Hello sbbrooks - welcome to myBulova.com. First of all congratulations on having what many of us consider to be the most valuable type of old watch - the one you father wore. Many of us got started collecting because of a family heirloom. You are most fortunate to have this wonderful treasure. I'm glad you're going to get it running properly as that makes having it so much more exciting. If you don't know anything about watches I recommend leaving it completely to the pros - I'll send you some suggestions. Normally a self winding movement auto winds with gentle back and forth motion, most times you can hear the rotor moving. As Mark suggests above a couple twists of the crown should start it ticking, if it doesn't I would have it examined and repaired. The info on date codes is on the home page, second tier, below the five watch pictures - look for the two links under "Dating Bulovas". It confirms that you fathers watch is indeed a 1962 case.
Right now I'm leaning toward the "23" ID but I'm still on the fence. Looked through all our ads, didn't see a match.