Implement created_on and updated_on logic on client side

From elasticsearch > 2, there is no _timestamp field. we have to explicitly populate time fields like created_on and updated_on

One way i know to populate these fields is check item to be populated is already existing in Database using uid (assume uid generated on client side using some item properties). If item exists in Database, update all fields except created_on. If item does not exist, create entry in database with item and created_on equal to current time.

My questions are:
* Isn't checking every time i create/update redundant ??
* Is there any better way to implement created_on and updated_on logic on client side without redundant (without querying elasticsearch) ??