What would be the best device to put any of these ones over the desk? And old phone? Maybe an esp32?

It might not be for everyone, but sticking ones active phone on a qi2/magsafe stand is great IMHO.

Time and notifications are on one place, so they're only noticed when you're trying to plan or organize your work. Switching to timer mode is seamless.

The desk is also less cluttered thanks to the verticality of it, and the phone stays visible from afar when taking small breaks, so you don't mind leaving it there.