diff --git a/synapse/http/server.py b/synapse/http/server.py
index 6d084fa33..589c30c19 100644
--- a/synapse/http/server.py
+++ b/synapse/http/server.py
@@ -113,6 +113,7 @@ class JsonResource(HttpServer, resource.Resource):
             path.
         """
         code = None
+        start = self.clock.time_msec()
         try:
             # Just say yes to OPTIONS.
             if request.method == "OPTIONS":
@@ -137,8 +138,6 @@ class JsonResource(HttpServer, resource.Resource):
                         request.method, request.path
                     )
 
-                    start = self.clock.time_msec()
-
                     code, response = yield path_entry.callback(
                         request,
                         *args