Vinyl pressings
by Haircut One Hundred · 1983
Prime Time was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 7 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
HCX 1 A // 1 ∇ 420 H 1 1 5 TOWNHOUSERunout, A-side, stamped, Variant 1
HCX 1 B // 1 ∇ 420 H 1 1 3 TOWNHOUSERunout, B-side, stamped, Variant 1
HCX 1 A // 1 ∇ 420 H ƎS∩OHNMO┴ 1 1 1Runout, A-side, stamped, Variant 2
HCX 1 B // 1 ∇ 420 H ƎS∩OHNMO┴ 1 1 2Runout, B-side, stamped, Variant 2
HCP-1-A ORLAKERunout, Side A, Variant 1
HCP-1-B ORLAKERunout, Side B, Variant 1
HCP+1+A2 ORLAKERunout, Side A, Variant 2
HCP+1+B ORLAKERunout, Side B, Variant 2
HC 1 A // 1▽420 H 1 1 TOWNHOUSE MENTAL REGGIESide A runout variant 1
HC 1 B // 1▽420 H 1 1 2 TOWNHOUSESide B runout variant 1
HC 1 A // 2▽420 H TOWNHOUSE 11Side A runout variant 2
HC 1 B // 1▽420 H TOWNHOUSE 11 2Side B runout variant 2
HC 1 A //2▽420 H TOWNHOUSESide A runout - stamped (TOWNHOUSE inverted)
HC 1 B //2▽420 H TOWNHOUSESide B runout - stamped (TOWNHOUSE inverted)
HCX 1 A // 2 ∇ 420 H 1 1 2 TOWNHOUSERunout, A-side, stamped
HCX 1 B // 1 ∇ 420 H 1 1 TOWNHOUSERunout, B-side, stamped
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Germany | Polydor 813 897-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1983 | Italy | Polydor 813 897-7First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1983 | New Zealand | Polydor 813 897-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Spain | Polydor 813 897-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1983 | Spain | Polydor 813 897-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Polydor HC 1First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Polydor HCX 1First year12", Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | UK | Polydor HC 1First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Polydor HCX 1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Polydor HCP 1First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1983 | Netherlands | Polydor 813 897-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Australia | Polydor 813 897-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
12 vinyl pressings of Prime Time are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, Netherlands, Australia, Germany and more. One of them is Polydor HCX 1, released July 1983.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use HCX 1, HCP 1, HC 1, 813 897-7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, HCX 1 A // 1 ∇ 420 H 1 1 5 TOWNHOUSE and HCX 1 B // 1 ∇ 420 H 1 1 3 TOWNHOUSE. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
