER_EXCHANGE_curl_easy_get_ (rh->url);
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       TALER_curl_easy_post (&rh->post_ctx,
                             eh,
@@ -189,9 +190,6 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_revoke_denomination_key (
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
               "Requesting URL '%s'\n",
               rh->url);
-  GNUNET_assert (CURLE_OK == curl_easy_setopt (eh,
-                                               CURLOPT_URL,
-                                               rh->url));
   rh->job = GNUNET_CURL_job_add2 (ctx,
                                   eh,
                                   rh->post_ctx.headers,
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_revoke_signing_key.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_revoke_signing_key.c
index f43a46c40..046d18729 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_revoke_signing_key.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_revoke_signing_key.c
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
 #include <gnunet/gnunet_curl_lib.h>
 #include "taler_exchange_service.h"
+#include "exchange_api_curl_defaults.h"
 #include "taler_signatures.h"
 #include "taler_curl_lib.h"
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
@@ -163,7 +164,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_revoke_signing_key (
   body = GNUNET_JSON_PACK (
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("master_sig",
                                 master_sig));
-  eh = curl_easy_init ();
+  eh = TALER_EXCHANGE_curl_easy_get_ (rh->url);
   GNUNET_assert (NULL != eh);
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       TALER_curl_easy_post (&rh->post_ctx,
@@ -180,9 +181,6 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_revoke_signing_key (
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
               "Requesting URL '%s'\n",
               rh->url);
-  GNUNET_assert (CURLE_OK == curl_easy_setopt (eh,
-                                               CURLOPT_URL,
-                                               rh->url));
   rh->job = GNUNET_CURL_job_add2 (ctx,
                                   eh,
                                   rh->post_ctx.headers,
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_set_wire_fee.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_set_wire_fee.c
index 075dbbbba..807c6723a 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_set_wire_fee.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_set_wire_fee.c
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@
 #include "platform.h"
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
 #include <gnunet/gnunet_curl_lib.h>
+#include "exchange_api_curl_defaults.h"
 #include "taler_exchange_service.h"
 #include "taler_signatures.h"
 #include "taler_curl_lib.h"
@@ -126,8 +127,8 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_set_wire_fees (
   struct GNUNET_CURL_Context *ctx,
   const char *exchange_base_url,
   const char *wire_method,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute validity_start,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute validity_end,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp validity_start,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp validity_end,
   const struct TALER_Amount *wire_fee,
   const struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig,
@@ -157,15 +158,15 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_set_wire_fees (
                              wire_method),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("master_sig",
                                 master_sig),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("fee_start",
-                               validity_start),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("fee_end",
-                               validity_end),
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("fee_start",
+                                validity_start),
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("fee_end",
+                                validity_end),
     TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("closing_fee",
                             closing_fee),
     TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("wire_fee",
                             wire_fee));
-  eh = curl_easy_init ();
+  eh = TALER_EXCHANGE_curl_easy_get_ (swfh->url);
   GNUNET_assert (NULL != eh);
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       TALER_curl_easy_post (&swfh->post_ctx,
@@ -182,9 +183,6 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_set_wire_fees (
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
               "Requesting URL '%s'\n",
               swfh->url);
-  GNUNET_assert (CURLE_OK == curl_easy_setopt (eh,
-                                               CURLOPT_URL,
-                                               swfh->url));
   swfh->job = GNUNET_CURL_job_add2 (ctx,
                                     eh,
                                     swfh->post_ctx.headers,
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_wire_disable.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_wire_disable.c
index fbc6626ad..3bae8e3ab 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_wire_disable.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_wire_disable.c
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
 #include <gnunet/gnunet_curl_lib.h>
 #include "taler_exchange_service.h"
+#include "exchange_api_curl_defaults.h"
 #include "taler_signatures.h"
 #include "taler_curl_lib.h"
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
@@ -131,7 +132,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_disable_wire (
   struct GNUNET_CURL_Context *ctx,
   const char *url,
   const char *payto_uri,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute validity_end,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp validity_end,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig,
   TALER_EXCHANGE_ManagementWireDisableCallback cb,
   void *cb_cls)
@@ -159,9 +160,9 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_disable_wire (
                              payto_uri),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("master_sig_del",
                                 master_sig),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("validity_end",
-                               validity_end));
-  eh = curl_easy_init ();
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("validity_end",
+                                validity_end));
+  eh = TALER_EXCHANGE_curl_easy_get_ (wh->url);
   GNUNET_assert (NULL != eh);
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       TALER_curl_easy_post (&wh->post_ctx,
@@ -178,9 +179,6 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_disable_wire (
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
               "Requesting URL '%s'\n",
               wh->url);
-  GNUNET_assert (CURLE_OK == curl_easy_setopt (eh,
-                                               CURLOPT_URL,
-                                               wh->url));
   wh->job = GNUNET_CURL_job_add2 (ctx,
                                   eh,
                                   wh->post_ctx.headers,
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_wire_enable.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_wire_enable.c
index 43eb2ce97..c4d5b13b4 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_management_wire_enable.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_management_wire_enable.c
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
 #include <gnunet/gnunet_curl_lib.h>
 #include "taler_exchange_service.h"
+#include "exchange_api_curl_defaults.h"
 #include "taler_signatures.h"
 #include "taler_curl_lib.h"
 #include "taler_json_lib.h"
@@ -127,7 +128,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_enable_wire (
   struct GNUNET_CURL_Context *ctx,
   const char *url,
   const char *payto_uri,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute validity_start,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp validity_start,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig1,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig2,
   TALER_EXCHANGE_ManagementWireEnableCallback cb,
@@ -158,9 +159,9 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_enable_wire (
                                 master_sig1),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("master_sig_wire",
                                 master_sig2),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("validity_start",
-                               validity_start));
-  eh = curl_easy_init ();
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("validity_start",
+                                validity_start));
+  eh = TALER_EXCHANGE_curl_easy_get_ (wh->url);
   GNUNET_assert (NULL != eh);
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       TALER_curl_easy_post (&wh->post_ctx,
@@ -177,9 +178,6 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_management_enable_wire (
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
               "Requesting URL '%s'\n",
               wh->url);
-  GNUNET_assert (CURLE_OK == curl_easy_setopt (eh,
-                                               CURLOPT_URL,
-                                               wh->url));
   wh->job = GNUNET_CURL_job_add2 (ctx,
                                   eh,
                                   wh->post_ctx.headers,
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_recoup.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_recoup.c
index d61e7eff4..92b59f4b0 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_recoup.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_recoup.c
@@ -305,6 +305,7 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_recoup (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange,
                        const struct TALER_EXCHANGE_DenomPublicKey *pk,
                        const struct TALER_DenominationSignature *denom_sig,
                        const struct TALER_PlanchetSecretsP *ps,
+                       const struct TALER_Amount *amount,
                        bool was_refreshed,
                        TALER_EXCHANGE_RecoupResultCallback recoup_cb,
                        void *recoup_cb_cls)
@@ -336,6 +337,8 @@ TALER_EXCHANGE_recoup (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Handle *exchange,
                                 &h_denom_pub),
     TALER_JSON_pack_denom_sig ("denom_sig",
                                denom_sig),
+    TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("amount",
+                            amount),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("coin_sig",
                                 &coin_sig),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_data_auto ("coin_blind_key_secret",
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_refresh_common.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_refresh_common.c
index 4f2a2cf18..3e367566d 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_refresh_common.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_refresh_common.c
@@ -89,8 +89,8 @@ serialize_melted_coin (const struct MeltedCoin *mc)
                             &mc->original_value),
     TALER_JSON_pack_amount ("melt_fee",
                             &mc->fee_melt),
-    GNUNET_JSON_pack_time_abs ("expire_deposit",
-                               mc->expire_deposit),
+    GNUNET_JSON_pack_timestamp ("expire_deposit",
+                                mc->expire_deposit),
     GNUNET_JSON_pack_array_steal ("transfer_privs",
                                   tprivs));
 }
@@ -126,8 +126,8 @@ deserialize_melted_coin (struct MeltedCoin *mc,
     TALER_JSON_spec_amount ("melt_fee",
                             currency,
                             &mc->fee_melt),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("expire_deposit",
-                                   &mc->expire_deposit),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("expire_deposit",
+                                &mc->expire_deposit),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_json ("transfer_privs",
                            &trans_privs),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_refresh_common.h b/src/lib/exchange_api_refresh_common.h
index 7b531e701..1c037d966 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_refresh_common.h
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_refresh_common.h
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ struct MeltedCoin
   /**
    * Timestamp indicating when coins of this denomination become invalid.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute expire_deposit;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp expire_deposit;
 
   /**
    * Denomination key of the original coin.
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_refund.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_refund.c
index 6e9d416df..a3030e6cf 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_refund.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_refund.c
@@ -203,9 +203,9 @@ verify_conflict_history_ok (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_RefundHandle *rh,
       struct TALER_PrivateContractHash h_contract_terms;
       // struct TALER_ExtensionContractHash h_extensions; // FIXME!
       struct TALER_DenominationHash h_denom_pub;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wallet_timestamp;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wallet_timestamp;
       struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP merchant_pub;
-      struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline;
+      struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline;
       struct TALER_CoinSpendSignatureP sig;
       struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification ispec[] = {
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("coin_sig",
@@ -216,10 +216,10 @@ verify_conflict_history_ok (struct TALER_EXCHANGE_RefundHandle *rh,
                                      &h_wire),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("h_denom_pub",
                                      &h_denom_pub),
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("timestamp",
-                                       &wallet_timestamp),
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("refund_deadline",
-                                       &refund_deadline),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                    &wallet_timestamp),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("refund_deadline",
+                                    &refund_deadline),
         TALER_JSON_spec_amount_any ("deposit_fee",
                                     &deposit_fee),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("merchant_pub",
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_transfers_get.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_transfers_get.c
index 87d654c05..b9a9db941 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_transfers_get.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_transfers_get.c
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ check_transfers_get_response_ok (
     TALER_JSON_spec_amount_any ("wire_fee", &td.wire_fee),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("merchant_pub", &merchant_pub),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("h_payto", &td.h_payto),
-    TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("execution_time", &td.execution_time),
+    GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("execution_time", &td.execution_time),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_json ("deposits", &details_j),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("exchange_sig", &td.exchange_sig),
     GNUNET_JSON_spec_fixed_auto ("exchange_pub", &td.exchange_pub),
@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@ check_transfers_get_response_ok (
         struct TALER_WireDepositDetailP dd;
 
         dd.h_contract_terms = detail->h_contract_terms;
-        dd.execution_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (td.execution_time);
+        dd.execution_time = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (td.execution_time);
         dd.coin_pub = detail->coin_pub;
         TALER_amount_hton (&dd.deposit_value,
                            &detail->coin_value);
diff --git a/src/lib/exchange_api_wire.c b/src/lib/exchange_api_wire.c
index 65d38b12a..453b576b1 100644
--- a/src/lib/exchange_api_wire.c
+++ b/src/lib/exchange_api_wire.c
@@ -147,10 +147,10 @@ parse_fees (json_t *fees)
                                     &wa->wire_fee),
         TALER_JSON_spec_amount_any ("closing_fee",
                                     &wa->closing_fee),
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("start_date",
-                                       &wa->start_date),
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("end_date",
-                                       &wa->end_date),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("start_date",
+                                    &wa->start_date),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("end_date",
+                                    &wa->end_date),
         GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
       };
 
diff --git a/src/pq/pq_query_helper.c b/src/pq/pq_query_helper.c
index 78c8af979..37d7bf5be 100644
--- a/src/pq/pq_query_helper.c
+++ b/src/pq/pq_query_helper.c
@@ -474,123 +474,4 @@ TALER_PQ_query_param_json (const json_t *x)
 }
 
 
-/**
- * Function called to convert input argument into SQL parameters.
- *
- * @param cls closure
- * @param data pointer to input argument
- * @param data_len number of bytes in @a data (if applicable)
- * @param[out] param_values SQL data to set
- * @param[out] param_lengths SQL length data to set
- * @param[out] param_formats SQL format data to set
- * @param param_length number of entries available in the @a param_values, @a param_lengths and @a param_formats arrays
- * @param[out] scratch buffer for dynamic allocations (to be done via #GNUNET_malloc()
- * @param scratch_length number of entries left in @a scratch
- * @return -1 on error, number of offsets used in @a scratch otherwise
- */
-static int
-qconv_round_time (void *cls,
-                  const void *data,
-                  size_t data_len,
-                  void *param_values[],
-                  int param_lengths[],
-                  int param_formats[],
-                  unsigned int param_length,
-                  void *scratch[],
-                  unsigned int scratch_length)
-{
-  const struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *at = data;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute tmp;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *buf;
-
-  (void) cls;
-  GNUNET_assert (1 == param_length);
-  GNUNET_assert (sizeof (struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO) == data_len);
-  GNUNET_assert (scratch_length > 0);
-  GNUNET_break (NULL == cls);
-  tmp = *at;
-  GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_OK ==
-                 GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&tmp));
-  buf = GNUNET_new (struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO);
-  *buf = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (tmp);
-  scratch[0] = buf;
-  param_values[0] = (void *) buf;
-  param_lengths[0] = sizeof (struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO);
-  param_formats[0] = 1;
-  return 1;
-}
-
-
-struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam
-TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time (const struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *x)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam res = {
-    .conv = &qconv_round_time,
-    .data = x,
-    .size = sizeof (*x),
-    .num_params = 1
-  };
-
-  return res;
-}
-
-
-/**
- * Function called to convert input argument into SQL parameters.
- *
- * @param cls closure
- * @param data pointer to input argument
- * @param data_len number of bytes in @a data (if applicable)
- * @param[out] param_values SQL data to set
- * @param[out] param_lengths SQL length data to set
- * @param[out] param_formats SQL format data to set
- * @param param_length number of entries available in the @a param_values, @a param_lengths and @a param_formats arrays
- * @param[out] scratch buffer for dynamic allocations (to be done via #GNUNET_malloc()
- * @param scratch_length number of entries left in @a scratch
- * @return -1 on error, number of offsets used in @a scratch otherwise
- */
-static int
-qconv_round_time_abs (void *cls,
-                      const void *data,
-                      size_t data_len,
-                      void *param_values[],
-                      int param_lengths[],
-                      int param_formats[],
-                      unsigned int param_length,
-                      void *scratch[],
-                      unsigned int scratch_length)
-{
-  const struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *at = data;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute tmp;
-
-  (void) cls;
-  (void) scratch;
-  (void) scratch_length;
-  GNUNET_assert (1 == param_length);
-  GNUNET_assert (sizeof (struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO) == data_len);
-  GNUNET_break (NULL == cls);
-  tmp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (*at);
-  GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_OK ==
-                 GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&tmp));
-  param_values[0] = (void *) at;
-  param_lengths[0] = sizeof (struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO);
-  param_formats[0] = 1;
-  return 0;
-}
-
-
-struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam
-TALER_PQ_query_param_absolute_time_nbo (const struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *x)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_PQ_QueryParam res = {
-    .conv = &qconv_round_time_abs,
-    .data = x,
-    .size = sizeof (*x),
-    .num_params = 1
-  };
-
-  return res;
-}
-
-
 /* end of pq/pq_query_helper.c */
diff --git a/src/pq/pq_result_helper.c b/src/pq/pq_result_helper.c
index 8c9f817b0..a6bc9409a 100644
--- a/src/pq/pq_result_helper.c
+++ b/src/pq/pq_result_helper.c
@@ -352,146 +352,6 @@ TALER_PQ_result_spec_json (const char *name,
 }
 
 
-/**
- * Extract data from a Postgres database @a result at row @a row.
- *
- * @param cls closure
- * @param result where to extract data from
- * @param row the row to extract data from
- * @param fname name (or prefix) of the fields to extract from
- * @param[in,out] dst_size where to store size of result, may be NULL
- * @param[out] dst where to store the result
- * @return
- *   #GNUNET_YES if all results could be extracted
- *   #GNUNET_SYSERR if a result was invalid (non-existing field or NULL)
- */
-static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
-extract_round_time (void *cls,
-                    PGresult *result,
-                    int row,
-                    const char *fname,
-                    size_t *dst_size,
-                    void *dst)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *udst = dst;
-  const struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *res;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute tmp;
-  int fnum;
-
-  (void) cls;
-  fnum = PQfnumber (result,
-                    fname);
-  if (fnum < 0)
-  {
-    GNUNET_break (0);
-    return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-  }
-  if (PQgetisnull (result,
-                   row,
-                   fnum))
-    return GNUNET_NO;
-  GNUNET_assert (NULL != dst);
-  if (sizeof (struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute) != *dst_size)
-  {
-    GNUNET_break (0);
-    return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-  }
-  res = (struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *) PQgetvalue (result,
-                                                       row,
-                                                       fnum);
-  tmp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (*res);
-  GNUNET_break (GNUNET_OK ==
-                GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&tmp));
-  *udst = tmp;
-  return GNUNET_OK;
-}
-
-
-struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec
-TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time (const char *name,
-                                    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *at)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec res = {
-    .conv = &extract_round_time,
-    .dst = (void *) at,
-    .dst_size = sizeof (struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute),
-    .fname = name
-  };
-
-  return res;
-}
-
-
-/**
- * Extract data from a Postgres database @a result at row @a row.
- *
- * @param cls closure
- * @param result where to extract data from
- * @param row the row to extract data from
- * @param fname name (or prefix) of the fields to extract from
- * @param[in,out] dst_size where to store size of result, may be NULL
- * @param[out] dst where to store the result
- * @return
- *   #GNUNET_YES if all results could be extracted
- *   #GNUNET_SYSERR if a result was invalid (non-existing field or NULL)
- */
-static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
-extract_round_time_nbo (void *cls,
-                        PGresult *result,
-                        int row,
-                        const char *fname,
-                        size_t *dst_size,
-                        void *dst)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *udst = dst;
-  const struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *res;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute tmp;
-  int fnum;
-
-  (void) cls;
-  fnum = PQfnumber (result,
-                    fname);
-  if (fnum < 0)
-  {
-    GNUNET_break (0);
-    return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-  }
-  if (PQgetisnull (result,
-                   row,
-                   fnum))
-    return GNUNET_NO;
-  GNUNET_assert (NULL != dst);
-  if (sizeof (struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO) != *dst_size)
-  {
-    GNUNET_break (0);
-    return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-  }
-  res = (struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *) PQgetvalue (result,
-                                                       row,
-                                                       fnum);
-  tmp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (*res);
-  GNUNET_break (GNUNET_OK ==
-                GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&tmp));
-  *udst = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (tmp);
-  return GNUNET_OK;
-}
-
-
-struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec
-TALER_PQ_result_spec_absolute_time_nbo (const char *name,
-                                        struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *at)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_PQ_ResultSpec res = {
-    .conv = &extract_round_time_nbo,
-    .dst = (void *) at,
-    .dst_size = sizeof (struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO),
-    .fname = name
-  };
-
-  return res;
-}
-
-
 /**
  * Extract data from a Postgres database @a result at row @a row.
  *
diff --git a/src/sq/sq_query_helper.c b/src/sq/sq_query_helper.c
index ad5207e27..d4b2d060d 100644
--- a/src/sq/sq_query_helper.c
+++ b/src/sq/sq_query_helper.c
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
  *            so immediately suitable for passing to `sqlite3_bind`-functions.
  * @return #GNUNET_SYSERR on error, #GNUNET_OK on success
  */
-static int
+static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 qconv_amount (void *cls,
               const void *data,
               size_t data_len,
@@ -59,18 +59,16 @@ qconv_amount (void *cls,
 }
 
 
-/**
- * Generate query parameter for a currency, consisting of the
- * components "value", "fraction" in this order. The
- * types must be a 64-bit integer and a 64-bit integer.
- *
- * @param x pointer to the query parameter to pass
- */
 struct GNUNET_SQ_QueryParam
 TALER_SQ_query_param_amount (const struct TALER_Amount *x)
 {
-  struct GNUNET_SQ_QueryParam res =
-  { &qconv_amount, NULL, x, sizeof (*x), 2 };
+  struct GNUNET_SQ_QueryParam res = {
+    .conv = &qconv_amount,
+    .data = x,
+    .size = sizeof (*x),
+    .num_params = 2
+  };
+
   return res;
 }
 
@@ -86,7 +84,7 @@ TALER_SQ_query_param_amount (const struct TALER_Amount *x)
  *            so immediately suitable for passing to `sqlite3_bind`-functions.
  * @return #GNUNET_SYSERR on error, #GNUNET_OK on success
  */
-static int
+static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 qconv_amount_nbo (void *cls,
                   const void *data,
                   size_t data_len,
@@ -108,18 +106,16 @@ qconv_amount_nbo (void *cls,
 }
 
 
-/**
- * Generate query parameter for a currency, consisting of the
- * components "value", "fraction" in this order. The
- * types must be a 64-bit integer and a 64-bit integer.
- *
- * @param x pointer to the query parameter to pass
- */
 struct GNUNET_SQ_QueryParam
 TALER_SQ_query_param_amount_nbo (const struct TALER_AmountNBO *x)
 {
-  struct GNUNET_SQ_QueryParam res =
-  { &qconv_amount_nbo, NULL, x, sizeof (*x), 2 };
+  struct GNUNET_SQ_QueryParam res = {
+    .conv = &qconv_amount_nbo,
+    .data = x,
+    .size = sizeof (*x),
+    .num_params = 2
+  };
+
   return res;
 }
 
@@ -135,7 +131,7 @@ TALER_SQ_query_param_amount_nbo (const struct TALER_AmountNBO *x)
  *            so immediately suitable for passing to `sqlite3_bind`-functions.
  * @return #GNUNET_SYSERR on error, #GNUNET_OK on success
  */
-static int
+static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 qconv_json (void *cls,
             const void *data,
             size_t data_len,
@@ -162,126 +158,16 @@ qconv_json (void *cls,
 }
 
 
-/**
- * Generate query parameter for a JSON object (stored as a string
- * in the DB).  Note that @a x must really be a JSON object or array,
- * passing just a value (string, integer) is not supported and will
- * result in an abort.
- *
- * @param x pointer to the json object to pass
- */
 struct GNUNET_SQ_QueryParam
 TALER_SQ_query_param_json (const json_t *x)
 {
-  struct GNUNET_SQ_QueryParam res =
-  { &qconv_json, NULL, x, sizeof (*x), 1 };
-  return res;
-}
+  struct GNUNET_SQ_QueryParam res = {
+    .conv = &qconv_json,
+    .data = x,
+    .size = sizeof (*x),
+    .num_params = 1
+  };
 
-
-/**
- * Function called to convert input argument into SQL parameters.
- *
- * @param cls closure
- * @param data pointer to input argument, here a `struct TALER_Amount`
- * @param data_len number of bytes in @a data (if applicable)
- * @param stmt sqlite statement to parameters for
- * @param off offset of the argument to bind in @a stmt, numbered from 1,
- *            so immediately suitable for passing to `sqlite3_bind`-functions.
- * @return #GNUNET_SYSERR on error, #GNUNET_OK on success
- */
-static int
-qconv_round_time (void *cls,
-                  const void *data,
-                  size_t data_len,
-                  sqlite3_stmt *stmt,
-                  unsigned int off)
-{
-  const struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *at = data;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute tmp;
-
-  (void) cls;
-  GNUNET_assert (sizeof (struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO) == data_len);
-  GNUNET_break (NULL == cls);
-  tmp = *at;
-  GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_OK ==
-                 GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&tmp));
-  if (SQLITE_OK != sqlite3_bind_int64 (stmt,
-                                       (int) off,
-                                       (sqlite3_int64) at->abs_value_us))
-    return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-  return GNUNET_OK;
-}
-
-
-/**
- * Generate query parameter for an absolute time value.
- * In contrast to
- * #GNUNET_SQ_query_param_absolute_time(), this function
- * will abort (!) if the time given is not rounded!
- * The database must store a 64-bit integer.
- *
- * @param x pointer to the query parameter to pass
- */
-struct GNUNET_SQ_QueryParam
-TALER_SQ_query_param_absolute_time (const struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *x)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_SQ_QueryParam res =
-  { &qconv_round_time, NULL, x, sizeof (*x), 1 };
-  return res;
-}
-
-
-/**
- * Function called to convert input argument into SQL parameters.
- *
- * @param cls closure
- * @param data pointer to input argument, here a `struct TALER_Amount`
- * @param data_len number of bytes in @a data (if applicable)
- * @param stmt sqlite statement to parameters for
- * @param off offset of the argument to bind in @a stmt, numbered from 1,
- *            so immediately suitable for passing to `sqlite3_bind`-functions.
- * @return #GNUNET_SYSERR on error, #GNUNET_OK on success
- */
-static int
-qconv_round_time_abs (void *cls,
-                      const void *data,
-                      size_t data_len,
-                      sqlite3_stmt *stmt,
-                      unsigned int off)
-{
-  const struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *at = data;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute tmp;
-
-  (void) cls;
-  GNUNET_assert (sizeof (struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO) == data_len);
-  GNUNET_break (NULL == cls);
-  tmp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (*at);
-  GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_OK ==
-                 GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&tmp));
-  if (SQLITE_OK != sqlite3_bind_int64 (stmt,
-                                       (int) off,
-                                       (sqlite3_int64) tmp.abs_value_us))
-    return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-  return GNUNET_OK;
-}
-
-
-/**
- * Generate query parameter for an absolute time value.
- * In contrast to
- * #GNUNET_SQ_query_param_absolute_time(), this function
- * will abort (!) if the time given is not rounded!
- * The database must store a 64-bit integer.
- *
- * @param x pointer to the query parameter to pass
- */
-struct GNUNET_SQ_QueryParam
-TALER_SQ_query_param_absolute_time_nbo (const struct
-                                        GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *x)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_SQ_QueryParam res =
-  { &qconv_round_time_abs, NULL, x, sizeof (*x), 1 };
   return res;
 }
 
diff --git a/src/sq/sq_result_helper.c b/src/sq/sq_result_helper.c
index 7cd8e80b4..bacb7743a 100644
--- a/src/sq/sq_result_helper.c
+++ b/src/sq/sq_result_helper.c
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
  *   #GNUNET_YES if all results could be extracted
  *   #GNUNET_SYSERR if a result was invalid (non-existing field or NULL)
  */
-static int
+static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 extract_amount (void *cls,
                 sqlite3_stmt *result,
                 unsigned int column,
@@ -68,13 +68,6 @@ extract_amount (void *cls,
 }
 
 
-/**
- * Currency amount expected.
- *
- * @param currency the currency to use for @a amount
- * @param[out] amount where to store the result
- * @return array entry for the result specification to use
- */
 struct GNUNET_SQ_ResultSpec
 TALER_SQ_result_spec_amount (const char *currency,
                              struct TALER_Amount *amount)
@@ -103,7 +96,7 @@ TALER_SQ_result_spec_amount (const char *currency,
  *   #GNUNET_YES if all results could be extracted
  *   #GNUNET_SYSERR if a result was invalid (non-existing field or NULL)
  */
-static int
+static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 extract_amount_nbo (void *cls,
                     sqlite3_stmt *result,
                     unsigned int column,
@@ -132,13 +125,6 @@ extract_amount_nbo (void *cls,
 }
 
 
-/**
- * Currency amount expected.
- *
- * @param currency the currency to use for @a amount
- * @param[out] amount where to store the result
- * @return array entry for the result specification to use
- */
 struct GNUNET_SQ_ResultSpec
 TALER_SQ_result_spec_amount_nbo (const char *currency,
                                  struct TALER_AmountNBO *amount)
@@ -167,7 +153,7 @@ TALER_SQ_result_spec_amount_nbo (const char *currency,
  *   #GNUNET_YES if all results could be extracted
  *   #GNUNET_SYSERR if a result was invalid (non-existing field or NULL)
  */
-static int
+static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 extract_json (void *cls,
               sqlite3_stmt *result,
               unsigned int column,
@@ -248,138 +234,4 @@ TALER_SQ_result_spec_json (json_t **jp)
 }
 
 
-/**
- * Extract amount data from a SQLite database
- *
- * @param cls closure
- * @param result where to extract data from
- * @param column column to extract data from
- * @param[in,out] dst_size where to store size of result, may be NULL
- * @param[out] dst where to store the result
- * @return
- *   #GNUNET_YES if all results could be extracted
- *   #GNUNET_SYSERR if a result was invalid (non-existing field or NULL)
- */
-static int
-extract_round_time (void *cls,
-                    sqlite3_stmt *result,
-                    unsigned int column,
-                    size_t *dst_size,
-                    void *dst)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *udst = dst;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute tmp;
-
-  (void) cls;
-  if (SQLITE_INTEGER != sqlite3_column_type (result,
-                                             (int) column))
-  {
-    GNUNET_break (0);
-    return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-  }
-  GNUNET_assert (NULL != dst);
-  if (sizeof (struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute) != *dst_size)
-  {
-    GNUNET_break (0);
-    return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-  }
-  tmp.abs_value_us = sqlite3_column_int64 (result,
-                                           (int) column);
-  GNUNET_break (GNUNET_OK ==
-                GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&tmp));
-  *udst = tmp;
-  return GNUNET_OK;
-}
-
-
-/**
- * Rounded absolute time expected.
- * In contrast to #GNUNET_SQ_query_param_absolute_time_nbo(),
- * this function ensures that the result is rounded and can
- * be converted to JSON.
- *
- * @param[out] at where to store the result
- * @return array entry for the result specification to use
- */
-struct GNUNET_SQ_ResultSpec
-TALER_SQ_result_spec_absolute_time (struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *at)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_SQ_ResultSpec res = {
-    .conv = &extract_round_time,
-    .dst = (void *) at,
-    .dst_size = sizeof (struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute),
-    .num_params = 1
-  };
-
-  return res;
-}
-
-
-/**
- * Extract amount data from a SQLite database
- *
- * @param cls closure
- * @param result where to extract data from
- * @param column column to extract data from
- * @param[in,out] dst_size where to store size of result, may be NULL
- * @param[out] dst where to store the result
- * @return
- *   #GNUNET_YES if all results could be extracted
- *   #GNUNET_SYSERR if a result was invalid (non-existing field or NULL)
- */
-static int
-extract_round_time_nbo (void *cls,
-                        sqlite3_stmt *result,
-                        unsigned int column,
-                        size_t *dst_size,
-                        void *dst)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *udst = dst;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute tmp;
-
-  (void) cls;
-  if (SQLITE_INTEGER != sqlite3_column_type (result,
-                                             (int) column))
-  {
-    GNUNET_break (0);
-    return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-  }
-  GNUNET_assert (NULL != dst);
-  if (sizeof (struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO) != *dst_size)
-  {
-    GNUNET_break (0);
-    return GNUNET_SYSERR;
-  }
-  tmp.abs_value_us = sqlite3_column_int64 (result,
-                                           (int) column);
-  GNUNET_break (GNUNET_OK ==
-                GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&tmp));
-  *udst = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (tmp);
-  return GNUNET_OK;
-}
-
-
-/**
- * Rounded absolute time expected.
- * In contrast to #GNUNET_SQ_result_spec_absolute_time_nbo(),
- * this function ensures that the result is rounded and can
- * be converted to JSON.
- *
- * @param[out] at where to store the result
- * @return array entry for the result specification to use
- */
-struct GNUNET_SQ_ResultSpec
-TALER_SQ_result_spec_absolute_time_nbo (struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO *at)
-{
-  struct GNUNET_SQ_ResultSpec res = {
-    .conv = &extract_round_time_nbo,
-    .dst = (void *) at,
-    .dst_size = sizeof (struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO),
-    .num_params = 1
-  };
-
-  return res;
-}
-
-
 /* end of sq/sq_result_helper.c */
diff --git a/src/testing/test_taler_exchange_aggregator.c b/src/testing/test_taler_exchange_aggregator.c
index 684fe9697..bf28375b2 100644
--- a/src/testing/test_taler_exchange_aggregator.c
+++ b/src/testing/test_taler_exchange_aggregator.c
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
                                       "EUR:1",
                                       "EUR:0.1"),
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
                                       "EUR:1",
                                       "EUR:0.1"),
@@ -139,7 +139,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
                                       "EUR:1",
                                       "EUR:0.1"),
@@ -159,7 +159,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       "4",
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
                                       "EUR:1",
                                       "EUR:0.1"),
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       "5",
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
                                       "EUR:1",
                                       "EUR:0.1"),
@@ -175,7 +175,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "alice",
                                       "4",
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
                                       "EUR:1",
                                       "EUR:0.1"),
@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_relative_multiply
                                         (GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS,
                                         5),
@@ -214,7 +214,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_relative_multiply
                                         (GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS,
                                         5),
@@ -240,7 +240,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_relative_multiply
                                         (GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS,
                                         10),
@@ -251,7 +251,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_relative_multiply
                                         (GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS,
                                         5),
@@ -276,7 +276,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
                                       "EUR:0.102",
                                       "EUR:0.1"),
@@ -288,7 +288,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
                                       "EUR:0.102",
                                       "EUR:0.1"),
@@ -296,7 +296,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
                                       "EUR:0.102",
                                       "EUR:0.1"),
@@ -308,7 +308,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
                                       "EUR:0.102",
                                       "EUR:0.1"),
@@ -320,7 +320,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
                                       "EUR:0.112",
                                       "EUR:0.1"),
@@ -337,7 +337,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
                                       "EUR:0.109",
                                       "EUR:0.1"),
@@ -349,7 +349,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
                                       "EUR:0.119",
                                       "EUR:0.1"),
@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
                                       "EUR:0.122",
                                       "EUR:0.1"),
@@ -383,7 +383,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_relative_multiply
                                         (GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS,
                                         5),
@@ -397,7 +397,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_relative_multiply
                                         (GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS,
                                         5),
@@ -413,7 +413,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
                                       "EUR:0.122",
                                       "EUR:0.1"),
@@ -430,7 +430,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_relative_multiply
                                         (GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS,
                                         5),
@@ -444,7 +444,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_relative_multiply
                                         (GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS,
                                         5),
@@ -460,7 +460,7 @@ run (void *cls,
                                       &dbc,
                                       "bob",
                                       USER42_ACCOUNT,
-                                      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get (),
+                                      GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get (),
                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
                                       "EUR:0.112",
                                       "EUR:0.1"),
diff --git a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_auditor_add.c b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_auditor_add.c
index e40e13194..8362b66c9 100644
--- a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_auditor_add.c
+++ b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_auditor_add.c
@@ -102,12 +102,11 @@ auditor_add_run (void *cls,
                  struct TALER_TESTING_Interpreter *is)
 {
   struct AuditorAddState *ds = cls;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
 
   (void) cmd;
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   ds->is = is;
   if (ds->bad_sig)
   {
diff --git a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_auditor_del.c b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_auditor_del.c
index dc31b72b6..de03d1632 100644
--- a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_auditor_del.c
+++ b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_auditor_del.c
@@ -103,11 +103,10 @@ auditor_del_run (void *cls,
 {
   struct AuditorDelState *ds = cls;
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
   (void) cmd;
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   ds->is = is;
   if (ds->bad_sig)
   {
diff --git a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_auditor_deposit_confirmation.c b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_auditor_deposit_confirmation.c
index df32b352b..debf343cc 100644
--- a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_auditor_deposit_confirmation.c
+++ b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_auditor_deposit_confirmation.c
@@ -204,11 +204,11 @@ deposit_confirmation_run (void *cls,
   const struct TALER_TESTING_Command *deposit_cmd;
   struct TALER_MerchantWireHash h_wire;
   struct TALER_PrivateContractHash h_contract_terms;
-  const struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *exchange_timestamp = NULL;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
-  const struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *wire_deadline;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline
-    = GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_ABS;
+  const struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *exchange_timestamp = NULL;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
+  const struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *wire_deadline;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline
+    = GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_TS;
   struct TALER_Amount amount_without_fee;
   struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP coin_pub;
   const struct TALER_MerchantPrivateKeyP *merchant_priv;
@@ -243,9 +243,9 @@ deposit_confirmation_run (void *cls,
                                                        dcs->coin_index,
                                                        &exchange_sig));
   GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_OK ==
-                 TALER_TESTING_get_trait_absolute_time (deposit_cmd,
-                                                        dcs->coin_index,
-                                                        &exchange_timestamp));
+                 TALER_TESTING_get_trait_timestamp (deposit_cmd,
+                                                    dcs->coin_index,
+                                                    &exchange_timestamp));
   GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_OK ==
                  TALER_TESTING_get_trait_wire_deadline (deposit_cmd,
                                                         dcs->coin_index,
@@ -287,11 +287,11 @@ deposit_confirmation_run (void *cls,
   {
     struct GNUNET_JSON_Specification spec[] = {
       /* timestamp is mandatory */
-      TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("timestamp",
-                                     &timestamp),
+      GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("timestamp",
+                                  &timestamp),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_mark_optional (
-        TALER_JSON_spec_absolute_time ("refund_deadline",
-                                       &refund_deadline)),
+        GNUNET_JSON_spec_timestamp ("refund_deadline",
+                                    &refund_deadline)),
       GNUNET_JSON_spec_end ()
     };
 
@@ -304,7 +304,7 @@ deposit_confirmation_run (void *cls,
       TALER_TESTING_interpreter_fail (is);
       return;
     }
-    if (0 == refund_deadline.abs_value_us)
+    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_zero (refund_deadline.abs_time))
       refund_deadline = timestamp;
   }
   dcs->dc = TALER_AUDITOR_deposit_confirmation (dcs->auditor,
diff --git a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_bank_admin_add_incoming.c b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_bank_admin_add_incoming.c
index 58089f429..64e010efa 100644
--- a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_bank_admin_add_incoming.c
+++ b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_bank_admin_add_incoming.c
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ struct AdminAddIncomingState
   /**
    * Timestamp of the transaction (as returned from the bank).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
 
   /**
    * Merchant instance.  Sometimes used to get the tip reserve
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ confirmation_cb (void *cls,
                  unsigned int http_status,
                  enum TALER_ErrorCode ec,
                  uint64_t serial_id,
-                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp,
+                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp,
                  const json_t *json)
 {
   struct AdminAddIncomingState *fts = cls;
@@ -432,7 +432,7 @@ admin_add_incoming_traits (void *cls,
       TALER_TESTING_make_trait_exchange_bank_account_url (
         &fts->exchange_credit_url),
       TALER_TESTING_make_trait_amount (&fts->amount),
-      TALER_TESTING_make_trait_absolute_time (0, &fts->timestamp),
+      TALER_TESTING_make_trait_timestamp (0, &fts->timestamp),
       TALER_TESTING_make_trait_reserve_priv (&fts->reserve_priv),
       TALER_TESTING_make_trait_reserve_pub (&fts->reserve_pub),
       TALER_TESTING_make_trait_reserve_history (&fts->reserve_history),
@@ -454,7 +454,7 @@ admin_add_incoming_traits (void *cls,
       TALER_TESTING_make_trait_exchange_bank_account_url (
         &fts->exchange_credit_url),
       TALER_TESTING_make_trait_amount (&fts->amount),
-      TALER_TESTING_make_trait_absolute_time (0, &fts->timestamp),
+      TALER_TESTING_make_trait_timestamp (0, &fts->timestamp),
       TALER_TESTING_make_trait_reserve_pub (&fts->reserve_pub),
       TALER_TESTING_make_trait_reserve_history (&fts->reserve_history),
       TALER_TESTING_trait_end ()
diff --git a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_bank_transfer.c b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_bank_transfer.c
index 0755a71d2..8c14aac19 100644
--- a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_bank_transfer.c
+++ b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_bank_transfer.c
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ struct TransferState
   /**
    * Timestamp of the transaction (as returned from the bank).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp;
 
   /**
    * Configuration filename.  Used to get the tip reserve key
@@ -175,7 +175,7 @@ confirmation_cb (void *cls,
                  unsigned int http_status,
                  enum TALER_ErrorCode ec,
                  uint64_t serial_id,
-                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute timestamp)
+                 struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp timestamp)
 {
   struct TransferState *fts = cls;
   struct TALER_TESTING_Interpreter *is = fts->is;
@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@ transfer_traits (void *cls,
     TALER_TESTING_make_trait_debit_payto_uri (
       (const char **) &fts->payto_debit_account),
     TALER_TESTING_make_trait_amount (&fts->amount),
-    TALER_TESTING_make_trait_absolute_time (0, &fts->timestamp),
+    TALER_TESTING_make_trait_timestamp (0, &fts->timestamp),
     TALER_TESTING_make_trait_wtid (&fts->wtid),
     TALER_TESTING_trait_end ()
   };
diff --git a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_check_keys.c b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_check_keys.c
index 5645bb9be..0dee8be3a 100644
--- a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_check_keys.c
+++ b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_check_keys.c
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 /*
   This file is part of TALER
-  (C) 2018, 2020 Taler Systems SA
+  (C) 2018, 2020, 2021 Taler Systems SA
 
   TALER is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
   it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ struct CheckKeysState
   /**
    * Last denomination date we received when doing this request.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute my_denom_date;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp my_denom_date;
 };
 
 
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ check_keys_run (void *cls,
               is->key_generation);
   if (is->key_generation < cks->generation)
   {
-    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute rdate;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp rdate;
 
     is->working = GNUNET_NO;
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
@@ -93,11 +93,11 @@ check_keys_run (void *cls,
       {
         TALER_LOG_DEBUG ("Forcing last_denom_date URL argument set to zero\n");
         TALER_EXCHANGE_set_last_denom (is->exchange,
-                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_ABS);
+                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_TS);
       }
       else
       {
-        const struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute *last_denom_date;
+        const struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp *last_denom_date;
         const struct TALER_TESTING_Command *ref;
 
         ref = TALER_TESTING_interpreter_lookup_command (is,
@@ -109,9 +109,9 @@ check_keys_run (void *cls,
           return;
         }
         if (GNUNET_OK !=
-            TALER_TESTING_get_trait_absolute_time (ref,
-                                                   0,
-                                                   &last_denom_date))
+            TALER_TESTING_get_trait_timestamp (ref,
+                                               0,
+                                               &last_denom_date))
         {
           GNUNET_break (0);
           TALER_TESTING_interpreter_fail (is);
@@ -130,8 +130,7 @@ check_keys_run (void *cls,
       ? TALER_EXCHANGE_CKF_FORCE_ALL_NOW
       : TALER_EXCHANGE_CKF_FORCE_DOWNLOAD);
     /* Redownload /keys.  */
-    GNUNET_break (0 ==
-                  rdate.abs_value_us);
+    GNUNET_break (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_zero (rdate.abs_time));
     return;
   }
   {
@@ -186,8 +185,8 @@ check_keys_traits (void *cls,
   struct CheckKeysState *cks = cls;
   struct TALER_TESTING_Trait traits[] = {
     /* history entry MUST be first due to response code logic below! */
-    TALER_TESTING_make_trait_absolute_time (0,
-                                            &cks->my_denom_date),
+    TALER_TESTING_make_trait_timestamp (0,
+                                        &cks->my_denom_date),
     TALER_TESTING_trait_end ()
   };
 
diff --git a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_deposit.c b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_deposit.c
index cb6dfc0b2..a0eb35f19 100644
--- a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_deposit.c
+++ b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_deposit.c
@@ -82,12 +82,12 @@ struct DepositState
   /**
    * Refund deadline. Zero for no refunds.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline;
 
   /**
    * Wire deadline.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_deadline;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_deadline;
 
   /**
    * Set (by the interpreter) to a fresh private key.  This
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ struct DepositState
   /**
    * Timestamp of the /deposit operation in the wallet (contract signing time).
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wallet_timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wallet_timestamp;
 
   /**
    * Interpreter state.
@@ -139,7 +139,7 @@ struct DepositState
   /**
    * When did the exchange receive the deposit?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp;
 
   /**
    * Signing key used by the exchange to sign the
@@ -402,27 +402,25 @@ deposit_run (void *cls,
   GNUNET_CRYPTO_eddsa_key_get_public (&coin_priv->eddsa_priv,
                                       &coin_pub.eddsa_pub);
 
-  if (0 != ds->refund_deadline.abs_value_us)
+  if (! GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_zero (ds->refund_deadline.abs_time))
   {
     struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative refund_deadline;
 
     refund_deadline
-      = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_remaining (ds->refund_deadline);
+      = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_remaining (ds->refund_deadline.abs_time);
     ds->wire_deadline
-      = GNUNET_TIME_relative_to_absolute (
+      =
+        GNUNET_TIME_relative_to_timestamp (
           GNUNET_TIME_relative_multiply (refund_deadline,
                                          2));
   }
   else
   {
     ds->refund_deadline = ds->wallet_timestamp;
-    ds->wire_deadline
-      = GNUNET_TIME_relative_to_absolute (
-          GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO);
+    ds->wire_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   }
   GNUNET_CRYPTO_eddsa_key_get_public (&ds->merchant_priv.eddsa_priv,
                                       &merchant_pub.eddsa_pub);
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&ds->wire_deadline);
   {
     struct TALER_MerchantWireHash h_wire;
 
@@ -562,8 +560,8 @@ deposit_traits (void *cls,
       TALER_TESTING_make_trait_merchant_priv (&ds->merchant_priv),
       TALER_TESTING_make_trait_deposit_amount (&ds->amount),
       TALER_TESTING_make_trait_deposit_fee_amount (&ds->deposit_fee),
-      TALER_TESTING_make_trait_absolute_time (0,
-                                              &ds->exchange_timestamp),
+      TALER_TESTING_make_trait_timestamp (0,
+                                          &ds->exchange_timestamp),
       TALER_TESTING_make_trait_wire_deadline (0,
                                               &ds->wire_deadline),
       TALER_TESTING_make_trait_refund_deadline (0,
@@ -610,22 +608,19 @@ TALER_TESTING_cmd_deposit (const char *label,
                 label);
     GNUNET_assert (0);
   }
-  ds->wallet_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&ds->wallet_timestamp);
-
+  ds->wallet_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   GNUNET_assert (0 ==
                  json_object_set_new (ds->contract_terms,
                                       "timestamp",
-                                      GNUNET_JSON_from_time_abs (
+                                      GNUNET_JSON_from_timestamp (
                                         ds->wallet_timestamp)));
-  if (0 != refund_deadline.rel_value_us)
+  if (! GNUNET_TIME_relative_is_zero (refund_deadline))
   {
-    ds->refund_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_relative_to_absolute (refund_deadline);
-    (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&ds->refund_deadline);
+    ds->refund_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_relative_to_timestamp (refund_deadline);
     GNUNET_assert (0 ==
                    json_object_set_new (ds->contract_terms,
                                         "refund_deadline",
-                                        GNUNET_JSON_from_time_abs (
+                                        GNUNET_JSON_from_timestamp (
                                           ds->refund_deadline)));
   }
   GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_OK ==
@@ -677,19 +672,16 @@ TALER_TESTING_cmd_deposit_with_ref (const char *label,
                 label);
     GNUNET_assert (0);
   }
-  ds->wallet_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&ds->wallet_timestamp);
-
+  ds->wallet_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   json_object_set_new (ds->contract_terms,
                        "timestamp",
-                       GNUNET_JSON_from_time_abs (ds->wallet_timestamp));
+                       GNUNET_JSON_from_timestamp (ds->wallet_timestamp));
   if (0 != refund_deadline.rel_value_us)
   {
-    ds->refund_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_relative_to_absolute (refund_deadline);
-    (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&ds->refund_deadline);
+    ds->refund_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_relative_to_timestamp (refund_deadline);
     json_object_set_new (ds->contract_terms,
                          "refund_deadline",
-                         GNUNET_JSON_from_time_abs (ds->refund_deadline));
+                         GNUNET_JSON_from_timestamp (ds->refund_deadline));
   }
   GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_OK ==
                  TALER_string_to_amount (amount,
diff --git a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_insert_deposit.c b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_insert_deposit.c
index 0001da223..276907e14 100644
--- a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_insert_deposit.c
+++ b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_insert_deposit.c
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ struct InsertDepositState
   /**
    * When did the exchange receive the deposit?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp;
 
   /**
    * Amount to deposit, inclusive of deposit fee.
@@ -81,27 +81,23 @@ struct InsertDepositState
 static void
 fake_issue (struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_DenominationKeyInformationP *issue)
 {
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
   memset (issue,
           0,
           sizeof (struct TALER_EXCHANGEDB_DenominationKeyInformationP));
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   issue->properties.start
-    = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (now);
+    = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (now);
   issue->properties.expire_withdraw
-    = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (
-        GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (now,
-                                  GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_MINUTES));
+    = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (
+        GNUNET_TIME_relative_to_timestamp (GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_MINUTES));
   issue->properties.expire_deposit
-    = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (
-        GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (now,
-                                  GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_HOURS));
+    = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (
+        GNUNET_TIME_relative_to_timestamp (GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_HOURS));
   issue->properties.expire_legal
-    = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (
-        GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (now,
-                                  GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_DAYS));
+    = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (
+        GNUNET_TIME_relative_to_timestamp (GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_DAYS));
   GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_OK ==
                  TALER_string_to_amount_nbo ("EUR:1",
                                              &issue->properties.value));
@@ -235,11 +231,9 @@ insert_deposit_run (void *cls,
   memset (&deposit.wire_salt,
           46,
           sizeof (deposit.wire_salt));
-  deposit.timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&deposit.timestamp);
-  deposit.wire_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_relative_to_absolute (ids->wire_deadline);
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&deposit.wire_deadline);
-
+  deposit.timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
+  deposit.wire_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_relative_to_timestamp (
+    ids->wire_deadline);
   /* finally, actually perform the DB operation */
   if ( (GNUNET_OK !=
         ids->dbc->plugin->start (ids->dbc->plugin->cls,
@@ -295,14 +289,13 @@ TALER_TESTING_cmd_insert_deposit (
   const struct TALER_TESTING_DatabaseConnection *dbc,
   const char *merchant_name,
   const char *merchant_account,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp,
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative wire_deadline,
   const char *amount_with_fee,
   const char *deposit_fee)
 {
   struct InsertDepositState *ids;
 
-  GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&exchange_timestamp);
   ids = GNUNET_new (struct InsertDepositState);
   ids->dbc = dbc;
   ids->merchant_name = merchant_name;
diff --git a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_recoup.c b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_recoup.c
index fe97edb76..379304d01 100644
--- a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_recoup.c
+++ b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_recoup.c
@@ -364,6 +364,7 @@ recoup_run (void *cls,
                                   denom_pub,
                                   coin_sig,
                                   &planchet,
+                                  &ps->reserve_history.amount,
                                   NULL != ps->melt_reference,
                                   recoup_cb,
                                   ps);
@@ -440,10 +441,9 @@ TALER_TESTING_cmd_recoup (const char *label,
   ps->expected_response_code = expected_response_code;
   ps->coin_reference = coin_reference;
   ps->melt_reference = melt_reference;
-  if ( (NULL != amount) &&
-       (GNUNET_OK !=
-        TALER_string_to_amount (amount,
-                                &ps->reserve_history.amount)) )
+  if (GNUNET_OK !=
+      TALER_string_to_amount (amount,
+                              &ps->reserve_history.amount))
   {
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_ERROR,
                 "Failed to parse amount `%s' at %s\n",
diff --git a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_set_wire_fee.c b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_set_wire_fee.c
index 9b5f6258d..b458d10c1 100644
--- a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_set_wire_fee.c
+++ b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_set_wire_fee.c
@@ -119,19 +119,20 @@ wire_add_run (void *cls,
   struct WireFeeState *ds = cls;
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_time;
   struct TALER_Amount wire_fee;
   struct TALER_Amount closing_fee;
 
   (void) cmd;
   ds->is = is;
   now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
-  start_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (now,
-                                              GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_HOURS);
-  end_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (now,
-                                       GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_HOURS);
+  start_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (now,
+                                   GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_HOURS));
+  end_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (now,
+                              GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_HOURS));
   if ( (GNUNET_OK !=
         TALER_string_to_amount (ds->closing_fee,
                                 &closing_fee)) ||
diff --git a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_status.c b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_status.c
index 1424eb6a5..f13f60073 100644
--- a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_status.c
+++ b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_status.c
@@ -88,8 +88,9 @@ history_entry_cmp (const struct TALER_EXCHANGE_ReserveHistory *h1,
                            h2->details.in_details.sender_url)) &&
          (h1->details.in_details.wire_reference ==
           h2->details.in_details.wire_reference) &&
-         (h1->details.in_details.timestamp.abs_value_us ==
-          h2->details.in_details.timestamp.abs_value_us) )
+         (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (h1->details.in_details.timestamp,
+                                     ==,
+                                     h2->details.in_details.timestamp)) )
       return 0;
     return 1;
   case TALER_EXCHANGE_RTT_WITHDRAWAL:
diff --git a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_wire_add.c b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_wire_add.c
index f36eaa85b..c07e9bba6 100644
--- a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_wire_add.c
+++ b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_wire_add.c
@@ -109,11 +109,10 @@ wire_add_run (void *cls,
   struct WireAddState *ds = cls;
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig1;
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig2;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
   (void) cmd;
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   ds->is = is;
   if (ds->bad_sig)
   {
diff --git a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_wire_del.c b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_wire_del.c
index fa8c9bcd2..15d29d727 100644
--- a/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_wire_del.c
+++ b/src/testing/testing_api_cmd_wire_del.c
@@ -108,11 +108,10 @@ wire_del_run (void *cls,
 {
   struct WireDelState *ds = cls;
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP master_sig;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
   (void) cmd;
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   ds->is = is;
   if (ds->bad_sig)
   {
diff --git a/src/testing/testing_api_helpers_exchange.c b/src/testing/testing_api_helpers_exchange.c
index 0f50aabb8..fe7588107 100644
--- a/src/testing/testing_api_helpers_exchange.c
+++ b/src/testing/testing_api_helpers_exchange.c
@@ -422,19 +422,22 @@ const struct TALER_EXCHANGE_DenomPublicKey *
 TALER_TESTING_find_pk (const struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Keys *keys,
                        const struct TALER_Amount *amount)
 {
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
   struct TALER_EXCHANGE_DenomPublicKey *pk;
   char *str;
 
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
+  now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   for (unsigned int i = 0; i<keys->num_denom_keys; i++)
   {
     pk = &keys->denom_keys[i];
     if ( (0 == TALER_amount_cmp (amount,
                                  &pk->value)) &&
-         (now.abs_value_us >= pk->valid_from.abs_value_us) &&
-         (now.abs_value_us <
-          pk->withdraw_valid_until.abs_value_us) )
+         (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (now,
+                                     >=,
+                                     pk->valid_from)) &&
+         (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (now,
+                                     <,
+                                     pk->withdraw_valid_until)) )
       return pk;
   }
   /* do 2nd pass to check if expiration times are to blame for
@@ -445,19 +448,21 @@ TALER_TESTING_find_pk (const struct TALER_EXCHANGE_Keys *keys,
     pk = &keys->denom_keys[i];
     if ( (0 == TALER_amount_cmp (amount,
                                  &pk->value)) &&
-         ( (now.abs_value_us < pk->valid_from.abs_value_us) ||
-           (now.abs_value_us >
-            pk->withdraw_valid_until.abs_value_us) ) )
+         (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (now,
+                                     <,
+                                     pk->valid_from) ||
+          GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (now,
+                                     >,
+                                     pk->withdraw_valid_until) ) )
     {
       GNUNET_log
         (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_WARNING,
         "Have denomination key for `%s', but with wrong"
         " expiration range %llu vs [%llu,%llu)\n",
         str,
-        (unsigned long long) now.abs_value_us,
-        (unsigned long long) pk->valid_from.abs_value_us,
-        (unsigned long long)
-        pk->withdraw_valid_until.abs_value_us);
+        (unsigned long long) now.abs_time.abs_value_us,
+        (unsigned long long) pk->valid_from.abs_time.abs_value_us,
+        (unsigned long long) pk->withdraw_valid_until.abs_time.abs_value_us);
       GNUNET_free (str);
       return NULL;
     }
diff --git a/src/util/auditor_signatures.c b/src/util/auditor_signatures.c
index 6ca1b046d..7b53c21c1 100644
--- a/src/util/auditor_signatures.c
+++ b/src/util/auditor_signatures.c
@@ -28,10 +28,10 @@ TALER_auditor_denom_validity_sign (
   const char *auditor_url,
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *h_denom_pub,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_start,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_withdraw,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_deposit,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_legal,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_start,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_withdraw,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_deposit,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_legal,
   const struct TALER_Amount *coin_value,
   const struct TALER_Amount *fee_withdraw,
   const struct TALER_Amount *fee_deposit,
@@ -43,10 +43,10 @@ TALER_auditor_denom_validity_sign (
   struct TALER_ExchangeKeyValidityPS kv = {
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_AUDITOR_EXCHANGE_KEYS),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (kv)),
-    .start = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (stamp_start),
-    .expire_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (stamp_expire_withdraw),
-    .expire_deposit = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (stamp_expire_deposit),
-    .expire_legal = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (stamp_expire_legal),
+    .start = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (stamp_start),
+    .expire_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (stamp_expire_withdraw),
+    .expire_deposit = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (stamp_expire_deposit),
+    .expire_legal = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (stamp_expire_legal),
     .denom_hash = *h_denom_pub,
     .master = *master_pub,
   };
@@ -75,10 +75,10 @@ TALER_auditor_denom_validity_verify (
   const char *auditor_url,
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *h_denom_pub,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_start,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_withdraw,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_deposit,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_legal,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_start,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_withdraw,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_deposit,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_legal,
   const struct TALER_Amount *coin_value,
   const struct TALER_Amount *fee_withdraw,
   const struct TALER_Amount *fee_deposit,
@@ -90,10 +90,10 @@ TALER_auditor_denom_validity_verify (
   struct TALER_ExchangeKeyValidityPS kv = {
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_AUDITOR_EXCHANGE_KEYS),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (kv)),
-    .start = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (stamp_start),
-    .expire_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (stamp_expire_withdraw),
-    .expire_deposit = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (stamp_expire_deposit),
-    .expire_legal = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (stamp_expire_legal),
+    .start = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (stamp_start),
+    .expire_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (stamp_expire_withdraw),
+    .expire_deposit = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (stamp_expire_deposit),
+    .expire_legal = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (stamp_expire_legal),
     .denom_hash = *h_denom_pub,
     .master = *master_pub,
   };
diff --git a/src/util/crypto_helper_esign.c b/src/util/crypto_helper_esign.c
index 702ea74df..5a9ad74e2 100644
--- a/src/util/crypto_helper_esign.c
+++ b/src/util/crypto_helper_esign.c
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@ handle_mt_avail (struct TALER_CRYPTO_ExchangeSignHelper *esh,
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       TALER_exchange_secmod_eddsa_verify (
         &kan->exchange_pub,
-        GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (kan->anchor_time),
+        GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (kan->anchor_time),
         GNUNET_TIME_relative_ntoh (kan->duration),
         &kan->secm_pub,
         &kan->secm_sig))
@@ -191,7 +191,7 @@ handle_mt_avail (struct TALER_CRYPTO_ExchangeSignHelper *esh,
     return GNUNET_SYSERR;
   }
   esh->ekc (esh->ekc_cls,
-            GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (kan->anchor_time),
+            GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (kan->anchor_time),
             GNUNET_TIME_relative_ntoh (kan->duration),
             &kan->exchange_pub,
             &kan->secm_pub,
@@ -220,7 +220,7 @@ handle_mt_purge (struct TALER_CRYPTO_ExchangeSignHelper *esh,
     return GNUNET_SYSERR;
   }
   esh->ekc (esh->ekc_cls,
-            GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_ABS,
+            GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_TS,
             GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
             &pn->exchange_pub,
             NULL,
diff --git a/src/util/crypto_helper_rsa.c b/src/util/crypto_helper_rsa.c
index 3138ebf3e..fbfc97702 100644
--- a/src/util/crypto_helper_rsa.c
+++ b/src/util/crypto_helper_rsa.c
@@ -225,7 +225,7 @@ handle_mt_avail (struct TALER_CRYPTO_RsaDenominationHelper *dh,
         TALER_exchange_secmod_rsa_verify (
           &h_rsa,
           section_name,
-          GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (kan->anchor_time),
+          GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (kan->anchor_time),
           GNUNET_TIME_relative_ntoh (kan->duration_withdraw),
           &kan->secm_pub,
           &kan->secm_sig))
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@ handle_mt_avail (struct TALER_CRYPTO_RsaDenominationHelper *dh,
     }
     dh->dkc (dh->dkc_cls,
              section_name,
-             GNUNET_TIME_absolute_ntoh (kan->anchor_time),
+             GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_ntoh (kan->anchor_time),
              GNUNET_TIME_relative_ntoh (kan->duration_withdraw),
              &h_rsa,
              &denom_pub,
@@ -272,7 +272,7 @@ handle_mt_purge (struct TALER_CRYPTO_RsaDenominationHelper *dh,
               GNUNET_h2s (&pn->h_rsa.hash));
   dh->dkc (dh->dkc_cls,
            NULL,
-           GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_ABS,
+           GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_TS,
            GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO,
            &pn->h_rsa,
            NULL,
diff --git a/src/util/exchange_signatures.c b/src/util/exchange_signatures.c
index 2e71a33c1..b923c29de 100644
--- a/src/util/exchange_signatures.c
+++ b/src/util/exchange_signatures.c
@@ -28,9 +28,9 @@ TALER_exchange_deposit_confirm_verify (
   const struct TALER_PrivateContractHash *h_contract_terms,
   const struct TALER_MerchantWireHash *h_wire,
   const struct TALER_ExtensionContractHash *h_extensions,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute exchange_timestamp,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wire_deadline,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp exchange_timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wire_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline,
   const struct TALER_Amount *amount_without_fee,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
   const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
@@ -42,9 +42,9 @@ TALER_exchange_deposit_confirm_verify (
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (struct TALER_DepositConfirmationPS)),
     .h_contract_terms = *h_contract_terms,
     .h_wire = *h_wire,
-    .exchange_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (exchange_timestamp),
-    .wire_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (wire_deadline),
-    .refund_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (refund_deadline),
+    .exchange_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (exchange_timestamp),
+    .wire_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (wire_deadline),
+    .refund_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (refund_deadline),
     .coin_pub = *coin_pub,
     .merchant_pub = *merchant_pub
   };
diff --git a/src/util/offline_signatures.c b/src/util/offline_signatures.c
index fe502c659..cd9dceca5 100644
--- a/src/util/offline_signatures.c
+++ b/src/util/offline_signatures.c
@@ -27,14 +27,14 @@ void
 TALER_exchange_offline_auditor_add_sign (
   const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
   const char *auditor_url,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date,
   const struct TALER_MasterPrivateKeyP *master_priv,
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig)
 {
   struct TALER_MasterAddAuditorPS kv = {
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_MASTER_ADD_AUDITOR),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (kv)),
-    .start_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (start_date),
+    .start_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (start_date),
     .auditor_pub = *auditor_pub,
   };
 
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_offline_auditor_add_verify (
   const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
   const char *auditor_url,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_date,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_date,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig)
 {
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_auditor_add_verify (
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (
       TALER_SIGNATURE_MASTER_ADD_AUDITOR),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (aa)),
-    .start_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (start_date),
+    .start_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (start_date),
     .auditor_pub = *auditor_pub
   };
 
@@ -76,14 +76,14 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_auditor_add_verify (
 void
 TALER_exchange_offline_auditor_del_sign (
   const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date,
   const struct TALER_MasterPrivateKeyP *master_priv,
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig)
 {
   struct TALER_MasterDelAuditorPS kv = {
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_MASTER_DEL_AUDITOR),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (kv)),
-    .end_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (end_date),
+    .end_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (end_date),
     .auditor_pub = *auditor_pub,
   };
 
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_auditor_del_sign (
 enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_offline_auditor_del_verify (
   const struct TALER_AuditorPublicKeyP *auditor_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_date,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_date,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig)
 {
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_auditor_del_verify (
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (
       TALER_SIGNATURE_MASTER_DEL_AUDITOR),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (da)),
-    .end_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (end_date),
+    .end_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (end_date),
     .auditor_pub = *auditor_pub
   };
 
@@ -197,9 +197,9 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_signkey_revoke_verify (
 void
 TALER_exchange_offline_signkey_validity_sign (
   const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP *exchange_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_sign,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_sign,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_legal,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_sign,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_sign,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_legal,
   const struct TALER_MasterPrivateKeyP *master_priv,
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig)
 {
@@ -207,9 +207,9 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_signkey_validity_sign (
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (
       TALER_SIGNATURE_MASTER_SIGNING_KEY_VALIDITY),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (skv)),
-    .start = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (start_sign),
-    .expire = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (end_sign),
-    .end = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (end_legal),
+    .start = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (start_sign),
+    .expire = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (end_sign),
+    .end = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (end_legal),
     .signkey_pub = *exchange_pub
   };
 
@@ -222,9 +222,9 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_signkey_validity_sign (
 enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_offline_signkey_validity_verify (
   const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP *exchange_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_sign,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_sign,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_legal,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_sign,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_sign,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_legal,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig)
 {
@@ -232,9 +232,9 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_signkey_validity_verify (
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (
       TALER_SIGNATURE_MASTER_SIGNING_KEY_VALIDITY),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (skv)),
-    .start = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (start_sign),
-    .expire = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (end_sign),
-    .end = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (end_legal),
+    .start = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (start_sign),
+    .expire = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (end_sign),
+    .end = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (end_legal),
     .signkey_pub = *exchange_pub
   };
 
@@ -250,10 +250,10 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_signkey_validity_verify (
 void
 TALER_exchange_offline_denom_validity_sign (
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *h_denom_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_start,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_withdraw,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_deposit,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_legal,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_start,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_withdraw,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_deposit,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_legal,
   const struct TALER_Amount *coin_value,
   const struct TALER_Amount *fee_withdraw,
   const struct TALER_Amount *fee_deposit,
@@ -267,10 +267,10 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_denom_validity_sign (
       = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_MASTER_DENOMINATION_KEY_VALIDITY),
     .purpose.size
       = htonl (sizeof (issue)),
-    .start = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (stamp_start),
-    .expire_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (stamp_expire_withdraw),
-    .expire_deposit = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (stamp_expire_deposit),
-    .expire_legal = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (stamp_expire_legal),
+    .start = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (stamp_start),
+    .expire_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (stamp_expire_withdraw),
+    .expire_deposit = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (stamp_expire_deposit),
+    .expire_legal = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (stamp_expire_legal),
     .denom_hash = *h_denom_pub
   };
 
@@ -295,10 +295,10 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_denom_validity_sign (
 enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_offline_denom_validity_verify (
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *h_denom_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_start,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_withdraw,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_deposit,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute stamp_expire_legal,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_start,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_withdraw,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_deposit,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp stamp_expire_legal,
   const struct TALER_Amount *coin_value,
   const struct TALER_Amount *fee_withdraw,
   const struct TALER_Amount *fee_deposit,
@@ -312,10 +312,10 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_denom_validity_verify (
       TALER_SIGNATURE_MASTER_DENOMINATION_KEY_VALIDITY),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (dkv)),
     .master = *master_pub,
-    .start = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (stamp_start),
-    .expire_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (stamp_expire_withdraw),
-    .expire_deposit = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (stamp_expire_deposit),
-    .expire_legal = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (stamp_expire_legal),
+    .start = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (stamp_start),
+    .expire_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (stamp_expire_withdraw),
+    .expire_deposit = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (stamp_expire_deposit),
+    .expire_legal = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (stamp_expire_legal),
     .denom_hash = *h_denom_pub
   };
 
@@ -341,18 +341,16 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_denom_validity_verify (
 void
 TALER_exchange_offline_wire_add_sign (
   const char *payto_uri,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now,
   const struct TALER_MasterPrivateKeyP *master_priv,
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig)
 {
   struct TALER_MasterAddWirePS kv = {
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_MASTER_ADD_WIRE),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (kv)),
-    .start_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (now),
+    .start_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (now),
   };
 
-  GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_OK ==
-                 GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now));
   TALER_payto_hash (payto_uri,
                     &kv.h_payto);
   GNUNET_CRYPTO_eddsa_sign (&master_priv->eddsa_priv,
@@ -364,14 +362,14 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_wire_add_sign (
 enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_offline_wire_add_verify (
   const char *payto_uri,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute sign_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp sign_time,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig)
 {
   struct TALER_MasterAddWirePS aw = {
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_MASTER_ADD_WIRE),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (aw)),
-    .start_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (sign_time),
+    .start_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (sign_time),
   };
 
   TALER_payto_hash (payto_uri,
@@ -388,18 +386,16 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_wire_add_verify (
 void
 TALER_exchange_offline_wire_del_sign (
   const char *payto_uri,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now,
   const struct TALER_MasterPrivateKeyP *master_priv,
   struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig)
 {
   struct TALER_MasterDelWirePS kv = {
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_MASTER_DEL_WIRE),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (kv)),
-    .end_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (now),
+    .end_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (now),
   };
 
-  GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_OK ==
-                 GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now));
   TALER_payto_hash (payto_uri,
                     &kv.h_payto);
   GNUNET_CRYPTO_eddsa_sign (&master_priv->eddsa_priv,
@@ -411,7 +407,7 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_wire_del_sign (
 enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_offline_wire_del_verify (
   const char *payto_uri,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute sign_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp sign_time,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
   const struct TALER_MasterSignatureP *master_sig)
 {
@@ -419,7 +415,7 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_wire_del_verify (
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (
       TALER_SIGNATURE_MASTER_DEL_WIRE),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (aw)),
-    .end_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (sign_time),
+    .end_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (sign_time),
   };
 
   TALER_payto_hash (payto_uri,
@@ -435,8 +431,8 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_wire_del_verify (
 void
 TALER_exchange_offline_wire_fee_sign (
   const char *payment_method,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_time,
   const struct TALER_Amount *wire_fee,
   const struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee,
   const struct TALER_MasterPrivateKeyP *master_priv,
@@ -445,8 +441,8 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_wire_fee_sign (
   struct TALER_MasterWireFeePS kv = {
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_MASTER_WIRE_FEES),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (kv)),
-    .start_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (start_time),
-    .end_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (end_time),
+    .start_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (start_time),
+    .end_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (end_time),
   };
 
   GNUNET_CRYPTO_hash (payment_method,
@@ -465,8 +461,8 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_wire_fee_sign (
 enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_offline_wire_fee_verify (
   const char *payment_method,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute end_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp end_time,
   const struct TALER_Amount *wire_fee,
   const struct TALER_Amount *closing_fee,
   const struct TALER_MasterPublicKeyP *master_pub,
@@ -475,8 +471,8 @@ TALER_exchange_offline_wire_fee_verify (
   struct TALER_MasterWireFeePS wf = {
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_MASTER_WIRE_FEES),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (wf)),
-    .start_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (start_time),
-    .end_date = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (end_time)
+    .start_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (start_time),
+    .end_date = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (end_time)
   };
 
   GNUNET_CRYPTO_hash (payment_method,
diff --git a/src/util/secmod_signatures.c b/src/util/secmod_signatures.c
index 077ce229a..9cb15bcf5 100644
--- a/src/util/secmod_signatures.c
+++ b/src/util/secmod_signatures.c
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 void
 TALER_exchange_secmod_eddsa_sign (
   const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP *exchange_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_sign,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_sign,
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative duration,
   const struct TALER_SecurityModulePrivateKeyP *secm_priv,
   struct TALER_SecurityModuleSignatureP *secm_sig)
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ TALER_exchange_secmod_eddsa_sign (
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_SM_SIGNING_KEY),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (ska)),
     .exchange_pub = *exchange_pub,
-    .anchor_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (start_sign),
+    .anchor_time = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (start_sign),
     .duration = GNUNET_TIME_relative_hton (duration)
   };
 
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ TALER_exchange_secmod_eddsa_sign (
 enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_secmod_eddsa_verify (
   const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP *exchange_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_sign,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_sign,
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative duration,
   const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
   const struct TALER_SecurityModuleSignatureP *secm_sig)
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ TALER_exchange_secmod_eddsa_verify (
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_SM_SIGNING_KEY),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (ska)),
     .exchange_pub = *exchange_pub,
-    .anchor_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (start_sign),
+    .anchor_time = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (start_sign),
     .duration = GNUNET_TIME_relative_hton (duration)
   };
 
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ void
 TALER_exchange_secmod_rsa_sign (
   const struct TALER_RsaPubHashP *h_rsa,
   const char *section_name,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_sign,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_sign,
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative duration,
   const struct TALER_SecurityModulePrivateKeyP *secm_priv,
   struct TALER_SecurityModuleSignatureP *secm_sig)
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ TALER_exchange_secmod_rsa_sign (
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_SM_RSA_DENOMINATION_KEY),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (dka)),
     .h_rsa = *h_rsa,
-    .anchor_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (start_sign),
+    .anchor_time = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (start_sign),
     .duration_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_relative_hton (duration)
   };
 
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 TALER_exchange_secmod_rsa_verify (
   const struct TALER_RsaPubHashP *h_rsa,
   const char *section_name,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_sign,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_sign,
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative duration,
   const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *secm_pub,
   const struct TALER_SecurityModuleSignatureP *secm_sig)
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ TALER_exchange_secmod_rsa_verify (
     .purpose.purpose = htonl (TALER_SIGNATURE_SM_RSA_DENOMINATION_KEY),
     .purpose.size = htonl (sizeof (dka)),
     .h_rsa = *h_rsa,
-    .anchor_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (start_sign),
+    .anchor_time = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (start_sign),
     .duration_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_relative_hton (duration)
   };
 
diff --git a/src/util/taler-exchange-secmod-eddsa.c b/src/util/taler-exchange-secmod-eddsa.c
index 3fe9b284e..02b36fb9a 100644
--- a/src/util/taler-exchange-secmod-eddsa.c
+++ b/src/util/taler-exchange-secmod-eddsa.c
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ struct Key
   /**
    * Time at which this key is supposed to become valid.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute anchor;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp anchor;
 
   /**
    * Generation when this key was created or revoked.
@@ -124,13 +124,13 @@ static int global_ret;
  * Time when the key update is executed.
  * Either the actual current time, or a pretended time.
  */
-static struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+static struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
 /**
  * The time for the key update, as passed by the user
  * on the command line.
  */
-static struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now_tmp;
+static struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now_tmp;
 
 /**
  * Where do we store the keys?
@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@ notify_client_key_add (struct TES_Client *client,
   struct TALER_CRYPTO_EddsaKeyAvailableNotification an = {
     .header.size = htons (sizeof (an)),
     .header.type = htons (TALER_HELPER_EDDSA_MT_AVAIL),
-    .anchor_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (key->anchor),
+    .anchor_time = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (key->anchor),
     .duration = GNUNET_TIME_relative_hton (duration),
     .exchange_pub = key->exchange_pub,
     .secm_pub = TES_smpub
@@ -274,7 +274,7 @@ handle_sign_request (struct TES_Client *client,
   key = keys_head;
   while ( (NULL != key) &&
           (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (
-             GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (key->anchor,
+             GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (key->anchor.abs_time,
                                        duration))) )
   {
     struct Key *nxt = key->next;
@@ -284,9 +284,9 @@ handle_sign_request (struct TES_Client *client,
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
                 "Deleting past key %s (expired %s ago)\n",
                 TALER_B2S (&nxt->exchange_pub),
-                GNUNET_STRINGS_relative_time_to_string (
+                GNUNET_TIME_relative2s (
                   GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_duration (
-                    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (key->anchor,
+                    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (key->anchor.abs_time,
                                               duration)),
                   GNUNET_YES));
     GNUNET_CONTAINER_DLL_remove (keys_head,
@@ -364,7 +364,7 @@ setup_key (struct Key *key,
   GNUNET_asprintf (&key->filename,
                    "%s/%llu",
                    keydir,
-                   (unsigned long long) (key->anchor.abs_value_us
+                   (unsigned long long) (key->anchor.abs_time.abs_value_us
                                          / GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS.rel_value_us));
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       GNUNET_DISK_fn_write (key->filename,
@@ -638,23 +638,21 @@ static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 create_key (void)
 {
   struct Key *key;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute anchor;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp anchor;
 
-  now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
-  if (NULL == keys_tail)
+  anchor = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
+  if (NULL != keys_tail)
   {
-    anchor = now;
-  }
-  else
-  {
-    anchor = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (keys_tail->anchor,
-                                       GNUNET_TIME_relative_subtract (
-                                         duration,
-                                         overlap_duration));
-    if (now.abs_value_us > anchor.abs_value_us)
-      anchor = now;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute abs;
+
+    abs = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (keys_tail->anchor.abs_time,
+                                    GNUNET_TIME_relative_subtract (
+                                      duration,
+                                      overlap_duration));
+    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_cmp (anchor.abs_time,
+                                  <,
+                                  abs))
+      anchor = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (abs);
   }
   key = GNUNET_new (struct Key);
   key->anchor = anchor;
@@ -689,11 +687,11 @@ key_action_time (void)
   if (NULL == nxt)
     return GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_ABS;
   return GNUNET_TIME_absolute_min (
-    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (nxt->anchor,
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (nxt->anchor.abs_time,
                               duration),
     GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (
       GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (
-        GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (keys_tail->anchor,
+        GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (keys_tail->anchor.abs_time,
                                   duration),
         lookahead_sign),
       overlap_duration));
@@ -719,7 +717,7 @@ update_keys (void *cls)
           GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (
             GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (
               GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (
-                GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (keys_tail->anchor,
+                GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (keys_tail->anchor.abs_time,
                                           duration),
                 lookahead_sign),
               overlap_duration)) )
@@ -743,7 +741,7 @@ update_keys (void *cls)
   /* purge expired keys */
   while ( (NULL != nxt) &&
           GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (
-            GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (nxt->anchor,
+            GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (nxt->anchor.abs_time,
                                       duration)))
   {
     if (! wake)
@@ -754,9 +752,9 @@ update_keys (void *cls)
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
                 "Purging past key %s (expired %s ago)\n",
                 TALER_B2S (&nxt->exchange_pub),
-                GNUNET_STRINGS_relative_time_to_string (
+                GNUNET_TIME_relative2s (
                   GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_duration (
-                    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (nxt->anchor,
+                    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (nxt->anchor.abs_time,
                                               duration)),
                   GNUNET_YES));
     purge_key (nxt);
@@ -788,7 +786,7 @@ parse_key (const char *filename,
   char *anchor_s;
   char dummy;
   unsigned long long anchor_ll;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute anchor;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp anchor;
 
   anchor_s = strrchr (filename,
                       '/');
@@ -810,8 +808,10 @@ parse_key (const char *filename,
                 filename);
     return GNUNET_SYSERR;
   }
-  anchor.abs_value_us = anchor_ll * GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS.rel_value_us;
-  if (anchor_ll != anchor.abs_value_us / GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS.rel_value_us)
+  anchor.abs_time.abs_value_us = anchor_ll
+                                 * GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS.rel_value_us;
+  if (anchor_ll != anchor.abs_time.abs_value_us
+      / GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS.rel_value_us)
   {
     /* Integer overflow. Bad, invalid filename. */
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_WARNING,
@@ -850,7 +850,7 @@ parse_key (const char *filename,
          NULL != pos;
          pos = pos->next)
     {
-      if (pos->anchor.abs_value_us > anchor.abs_value_us)
+      if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (pos->anchor, >, anchor))
         break;
       before = pos;
     }
@@ -1012,8 +1012,6 @@ load_durations (const struct GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_Handle *cfg)
                                "DURATION");
     return GNUNET_SYSERR;
   }
-  GNUNET_TIME_round_rel (&overlap_duration);
-
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_get_value_time (cfg,
                                            "taler-exchange-secmod-eddsa",
@@ -1025,7 +1023,6 @@ load_durations (const struct GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_Handle *cfg)
                                "LOOKAHEAD_SIGN");
     return GNUNET_SYSERR;
   }
-  GNUNET_TIME_round_rel (&lookahead_sign);
   return GNUNET_OK;
 }
 
@@ -1071,7 +1068,7 @@ run (void *cls,
   (void) cls;
   (void) args;
   (void) cfgfile;
-  if (now.abs_value_us != now_tmp.abs_value_us)
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (now, !=, now_tmp))
   {
     /* The user gave "--now", use it! */
     now = now_tmp;
@@ -1079,9 +1076,8 @@ run (void *cls,
   else
   {
     /* get current time again, we may be timetraveling! */
-    now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
+    now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   }
-  GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       load_durations (cfg))
   {
@@ -1114,12 +1110,13 @@ run (void *cls,
                               &import_key,
                               NULL);
   if ( (NULL != keys_head) &&
-       (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (keys_head->anchor)) )
+       (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (keys_head->anchor.abs_time)) )
   {
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_ERROR,
                 "Existing anchor is in %s the future. Refusing to start\n",
-                GNUNET_STRINGS_relative_time_to_string (
-                  GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_remaining (keys_head->anchor),
+                GNUNET_TIME_relative2s (
+                  GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_remaining (
+                    keys_head->anchor.abs_time),
                   GNUNET_YES));
     global_ret = EXIT_FAILURE;
     GNUNET_SCHEDULER_shutdown ();
@@ -1148,11 +1145,11 @@ main (int argc,
   struct GNUNET_GETOPT_CommandLineOption options[] = {
     GNUNET_GETOPT_option_timetravel ('T',
                                      "timetravel"),
-    GNUNET_GETOPT_option_absolute_time ('t',
-                                        "time",
-                                        "TIMESTAMP",
-                                        "pretend it is a different time for the update",
-                                        &now_tmp),
+    GNUNET_GETOPT_option_timestamp ('t',
+                                    "time",
+                                    "TIMESTAMP",
+                                    "pretend it is a different time for the update",
+                                    &now_tmp),
     GNUNET_GETOPT_OPTION_END
   };
   enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue ret;
@@ -1164,8 +1161,9 @@ main (int argc,
    not do this, the linker may "optimize" libtalerutil
    away and skip #TALER_OS_init(), which we do need */
   TALER_OS_init ();
-  now = now_tmp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  ret = GNUNET_PROGRAM_run (argc, argv,
+  now_tmp = now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
+  ret = GNUNET_PROGRAM_run (argc,
+                            argv,
                             "taler-exchange-secmod-eddsa",
                             "Handle private EDDSA key operations for a Taler exchange",
                             options,
diff --git a/src/util/taler-exchange-secmod-eddsa.h b/src/util/taler-exchange-secmod-eddsa.h
index 39054c414..c05d90a6c 100644
--- a/src/util/taler-exchange-secmod-eddsa.h
+++ b/src/util/taler-exchange-secmod-eddsa.h
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ struct TALER_CRYPTO_EddsaKeyAvailableNotification
   /**
    * When does the key become available?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO anchor_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO anchor_time;
 
   /**
    * How long is the key available after @e anchor_time?
diff --git a/src/util/taler-exchange-secmod-rsa.c b/src/util/taler-exchange-secmod-rsa.c
index e121e9ab6..e40c8e39f 100644
--- a/src/util/taler-exchange-secmod-rsa.c
+++ b/src/util/taler-exchange-secmod-rsa.c
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ struct DenominationKey
   /**
    * Time at which this key is supposed to become valid.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute anchor;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp anchor;
 
   /**
    * Generation when this key was created or revoked.
@@ -173,13 +173,13 @@ static int global_ret;
  * Time when the key update is executed.
  * Either the actual current time, or a pretended time.
  */
-static struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+static struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now;
 
 /**
  * The time for the key update, as passed by the user
  * on the command line.
  */
-static struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now_tmp;
+static struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now_tmp;
 
 /**
  * Where do we store the keys?
@@ -257,7 +257,7 @@ generate_response (struct DenominationKey *dk)
   an->header.type = htons (TALER_HELPER_RSA_MT_AVAIL);
   an->pub_size = htons ((uint16_t) buf_len);
   an->section_name_len = htons ((uint16_t) nlen);
-  an->anchor_time = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (dk->anchor);
+  an->anchor_time = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (dk->anchor);
   an->duration_withdraw = GNUNET_TIME_relative_hton (denom->duration_withdraw);
   TALER_exchange_secmod_rsa_sign (&dk->h_rsa,
                                   denom->section,
@@ -315,8 +315,7 @@ handle_sign_request (struct TES_Client *client,
     return TES_transmit (client->csock,
                          &sf.header);
   }
-  if (0 !=
-      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_remaining (dk->anchor).rel_value_us)
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_future (dk->anchor.abs_time))
   {
     /* it is too early */
     struct TALER_CRYPTO_SignFailure sf = {
@@ -383,14 +382,14 @@ handle_sign_request (struct TES_Client *client,
     GNUNET_free (buf);
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
                 "Sending RSA signature after %s\n",
-                GNUNET_STRINGS_relative_time_to_string (
+                GNUNET_TIME_relative2s (
                   GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_duration (now),
                   GNUNET_YES));
     ret = TES_transmit (client->csock,
                         &sr->header);
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
                 "Sent RSA signature after %s\n",
-                GNUNET_STRINGS_relative_time_to_string (
+                GNUNET_TIME_relative2s (
                   GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_duration (now),
                   GNUNET_YES));
     GNUNET_free (sr);
@@ -439,7 +438,7 @@ setup_key (struct DenominationKey *dk,
                    "%s/%s/%llu",
                    keydir,
                    denom->section,
-                   (unsigned long long) (dk->anchor.abs_value_us
+                   (unsigned long long) (dk->anchor.abs_time.abs_value_us
                                          / GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS.rel_value_us));
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       GNUNET_DISK_fn_write (dk->filename,
@@ -459,7 +458,7 @@ setup_key (struct DenominationKey *dk,
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_INFO,
               "Setup fresh private key %s at %s in `%s' (generation #%llu)\n",
               GNUNET_h2s (&dk->h_rsa.hash),
-              GNUNET_STRINGS_absolute_time_to_string (dk->anchor),
+              GNUNET_TIME_timestamp2s (dk->anchor),
               dk->filename,
               (unsigned long long) key_gen);
   dk->denom_priv = priv;
@@ -785,23 +784,22 @@ rsa_update_client_keys (struct TES_Client *client)
  */
 static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 create_key (struct Denomination *denom,
-            struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now)
+            struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now)
 {
   struct DenominationKey *dk;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute anchor;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp anchor;
 
-  if (NULL == denom->keys_tail)
+  anchor = now;
+  if (NULL != denom->keys_tail)
   {
-    anchor = now;
-  }
-  else
-  {
-    anchor = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (denom->keys_tail->anchor,
-                                       GNUNET_TIME_relative_subtract (
-                                         denom->duration_withdraw,
-                                         overlap_duration));
-    if (now.abs_value_us > anchor.abs_value_us)
-      anchor = now;
+    struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute abs;
+
+    abs = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (denom->keys_tail->anchor.abs_time,
+                                    GNUNET_TIME_relative_subtract (
+                                      denom->duration_withdraw,
+                                      overlap_duration));
+    if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_cmp (now.abs_time, <, abs))
+      anchor = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (abs);
   }
   dk = GNUNET_new (struct DenominationKey);
   dk->denom = denom;
@@ -839,14 +837,14 @@ denomination_action_time (const struct Denomination *denom)
     return GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_ZERO_ABS;
   tt = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (
     GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (
-      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (tail->anchor,
+      GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (tail->anchor.abs_time,
                                 denom->duration_withdraw),
       lookahead_sign),
     overlap_duration);
   if (head->rc > 0)
     return tt; /* head expiration does not count due to rc > 0 */
   return GNUNET_TIME_absolute_min (
-    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (head->anchor,
+    GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (head->anchor.abs_time,
                               denom->duration_withdraw),
     tt);
 }
@@ -864,7 +862,7 @@ denomination_action_time (const struct Denomination *denom)
  */
 static enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue
 update_keys (struct Denomination *denom,
-             struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now,
+             struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp now,
              bool *wake)
 {
   /* create new denomination keys */
@@ -873,11 +871,11 @@ update_keys (struct Denomination *denom,
                 "Updating keys of denomination `%s', last key %s valid for another %s\n",
                 denom->section,
                 GNUNET_h2s (&denom->keys_tail->h_rsa.hash),
-                GNUNET_STRINGS_relative_time_to_string (
+                GNUNET_TIME_relative2s (
                   GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_remaining (
                     GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (
                       GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (
-                        denom->keys_tail->anchor,
+                        denom->keys_tail->anchor.abs_time,
                         denom->duration_withdraw),
                       overlap_duration)),
                   GNUNET_YES));
@@ -885,7 +883,7 @@ update_keys (struct Denomination *denom,
           GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (
             GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (
               GNUNET_TIME_absolute_subtract (
-                GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (denom->keys_tail->anchor,
+                GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (denom->keys_tail->anchor.abs_time,
                                           denom->duration_withdraw),
                 lookahead_sign),
               overlap_duration)) )
@@ -908,7 +906,7 @@ update_keys (struct Denomination *denom,
   /* remove expired denomination keys */
   while ( (NULL != denom->keys_head) &&
           GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past
-            (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (denom->keys_head->anchor,
+            (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (denom->keys_head->anchor.abs_time,
                                        denom->duration_withdraw)) )
   {
     struct DenominationKey *key = denom->keys_head;
@@ -951,7 +949,7 @@ update_keys (struct Denomination *denom,
          NULL != pos;
          pos = pos->next)
     {
-      if (denomination_action_time (pos).abs_value_us >= at.abs_value_us)
+      if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_cmp (denomination_action_time (pos), >=, at))
         break;
       before = pos;
     }
@@ -974,12 +972,13 @@ update_denominations (void *cls)
 {
   struct Denomination *denom;
   struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp t;
   bool wake = false;
 
   (void) cls;
   keygen_task = NULL;
   now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
-  (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
+  t = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_to_timestamp (now);
   GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_DEBUG,
               "Updating denominations ...\n");
   GNUNET_assert (0 == pthread_mutex_lock (&keys_lock));
@@ -987,7 +986,7 @@ update_denominations (void *cls)
     denom = denom_head;
     if (GNUNET_OK !=
         update_keys (denom,
-                     now,
+                     t,
                      &wake))
       return;
   } while (denom != denom_head);
@@ -1020,7 +1019,7 @@ parse_key (struct Denomination *denom,
   char *anchor_s;
   char dummy;
   unsigned long long anchor_ll;
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute anchor;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp anchor;
 
   anchor_s = strrchr (filename,
                       '/');
@@ -1042,8 +1041,10 @@ parse_key (struct Denomination *denom,
                 filename);
     return;
   }
-  anchor.abs_value_us = anchor_ll * GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS.rel_value_us;
-  if (anchor_ll != anchor.abs_value_us / GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS.rel_value_us)
+  anchor.abs_time.abs_value_us
+    = anchor_ll * GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS.rel_value_us;
+  if (anchor_ll != anchor.abs_time.abs_value_us
+      / GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS.rel_value_us)
   {
     /* Integer overflow. Bad, invalid filename. */
     GNUNET_log (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_WARNING,
@@ -1105,7 +1106,7 @@ parse_key (struct Denomination *denom,
          NULL != pos;
          pos = pos->next)
     {
-      if (pos->anchor.abs_value_us > anchor.abs_value_us)
+      if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (pos->anchor, >, anchor))
         break;
       before = pos;
     }
@@ -1267,9 +1268,9 @@ parse_denomination_cfg (const struct GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_Handle *cfg,
                                "DURATION_WITHDRAW");
     return GNUNET_SYSERR;
   }
-  GNUNET_TIME_round_rel (&denom->duration_withdraw);
-  if (overlap_duration.rel_value_us >=
-      denom->duration_withdraw.rel_value_us)
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_relative_cmp (overlap_duration,
+                                >=,
+                                denom->duration_withdraw))
   {
     GNUNET_log_config_invalid (GNUNET_ERROR_TYPE_ERROR,
                                "taler-exchange-secmod-rsa",
@@ -1317,7 +1318,7 @@ struct LoadContext
   /**
    * Current time to use.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute now;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp t;
 
   /**
    * Status, to be set to #GNUNET_SYSERR on failure
@@ -1379,7 +1380,7 @@ load_denominations (void *cls,
                                denom_tail,
                                denom);
   update_keys (denom,
-               ctx->now,
+               ctx->t,
                &wake);
 }
 
@@ -1404,8 +1405,6 @@ load_durations (const struct GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_Handle *cfg)
                                "OVERLAP_DURATION");
     return GNUNET_SYSERR;
   }
-  GNUNET_TIME_round_rel (&overlap_duration);
-
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_get_value_time (cfg,
                                            "taler-exchange-secmod-rsa",
@@ -1417,7 +1416,6 @@ load_durations (const struct GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_Handle *cfg)
                                "LOOKAHEAD_SIGN");
     return GNUNET_SYSERR;
   }
-  GNUNET_TIME_round_rel (&lookahead_sign);
   return GNUNET_OK;
 }
 
@@ -1459,10 +1457,11 @@ run (void *cls,
     .updater = rsa_update_client_keys,
     .init = rsa_client_init
   };
+
   (void) cls;
   (void) args;
   (void) cfgfile;
-  if (now.abs_value_us != now_tmp.abs_value_us)
+  if (GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_cmp (now, !=, now_tmp))
   {
     /* The user gave "--now", use it! */
     now = now_tmp;
@@ -1470,9 +1469,8 @@ run (void *cls,
   else
   {
     /* get current time again, we may be timetraveling! */
-    now = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
+    now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   }
-  GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&now);
   if (GNUNET_OK !=
       GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_get_value_filename (cfg,
                                                "taler-exchange-secmod-rsa",
@@ -1505,10 +1503,9 @@ run (void *cls,
     struct LoadContext lc = {
       .cfg = cfg,
       .ret = GNUNET_OK,
-      .now = now
+      .t = now
     };
 
-    (void) GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&lc.now);
     GNUNET_assert (0 == pthread_mutex_lock (&keys_lock));
     GNUNET_CONFIGURATION_iterate_sections (cfg,
                                            &load_denominations,
@@ -1552,11 +1549,11 @@ main (int argc,
   struct GNUNET_GETOPT_CommandLineOption options[] = {
     GNUNET_GETOPT_option_timetravel ('T',
                                      "timetravel"),
-    GNUNET_GETOPT_option_absolute_time ('t',
-                                        "time",
-                                        "TIMESTAMP",
-                                        "pretend it is a different time for the update",
-                                        &now_tmp),
+    GNUNET_GETOPT_option_timestamp ('t',
+                                    "time",
+                                    "TIMESTAMP",
+                                    "pretend it is a different time for the update",
+                                    &now_tmp),
     GNUNET_GETOPT_OPTION_END
   };
   enum GNUNET_GenericReturnValue ret;
@@ -1568,7 +1565,7 @@ main (int argc,
    not do this, the linker may "optimize" libtalerutil
    away and skip #TALER_OS_init(), which we do need */
   TALER_OS_init ();
-  now = now_tmp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get ();
+  now_tmp = now = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_get ();
   ret = GNUNET_PROGRAM_run (argc, argv,
                             "taler-exchange-secmod-rsa",
                             "Handle private RSA key operations for a Taler exchange",
diff --git a/src/util/taler-exchange-secmod-rsa.h b/src/util/taler-exchange-secmod-rsa.h
index b0fdfbd96..61fa58811 100644
--- a/src/util/taler-exchange-secmod-rsa.h
+++ b/src/util/taler-exchange-secmod-rsa.h
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ struct TALER_CRYPTO_RsaKeyAvailableNotification
   /**
    * When does the key become available?
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_AbsoluteNBO anchor_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_TimestampNBO anchor_time;
 
   /**
    * How long is the key available after @e anchor_time?
diff --git a/src/util/test_helper_eddsa.c b/src/util/test_helper_eddsa.c
index 471441c68..da1c51b46 100644
--- a/src/util/test_helper_eddsa.c
+++ b/src/util/test_helper_eddsa.c
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ struct KeyData
   /**
    * Validity start point.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time;
 
   /**
    * Key expires for signing at @e start_time plus this value.
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ static struct KeyData keys[MAX_KEYS];
  */
 static void
 key_cb (void *cls,
-        struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time,
+        struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time,
         struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative validity_duration,
         const struct TALER_ExchangePublicKeyP *exchange_pub,
         const struct TALER_SecurityModulePublicKeyP *sm_pub,
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ test_revocation (struct TALER_CRYPTO_ExchangeSignHelper *esh)
         TALER_CRYPTO_helper_esign_poll (esh);
         if ( (! keys[j].revoked) ||
              (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (
-                GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (keys[j].start_time,
+                GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (keys[j].start_time.abs_time,
                                           keys[j].validity_duration))) )
         {
           break;
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@ test_revocation (struct TALER_CRYPTO_ExchangeSignHelper *esh)
       }
       if ( (keys[j].revoked) &&
            (! GNUNET_TIME_absolute_is_past (
-              GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (keys[j].start_time,
+              GNUNET_TIME_absolute_add (keys[j].start_time.abs_time,
                                         keys[j].validity_duration))) )
       {
         fprintf (stderr,
diff --git a/src/util/test_helper_rsa.c b/src/util/test_helper_rsa.c
index bafa45ba8..ac4ae1dc0 100644
--- a/src/util/test_helper_rsa.c
+++ b/src/util/test_helper_rsa.c
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ struct KeyData
   /**
    * Validity start point.
    */
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time;
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time;
 
   /**
    * Key expires for signing at @e start_time plus this value.
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ free_keys (void)
 static void
 key_cb (void *cls,
         const char *section_name,
-        struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute start_time,
+        struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp start_time,
         struct GNUNET_TIME_Relative validity_duration,
         const struct TALER_RsaPubHashP *h_rsa,
         const struct TALER_DenominationPublicKey *denom_pub,
@@ -297,15 +297,19 @@ test_signing (struct TALER_CRYPTO_RsaDenominationHelper *dh)
     switch (ec)
     {
     case TALER_EC_NONE:
-      if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_remaining (keys[i].start_time).rel_value_us >
-          GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS.rel_value_us)
+      if (GNUNET_TIME_relative_cmp (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_remaining (
+                                      keys[i].start_time.abs_time),
+                                    >,
+                                    GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS))
       {
         /* key worked too early */
         GNUNET_break (0);
         return 4;
       }
-      if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_duration (keys[i].start_time).rel_value_us >
-          keys[i].validity_duration.rel_value_us)
+      if (GNUNET_TIME_relative_cmp (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_duration (
+                                      keys[i].start_time.abs_time),
+                                    >,
+                                    keys[i].validity_duration))
       {
         /* key worked too later */
         GNUNET_break (0);
@@ -344,12 +348,14 @@ test_signing (struct TALER_CRYPTO_RsaDenominationHelper *dh)
     case TALER_EC_EXCHANGE_DENOMINATION_HELPER_TOO_EARLY:
       /* This 'failure' is expected, we're testing also for the
          error handling! */
-      if ( (0 ==
-            GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_remaining (
-              keys[i].start_time).rel_value_us) &&
-           (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_duration (
-              keys[i].start_time).rel_value_us <
-            keys[i].validity_duration.rel_value_us) )
+      if ( (GNUNET_TIME_relative_is_zero (
+              GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_remaining (
+                keys[i].start_time.abs_time))) &&
+           (GNUNET_TIME_relative_cmp (
+              GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_duration (
+                keys[i].start_time.abs_time),
+              <,
+              keys[i].validity_duration)) )
       {
         /* key should have worked! */
         GNUNET_break (0);
@@ -422,11 +428,15 @@ perf_signing (struct TALER_CRYPTO_RsaDenominationHelper *dh,
     {
       if (! keys[i].valid)
         continue;
-      if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_remaining (keys[i].start_time).rel_value_us >
-          GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS.rel_value_us)
+      if (GNUNET_TIME_relative_cmp (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_remaining (
+                                      keys[i].start_time.abs_time),
+                                    >,
+                                    GNUNET_TIME_UNIT_SECONDS))
         continue;
-      if (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_duration (keys[i].start_time).rel_value_us >
-          keys[i].validity_duration.rel_value_us)
+      if (GNUNET_TIME_relative_cmp (GNUNET_TIME_absolute_get_duration (
+                                      keys[i].start_time.abs_time),
+                                    >,
+                                    keys[i].validity_duration))
         continue;
       {
         struct TALER_CoinPubHash c_hash;
diff --git a/src/util/wallet_signatures.c b/src/util/wallet_signatures.c
index 8700d4a80..b895de14b 100644
--- a/src/util/wallet_signatures.c
+++ b/src/util/wallet_signatures.c
@@ -31,9 +31,9 @@ TALER_wallet_deposit_sign (
   const struct TALER_PrivateContractHash *h_contract_terms,
   const struct TALER_ExtensionContractHash *h_extensions,
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *h_denom_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wallet_timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wallet_timestamp,
   const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendPrivateKeyP *coin_priv,
   struct TALER_CoinSpendSignatureP *coin_sig)
 {
@@ -43,17 +43,13 @@ TALER_wallet_deposit_sign (
     .h_contract_terms = *h_contract_terms,
     .h_wire = *h_wire,
     .h_denom_pub = *h_denom_pub,
-    .wallet_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (wallet_timestamp),
-    .refund_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (refund_deadline),
+    .wallet_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (wallet_timestamp),
+    .refund_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (refund_deadline),
     .merchant = *merchant_pub
   };
 
   if (NULL != h_extensions)
     dr.h_extensions = *h_extensions;
-  GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_OK ==
-                 GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&wallet_timestamp));
-  GNUNET_assert (GNUNET_OK ==
-                 GNUNET_TIME_round_abs (&refund_deadline));
   TALER_amount_hton (&dr.amount_with_fee,
                      amount);
   TALER_amount_hton (&dr.deposit_fee,
@@ -72,9 +68,9 @@ TALER_wallet_deposit_verify (
   const struct TALER_PrivateContractHash *h_contract_terms,
   const struct TALER_ExtensionContractHash *h_extensions,
   const struct TALER_DenominationHash *h_denom_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute wallet_timestamp,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp wallet_timestamp,
   const struct TALER_MerchantPublicKeyP *merchant_pub,
-  struct GNUNET_TIME_Absolute refund_deadline,
+  struct GNUNET_TIME_Timestamp refund_deadline,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendPublicKeyP *coin_pub,
   const struct TALER_CoinSpendSignatureP *coin_sig)
 {
@@ -84,8 +80,8 @@ TALER_wallet_deposit_verify (
     .h_contract_terms = *h_contract_terms,
     .h_wire = *h_wire,
     .h_denom_pub = *h_denom_pub,
-    .wallet_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (wallet_timestamp),
-    .refund_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_absolute_hton (refund_deadline),
+    .wallet_timestamp = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (wallet_timestamp),
+    .refund_deadline = GNUNET_TIME_timestamp_hton (refund_deadline),
     .merchant = *merchant_pub
   };